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Yoko isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a bold, bento-boxed snapshot of Tokyo, set against the riverside buzz of Howard Smith Wharves. Inspired by the creative daring of Yoko Ono, our venue delivers a punch of pop-infused energy with Japanese classics, Brisbane produce, and vinyl spinning into the night. Now, we’re looking for a Head Chef who brings that same spirit—visionary, vibrant, and deeply rooted in Japanese culinary tradition.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you’ll lead our kitchen with both precision and passion. Your role is twofold: crafting inventive, authentic menus that honour Japanese cuisine and championing a collaborative, high-EQ kitchen culture. You’ll oversee every element of kitchen operations—from creative menu development and quality assurance to financial performance and team mentorship—ensuring every dish reflects the energy and excellence Yoko is known for.

Who You Are

• A culinary leader with proven expertise in Japanese cuisine, from izakaya to teppanyaki and everything in between.
• A natural coach with emotional intelligence at the heart of your leadership style—supportive, communicative, and inspiring.
• A detail-driven organiser who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, yet never compromises on quality or creativity.
• Someone who sees the kitchen as a stage and every service as a performance worth perfecting.

What You’ll Do

• Design and deliver Yoko’s menu vision, balancing authenticity, innovation, and consistency.
• Lead and grow a tight-knit team with mentorship, respect, and the shared goal of always improving.
• Maintain impeccable standards in food quality, hygiene, and safety.
• Manage kitchen financials—labour costs, supplier relations, and food margins—with commercial acumen and efficiency.
• Collaborate across departments to create seamless service and seasonal specials that surprise and delight.

Why Join the Apollo Restaurant Group

At Apollo, we’re not a hospitality group—we’re a collection of vibrant, independent dining destinations shaped by their neighbourhoods and their people. We don’t follow trends, we create classics. From The Apollo in Sydney to Yoko in Brisbane, we exist to elevate everyday dining, making it more personal, more memorable, and more generous.

Ready to bring your craft to a bento box full of surprises?
Apply now and show us how you lead a kitchen like you own the beat.

Apply For Job