Job Details

ABOUT THE ELENE, NAPA VALLEY

Imagine standingwhere dawn first breaks over Napa Valley-where the sun's earliest rays illuminate vineyard rows and endless possibility unfolds. This is The Elene, Greek for "shining light."

Opening July 2026, The Elene is a 50-room luxury resort where elegance meets intimacy in Wine Country's most elevated form. We're not building another hotel. We're creating a place where comfort invites you to be exactly who you are-where culinary artistry, radical connection, and the soul-stirring beauty of Napa converge into something genuinely transformative.

THE EXPERIENCE

Under the culinary direction of an acclaimed chef, our food and beverage program celebrates landscapeand community through Italian technique and Napa terroir. A chef-driven restaurant. An artisan cafe pulsing with morning energy. Poolside moments enhanced by thoughtful service. Event spaces that hold everything from intimate gatherings of 40 to vineyard-view celebrations for 250.

But the real magic? It's in how we frame nature. How we build opportunities for unprecedented fun and vulnerability. How we prioritize human connection over flash and formality. With a stabilized Average Daily Rate exceeding $900, The Elene represents conscious luxury at its finest-deliberate, impactful hospitality where excess has no place and every detail serves the guest experience.

MOSAIC HOTEL COLLECTION

The Elene joins the distinguished Mosaic Hotel Collection-a family of Northern California boutique properties including El Dorado Hotel in Sonoma, North Block Hotel in Yountville, The Madrona in Healdsburg, Olema House in Point Reyes, and Campos Polanco in Mexico City. Under the stewardship of Palisades Hospitality Group, each Mosaic property reflects an authentic connection to the place. The Elene will illuminate Napa Valley's essence like nowhere else.

WHY THIS MATTERS

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to build something extraordinary from the ground up. To be part of a pre-opening team that doesn't just serve guests-we create the conditions for magic to happen. For friendships to grow. For people to feel alive and present. For moments that linger long after departure.

If you're drawn to hospitality as craft, inspired by the wine country's natural beauty, energized by the challenge of opening a world-class property, and ready to help us bring the first light to Napa's newest destination-let's talk.

We're looking for collaborators who are considered in their approach, human in their interactions, and alive with curiosity. People who understand that real luxury is quality time and meaningful exchanges. Who knows that the best hospitality suggests rather than prescribes.

Ready to find your light at The Elene?

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Executive Chef, the Pastry Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of pastry, dessert, and artisan bread production for the restaurant and cafe. This role leads the pastry team with a commitment to creativity, precision, and consistency, ensuring that every offering reflects the highest standards of quality and presentation. In addition to managing daily production, the Pastry Chef collaborates with the Executive Chef on seasonal menu development, mentors junior pastry staff, and contributes to the leadership and culture of the broader culinary team.

Please see the complete Job Description attached for full details.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Formal culinary training or equivalent hands-on experience in pastry arts
• 2-4 years of professional pastry experience in an upscale or fine dining enviornment
• Pre-opening or opening team experience strongly preferred
• Current Food Handler and ServSafe Manager certifications
• Strong leadership skills: ability to build, train, and motivate kitchen teams
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
• Must be able to work flexible schedule including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred:

• Experience in Napa Valley or similar wine country markets
• Hotel culinary experience (multiple outlets, banquets, IRD)
• Pre-opening experience for luxury property
• Relationships with Northern California farmers, ranchers, and specialty purveyors
• Experience with seasonal, farm-to-table cooking
• Catering/banquet experience at scale (100+ guests)

Personal Attributes:

• Deep passion for food, ingredients, and culinary craft
• Humble confidence: skilled but eager to learn
• Thrives in fast-paced, high-expectations environment
• Team-oriented; understands great cuisine requires great collaboration
• Adaptable and solution-oriented
• High integrity and accountability
• Embodies Palisades Hospitality Group values: Community, Purpose, Empowerment, Progress, Character, Craft
• Excited to work in partnership with Executive Chef and implement shared culinary vision

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and work on feet for extended periods (10-14 hours)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
• Ability to work in hot, humid kitchen environments
• Manual dexterity
• Ability to work in walk-in coolers and freezers
• Sensory requirements: taste, smell, sight (for quality control and cooking)
• Ability to move quickly and safely in busy kitchen environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus structure tied to culinary quality, financial performance, and team development
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays)
• Complimentary meals during shifts
• Employee hotel and restaurant discounts across Palisades Hospitality Group properties
• Professional development opportunities including stages, culinary events, and continued education
• Career growth opportunities within PHG portfolio