The Loveless Cafe is a Nashville institution with deep roots, a strong sense of community, and a reputation for exceptional Southern hospitality. Loveless Events operates on-site events in the Barn and Harpeth Room, along with high-volume off-site catering throughout the Nashville area, delivering elevated Southern cuisine with thoughtful execution.
Loveless Events is seeking a full-time Events Head Chef to lead our culinary leadership team. This role works closely with the General Manager of Events and Executive Chef to oversee kitchen operations, culinary execution, team development, and the financial performance of Loveless Events culinary operations.
Base Pay
· $65,000-$75,000 DOE plus additional bonus opportunities
Excellent benefits are available such as:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and various supplemental insurances
- Matched 401(k)/ROTH
- Student Loan Payment (Gradifi)
- Paid Parental Leave for new mothers and fathers
- Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
- Professional Development opportunities
Benefits are available for eligible employees as early as 60 days!
Role Overview
The Events Head Chef serves as the culinary leader for Loveless Events and is responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, team leadership, purchasing, inventory management, labor planning, food safety compliance, and event execution across on-site events, off-site catering, and food truck operations.
Kitchen Operations & Leadership Responsibilities:
· Lead and supervise all BOH operations to ensure consistent food quality, execution, and efficiency
· Oversee food preparation and culinary execution for on-site events, off-site catering, and food truck operations while ensuring all items meet recipe, quality, presentation, and timing standards
· Create prep lists, production schedules, and execution timelines for all events
· Review upcoming events and proactively identify specialty product needs, staffing requirements, equipment needs, and potential capacity concerns
· Manage purchasing, food ordering, inventory levels, and product quality to support operational needs
· Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen, storage areas, and food truck at all times
· Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and food safety regulations
· Oversee kitchen opening and closing procedures and maintain departmental SOPs
· Inspect kitchen equipment regularly and support preventative maintenance programs
Staff Development & Team Support:
· Recruit, hire, train, coach, develop, and manage BOH employees in accordance with company policies
· Directly supervise the Sous Chef, BOH hourly team members, and food truck culinary staff
· Provide coaching, guidance, and corrective action when needed in alignment with company policies
· Foster a positive, accountable kitchen culture built on teamwork, consistency, professionalism, and continuous improvement
· Delegate responsibilities effectively and hold team members accountable for results
· Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings, trainings, and initiatives
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities:
· Own food cost, labor cost, inventory management, purchasing, scheduling, and department-controlled expenses
· Create, manage, and adjust kitchen staff schedules to align with event volume, labor budgets, and operational needs
· Track and maintain inventory, food cost, labor reports, and operational reporting requirements
· Analyze operational and financial reports to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action
· Utilize reporting tools and company systems to support forecasting, budgeting, labor management, inventory management, and operational decision-making
· Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and financial review processes
· Monitor event volume and communicate capacity concerns proactively to support quality execution and guest satisfaction
Other Role Accountabilities:
· Work closely with the General Manager of Events, Executive Chef, Operations Team, and Sales Team to support departmental goals
· Coordinate food truck maintenance, inspections, permits, and operational readiness
· Identify operational challenges, develop solutions, and follow through to resolution
· Maintain professionalism and sound judgment in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations
· Operate independently while maintaining clear, consistent communication with culinary and operations leadership
· Take ownership of the overall success of the BOH operation and contribute to the continued growth of Loveless Events
Qualifications
· High School diploma or GED required
· Minimum 5 years of culinary experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
· Minimum 3 years of catering, banquet, event, or high-volume food service management experience
· Advanced knowledge of catering, food & beverage, and event catering operations in a high-volume environment
· Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, labor regulations, and kitchen operations
· Hands-on experience managing inventory, purchasing, food cost controls, labor management, and operational reporting
· Valid ServSafe Certification
· Valid Tennessee Driver's License
· Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, with the ability to manage reports, schedules, and operational documentation
· Ability to work a flexible schedule inclusive of weekends, nights, and holidays
Preferences
· Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Restaurant Management, or equivalent work experience
· ABC Certification
·Experience with Inventory Express, TPP, Square, or similar food and beverage management systems
· Off-site catering or mobile kitchen experience
· Leadership presence with a hands-on, solutions-focused mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
Work Requirements
The employee is required to stand for long periods of time. The employee must frequently lift or move objects up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping required. Must be comfortable working in non-climate-controlled environments.
Why Join our Company?
The Loveless Cafe is locally owned and operated in Nashville, which means that every purchase supports local jobs, causes, and community initiatives. Our company has been a part of the Nashville community for generations, and we do our best to give back at every opportunity. To demonstrate, we even have a dedicated Community Relations Specialist on-site! Transparent leadership, competitive benefits and a safe, enjoyable work environment are key drivers in our company culture. We are committed to not only providing a great experience for our customers and community, but also an inclusive space to foster employee ambitions. Our commitment to these core values enables us to cultivate our employees' professional strengths and help each individual achieve their full potential.
The Loveless Cafe GP is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and maintaining a capable and committed workforce. EOE/M/F/D/V
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Shift:
- 10 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
Application Question(s):
- What is your desired annual salary range?
- What is the largest catering, banquet, or event operation you have managed? Please include approximate guest counts, staffing levels, menu style, your role in the operation and any other relevant details.
- Please describe the reports, systems, tools, or processes you have used to manage labor, food cost, inventory, purchasing, and financial performance. Include any spreadsheets, budgets, forecasts, reporting tools, POS systems, inventory systems, or software platforms you created, maintained, or regularly utilized.
- In your most recent position, which operational areas did you have final decision-making authority over (food cost management, labor cost management, inventory management, purchasing & ordering, hiring & training, and budgeting & forecasting)?
Please describe your responsibilities and level of ownership.
- This position requires employees to work safely with coworkers, customers, vendors, and the public. Have you ever been convicted of a violent offense (including assault, aggravated assault, domestic assault, robbery involving force, or similar offenses) that may affect your ability to meet this requirement?
Experience:
- Kitchen Leadership: 3 years (Required)
- Managing food cost and inventory : 2 years (Required)
- Managing kitchen labor schedules and labor costs: 2 years (Required)
- Catering or Banquet: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Drivers License (Required)
- ServSafe (Preferred)
Location:
- Nashville, TN 37221 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Nashville, TN 37221 (Required)
Work Location: In person
