Executive Chef

Fairlane is a 79-room independent hotel in downtown Nashville, a block off Printers Alley. Downstairs is Modern Love, our all-day restaurant that runs as a coffee-and-breakfast cafe in the morning (Early Bird) and turns into a cocktail lounge with small plates at night (Night Owl). Up on the roof, Ellington's handles private events, seasonal pop-ups, and 7 Paintings, an immersive dinner show that only runs in two cities in the country.

About the role

We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead the quality, consistency, and direction of the food across Modern Love and our banquets, event, and rooftop programming. This is a hands-on role for a chef who wants to build a program, not just keep one going. You will lead by example on the line, expedite during peak service, and set the standard for execution across every service period, from Early Bird mornings to Night Owl evenings. The right chef balances creativity with discipline, building menus that are exciting, workable, and profitable, while developing a team and a kitchen culture people want to be part of. You will also be part of the leadership team that takes turns acting as Manager on Duty for both front and back of house.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine menus across Modern Love's cafe, lunch, and evening service, plus banquets, rooftop pop-ups, and special programming
• Establish and document recipes, plating, and presentation standards that hold up across every service period
• Bring seasonality, local sourcing, and creativity to the plate while keeping each concept true to its identity
• Support immersive and event dining, including curated menus for Ellington's and private events
• Lead daily kitchen operations across all service periods and outlets
• Expedite service and ensure quality, consistency, and timing standards are met
• Maintain clean, organized kitchens and functional equipment; partner with Engineering on equipment needs
• Remain actively present on the line during peak service
• Manage food cost and cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Develop menus and portioning standards that meet financial targets without cutting quality
• Oversee purchasing, receiving, inventory, and vendor and local sourcing relationships
• Partner with Finance and F&B leadership on budgeting and reporting
• Hire, train, schedule, and develop culinary team members
• Establish training programs and growth opportunities
• Build a strong, professional kitchen culture with clear standards
• Take turns as Manager on Duty for both front and back of house alongside the rest of the leadership team
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards
• Maintain inspection-ready kitchens at all times
• Enforce proper food handling, storage, and labeling procedures

Requirements

• Progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef roles
• Experience leading multi-concept or multi-service-period kitchens and event or banquet operations
• Strong understanding of food cost control, purchasing, and kitchen financials
• Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
• Hands-on leadership style with strong operational discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in boutique, lifestyle, independent, or chef-driven concepts
• Familiarity with the Nashville dining scene and local sourcing
• A track record of building or elevating a food program, not just running one
• Strong team development and mentorship background
• Experience with Toast (POS) and Paychex (HR and payroll) a plus

Schedule

On-property, salaried role. Must be available for nights, weekends, holidays, and special events, with a strong presence on the line during peak service.

Benefits

• PTO beginning on the first day of hire
• 401(k) retirement program, eligible after 6 months
• Complimentary parking
• Discounted meals at Modern Love
• Hotel discounts
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing boutique hotel group
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment (for full-time associates)
• Short-term and long-term disability (for full-time associates)
• Life insurance (for full-time associates)