Overview
Franca's Ristorante is an exciting new culinary destination opening October 2025 within the Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments. Our restaurant will celebrate the best of regional produce through daily-changing menus featuring traditional Italian techniques—from handmade pastas and sourdough pizzas to house-made sauces and gelato.
Be part of a passionate and collaborative kitchen team led by our Executive Chef, with opportunities for growth as we prepare for our flagship restaurant's launch in 2026.
We aim to be peoples first choice for accommodation in Geelong. We do not take our waterfront location for granted though.
Currently undergoing a transformation, Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments is due to open its new build rooms, restaurant and bar, conferencing, and guest facilities in Aug 2025.
About the Property
When complete Bayside Geelong will offer 110 guest rooms including a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom self-contained and studio apartments, Superior rooms, and an industry leading number of accessible rooms. The hotel will also include multiple conference and event spaces, an indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre. The property will boast 2 restaurants and bars, Franca's Ristorante will be the first to open in August 2025. The second, our Flagship Restaurant will open September 2026.
Join Our Opening Kitchen Team
We're looking for dynamic and career-focused professionals to join our opening kitchen team across a range of positions:
Experience
A minimum of 1–5 years kitchen experience (varies by role)
Working in high-quality, fast-paced environments
Skills and Knowledge
Sound knowledge of Italian, European, and Southern Mediterranean cuisines
A team-first attitude with strong communication and organisational skills
A true passion for food and a desire to cook at a 1-hatted level or above
Responsibilities
Prepare and present dishes to the highest standards
Follow food safety and hygiene protocols at all times
Assist in efficient day-to-day kitchen operations
Contribute to menu development and event planning
Support a positive kitchen culture and mentor junior staff
Qualifications
Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery
Valid Police Check
Benefits
Discounts across our hotel network
Collaborative working environment in a small team
As an independently owned and operated hotel, we have the freedom to innovate and implement new ideas quickly and easily
Ready to Join the Team?
Submit your cover letter and CV, clearly stating which chef position you are applying for.
Be part of something extraordinary—apply now to help shape the future of Franca's Ristorante.
Job insights
Salary match Number of applicants Skills match
Your application will include the following questions:
How many years' experience do you have as a Pizza Chef?
Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
How many years' experience do you have as a chef?
Which of the following culinary arts qualifications have you obtained?
Do you hold a current Safe Food Handling certificate?
Do you have a current Police Check (National Police Certificate) for employment?
Do you have experience as a chef in a high volume restaurant?
To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage.
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