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Continental Services

Contract dining and corporate catering services

Chef Manager

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/4/2026
$63k - $66.5k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's
Pontiac, MI, USA
In Person

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in culinary or hospitality is required, although equivalent work experience in the industry is acceptable.
  • Five or more years of culinary experience and event management experience are required.
  • Prior management experience is required.
Responsibilities
  • Lead food preparation and client service for assigned locations, including breakfast, lunch, and special events.
  • Conduct daily line checks and check food items for quality before each meal service.
  • Anticipate client needs, uphold quality expectations, and follow service standards.
  • Develop menus and research new culinary trends and menu ideas.
  • Complete weekly production sheets.
  • Work as a hands-on manager and lead by example.
  • Plan, organize, direct, coordinate, and delegate work to meet daily goals and objectives.
  • Review team performance, identify opportunities, and implement changes.
  • Standardize operating procedures and maintain site-level accountability.
  • Maintain culinary quality control.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures.
  • Ensure food is properly prepared, packaged, and served attractively while preserving recipe integrity.
  • Select, train, develop, and lead the team.
  • Coach, direct, and evaluate talent; recognize strong performance and provide timely coaching as needed.
  • Identify knowledge gaps and partner with appropriate parties to implement training and performance plans.
  • Optimize the workforce and ensure each shift is properly staffed and responsibilities are completed.
  • Maintain effective communication and timely information flow to and from team members.
  • Complete business operations including inventory, ordering, cash deposits, and payroll.
  • Build preferred client status through exceptional client experiences; build client rapport and identify opportunities within assigned accounts.
  • Achieve financial objectives and create, monitor, and review progress for each account.
  • Design, develop, and execute changes to support short- and long-term objectives.
  • Monitor incoming and outgoing deliveries; ensure shipments are complete and meet quality standards and timelines.
  • Monitor inventory levels for food and supplies, ensure proper rotation and stocking, and plan use of leftover items.
  • Set performance expectations and work hours, and delegate responsibilities.
  • Resolve employee concerns, escalated issues, and grievances.
Desired Qualifications
  • ServSafe Manager and Allergen certifications are preferred; candidates without them must be willing to obtain them through the ServSafe training program.

About the company

Continental Services is a contract dining management company that provides fresh, handcrafted food for corporate workplaces, grab-and-go pantry-style vending, special events, and luxury yachts. The company runs on long-term contracts and event-based services, delivering tailored dining solutions through on-site staffing, menu design, catering operations, and specialized yacht provisioning. By managing client needs end-to-end, Continental ensures high-quality food and reliable service for businesses, events, and luxury vessels. What sets Continental apart is its collaborative culture, flexible hours, and a track record of adapting to crises (notably its COVID-19 response, where it fed frontline health workers), along with its focus on reimagining workplace dining. The company’s goal is to be a trusted partner for corporate dining, events, and luxury hospitality by delivering customized, consistent, and dependable food experiences while supporting clients’ operational needs.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Troy, Michigan

Founded

1989

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Continental claims more than 3,000 clients, including Fortune 100 companies, as of April 2026.
  • Updated July 2026 materials highlight award-winning teams and 24/7 service technicians.
  • Its Midwest footprint spans Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, and other dense markets.

What critics are saying

  • Private-equity ownership shifted to Morgan Street Holdings in November 2024, pressuring exit-driven execution.
  • Michigan Central and similar premium accounts concentrate revenue in event-driven, discretionary spending.
  • Workplace dining demand stays fragile if remote work reduces on-site headcount through 2026.

What makes Continental Services unique

  • Detroit-founded since 1989, Continental serves workplaces, events, and yachts across the Midwest.
  • It pairs contract dining with micro-markets, coffee, delivery, and custom culinary programs.
  • Michigan Central named Continental exclusive catering partner on April 20, 2026.

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Benefits

Meal Benefits

Company News

Yahoo Finance
Nov 13th, 2024
New Heritage Capital Exits Investment in Portfolio Company, Continental Services

BOSTON, November 13, 2024--New Heritage Capital Exits Investment in Portfolio Company, Continental Services