Executive Chef

Makeready LLC•Nashville, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Lona, which will be located in the Noelle, is a dynamic modern Mexican restaurant brought to life by the creative collaboration of renowned chefs Richard Sandoval and Pablo Salas. Lona aims to redefine the Mexican dining experience by combining traditional flavors with contemporary techniques and artistic presentation. Noelle serves as a gathering place for some of the city's most interesting voices and makers as it continues to contribute to the spirit that makes it so unique. The Executive Chef will act as the culinary leader responsible for creating and maintaining the highest standards of cuisine, including oversight of all banquet operations. This role involves strategic oversight of kitchen operations, innovation in menu development, and administrative management to ensure the overall success of culinary operations.

Requirements

Extensive experience as an Executive Chef in a hotel setting
Strong knowledge of various cuisines and cooking techniques
Proven track record of successful team leadership and management
Exceptional creativity and passion for culinary arts
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong business acumen with experience in budgeting and cost control
A keen eye for detail related to food preparation and presentation
Excellent food handling skills
An innovative and thoughtful culinary nature
Ability to research emerging food trends and develop them according to concept
Required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle/feel/work with objects & tools
Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds related to inventory
Must be able to adeptly smell and taste food and beverages to judge quality
Adhere to Makeready & property policies and procedures as defined

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a cohesive culinary vision that aligns with the property’s brand, ensuring all menu items reflect quality and creativity for both restaurant and banquet services
Mentor, inspire, and lead the culinary team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration
Design seasonal menus for both restaurant and banquet functions, incorporating local ingredients and culinary trends to enhance guest experiences
Create and refine recipes to ensure consistency and quality across all culinary offerings, encouraging creativity and innovation within the team
Oversee the planning and execution of all banquet services, ensuring timely delivery, high quality, and exceptional presentation of food for events
Oversee food costs, labor expenses, and inventory management, implementing strategies to maximize profitability without compromising quality
Conduct regular kitchen audits, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards while maintaining high culinary quality
Work closely with the management team to promote culinary offerings and participate in marketing initiatives and special events
Manage staff schedules, conduct performance reviews, and maintain documentation related to kitchen operations and food safety compliance.
As needed, meet with guests while being professional, personable and courteous
Work directly with food vendors as needed
Stay current on developing trends in the industry
Adhere to cleanliness and safety guidelines
Adhere to Makeready's Guiding Principles
Additional duties and assignments as assigned