Executive Chef

About Fairlane 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. The food is a big part of why people come, and we are looking for a chef who's excited to run it.

EXECUTIVE CHEF Fairlane Hotel | Nashville, TN

Full-Time | Salaried | On-Property

About Fairlane 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. The food is a big part of why people come, and we are looking for a chef who's excited to run it.

Position Summary 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 Culinary Vision & Menu Development Develop and refine menus across Modern Love's cafe, lunch, and evening service, plus banquets, rooftop popups, 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

Kitchen Operations & Quality 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

Food Cost & Purchasing 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 localsourcing relationships

Partner with Finance and F&B leadership on budgeting and reporting

Leadership & Team Development 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

Health, Safety & Sanitation Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards

Maintain inspectionready kitchens at all times

Enforce proper food handling, storage, and labeling procedures

QUALIFICATIONS Required Progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef roles

Experience leading multiconcept or multiserviceperiod kitchens and event or banquet operations

Strong understanding of food cost control, purchasing, and kitchen financials

Food safety certification (ServSafe or equivalent)

Handson leadership style with strong operational discipline

Preferred Experience in boutique, lifestyle, independent, or chefdriven 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 All associates 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

Full-Time associates also receive Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment

Shortterm and longterm disability

Life insurance

Fairlane Hotel is committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of Nashville and the guests we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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