The Deers Head Inn, the oldest tavern in New York’s majestic Adirondack park, is looking for a creative and enthusiastic chef to help lead the next chapter of our two hundred year history of traditional hospitality and culinary excellence. Completely renovated in 2016, the Deer’s Head has become one of the most celebrated restaurants in the greater Lake Placid / High Peaks region and a showcase for our burgeoning local food scene.   Partnering with local growers, producers, brewers and distillers, we focus on a seasonal and accessible approach to cuisine that emphasizes fresh over fancy.  

The last five years have seen our reputation for culinary excellence grow beyond the region -  thanks to the collaboration of leading emerging chefs. Allen Johnson, now executive chef at Giardina’s , in association with the Alluvian Hotel and the Viking cooking school, guided the Deer’s Head out of the pandemic closure with distinct seasonal menus and a new Southern flair.  After passing the reins to Spencer Coplan, formerly of the XXX, in 2022, the Deer’s Head found new levels of recognition, defeating Danny Meyer in a statewide Open Fire cooking competition in Brooklyn - mentions in Vogue magazine and numerous local publications followed.  

Coplan’s close relationships with local growers took our seasonal planning to a new level when he directed the planting of specialty items at local farms and then incorporated preserved foods —dried & pulverized; pickled & fermented into winter and spring menus.  House made pastas extruded through an evolving collection of bronze dyes, canned hot sauces and kimchis, incorporation of locally foraged ramps and mushrooms, and an emphasis on fresh seafood characterized the Seattle-raised and trained Coplan’s era at the Deer’s Head.

Now Spencer is moving on to his next adventure, but is planning on collaborating with his successor to create a smooth transition for our next executive chef. 

We are looking for a creative and motivated partner who will bring their own influences and experiences to the menu and is as excited by our community of providers and patrons as we are -  we are offering an executive chef position with much room for artistry and growth. Experience in staffing and ordering is a must as is a willingness to build strong relationships with local producers.

The Deer’s Head Inn has the most innovative cocktail program in Northern New York and eclectic wine and bar offerings known for careful curation and thoughtful selection.  The kitchen and bar tend to collaborate deeply at the Deer’s Head and share ingredients and inspiration.  

In addition to our restaurant, the Deer’s Head Inn features six newly renovated inn rooms, live music engagements and myriad special events throughout the year.  The Elizabethtown area provides a dedicated and engaged clientele of active and local food enthusiasts.

Salary for the position of executive chef will be commensurate with experience and may be augmented by an ownership track and a local housing stipend -  the Deer’s Head counts on several possibilities for in-town housing a short walk or bike ride from the Inn.