Pastry Chef

Nashville, TN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.25 - $31.50

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and Development

safe work environment

Job Description

Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company, is proud to introduce its newest hospitality venture, Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Nashville. With a legacy spanning seven generations and a workforce of over 12,000 passionate employees known as hosts, Herschend entertains more than 15 million guests each year through its diverse family entertainment brands. Each brand is dedicated to delivering distinctive experiences that foster discovery and genuine connections, reflecting Herschend’s core commitment that every guest leaves with a smile and a deeper bond with those around them. Central to this success is their unique culture known as Heartspitality®, blending a philosophy of Leading with Love and a mission to Bring Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. At its core, Herschend’s Heartspitality® culture ensures an environment where hosts, guests, and partners alike feel welcomed, valued, and loved, supporting an equal-opportunity work environment that emphasizes respect and inclusivity.

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel is more than just a place to rest; it is a unique hospitality destination inspired by the legendary Dolly Parton’s illustrious career and trailblazing spirit. Guests are invited to Love Every Moment in a setting that offers an escape to connect with loved ones, experience entertainment, and enjoy music and style designed the Dolly-way. The hotel features 245 beautifully appointed rooms, two vibrant food and beverage entertainment venues, a market, and the renowned Dolly Parton’s Museum, making it a hub where local music, culinary arts, and culture intertwine seamlessly. As a highly creative and accomplished Pastry Chef, you will have the exceptional opportunity to lead the pre-opening pastry operations and shape the culinary experiences of the hotel’s multiple food and beverage outlets.

In this dynamic role, you will drive the production and presentation of a wide range of bakery and pastry items, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, visually appealing desserts and pastries for all guest touchpoints which include full-service dining, coffee shops, and catering events throughout the property. Your leadership will extend to supervising, training, and inspiring the pastry and bakery staff, promoting growth, learning, and a passion for food excellence. You will play a pivotal role in menu development, contributing creative ideas for desserts and seasonal offerings that continuously elevate guest experience and uphold the brand’s artistic and entertaining identity.

Success in this position requires a deep understanding of pastry techniques, food costing, portion control, inventory management, and health and safety standards. You will ensure that all food products meet the highest standards for taste, freshness, and presentation while managing operational efficiency and profitability. Your leadership and collaboration with other departments will guarantee a smooth, high-volume service in alignment with the hotel’s unique blend of glamour, surprises, and the spirit of Dolly Parton herself. This is a thrilling opportunity to be part of a pioneering hospitality experience in Nashville that celebrates local talent and musical heritage while delivering exceptional culinary delights.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent culinary or pastry arts training
Minimum 5 years of pastry chef experience, including leadership in high-volume hospitality or hotel settings
Experience in managing F&B operations across multiple outlets
Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
Ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Proficiency with food inventory and ordering software
Physical ability to perform kitchen duties
Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant work environment

Job Qualifications

5-7 years of progressive experience in pastry, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role
Proven experience leading large-scale operations with multiple F&B outlets, banquets, and high-volume service
Formal culinary training or formal pastry arts training from an accredited institution preferred
Masterful knowledge of classic and contemporary pastry techniques, including bread baking chocolate work, sugar artistry, and plated desserts
Strong understanding of food costing, portion control, and kitchen inventory management
Proven leadership skills, problem solving, team building, communication and organizational skills
Passion for creating memorable dining experiences and fostering a positive kitchen culture
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
Opening hotel experience preferred
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, Micros POS System, Crunchtime or other food and beverage recipe, inventory management and ordering software

Job Duties

Produce and decorate high-quality bakery and pastry items including breads, doughs, biscuits, muffins, cookies, cakes, pies, croissants, Danishes, and specialty desserts
Supply baked goods and desserts for all hotel outlets and functions as required
Ensure all products are prepared and presented in accordance with standard recipes, specifications, and presentations
Enforce production schedules to ensure proper product availability at all times
Supervise, train, and monitor pastry staff and other bakery positions as well as act as a leader for the rest of the heart of the house staff
Guide team members in proper food preparation, portion control, storage, and handling procedures
Lead and participate in daily lineups to communicate objectives and expectations