Executive Chef​/Food & Beverage Director Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Job:
Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director

Antithesis at the Royal Gorge Mansion, a distinctive culinary destination set within a historic 1880s estate in the Royal Gorge region of Colorado, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Director to lead its opening and ongoing operations. Nestled at the mouth of the iconic Royal Gorge canyon, the property offers a one-of-a kind setting where history, natural beauty, and elevated hospitality converge.

Antithesis is designed to deliver a lively, high-quality dining experience complemented by a strong events and social component, all within an atmosphere that celebrates connection and memorable moments. This is a unique opportunity for a culinary leader who brings creativity, operational discipline, and a collaborative spirit, and who is energized by building a program from the ground up while shaping a destination experience rooted in quality, authenticity, and gracious hospitality.

Welcome to old-world grandeur with comfy, sumptuous updates that celebrate the spirit of good times, delicious food, and great friends. We’ve designed a space and a place where top-rated, lively dining experiences unfold, inside and out. This is where people connect and indulge in every detail, every moment – in a truly special, historic destination, in total comfort and style. Launching in 2026, our brand-new Antithesis restaurant lives within the historic Royal Gorge Mansion (formerly the Robison Mansion, built in the 1880s).

Located in the Royal Gorge Region, Colorado (Cañon City), situated north of Westcliffe and east of Salida, Antithesis and the Royal Gorge Mansion are perfectly positioned at the mouth of THE Royal Gorge canyon on a pristine historic 4-acre property enclosed by a stunning circa-1880 iron fence with upwards of 80 trees, an historic fountain surrounded by cozy firepits and beautifully maintained grounds.

Antithesis at the Royal Gorge Mansion, menu development at Royal Gorge Route Railroad and Caboose Café.

Full-Time | Year-round Operation | Upscale Casual + Private Events

The Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director (Chef and

B) is responsible for all aspects of the Culinary Operation, including food production in the restaurant, banquet functions, and other outlets. The Executive Chef will collaborate with RGRR Train and Caboose F&B Director, Food & Beverage, and Events leadership. The Chef and B will serve as the culinary expert with a positive attitude and enthusiasm for teamwork. A readiness to thrive under pressure is a must.

The Chef and B also monitors the property’s food and labor budgets and maintains the highest professional food quality and sanitation standards.

• Oversees all food production, including that sold in the restaurant, banquet functions, and other outlets.
• Develops unique and cuisine-appropriate menus, food purchase specifications, and recipes.
• Collaborates with the Director of Food & Beverage, with the support of the General Manager, to set item prices.
• Stays current on developing trends in the restaurant industry.
• Maintains the kitchen and surrounding areas in conditions that meet the company standards and health code regulations.
• Develops and monitors food and labor costs and budgets for the restaurant and outlets.
• Monitors inventory and purchasing supplies and food from approved vendors.
• Hires, trains, and supervises Antithesis kitchen staff.
• Maintains the highest professional food quality and sanitation standards.

• Exhibits and practices the Royal Gorge Route Railroad values: COLLABORATIVE, GRACIOUS, PASSIONATE, and TRUSTWORTHY towards all employees, guests, and vendors while overseeing operations daily.
• Evaluates the…