Pastry Cook

Nashville, TN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Retirement Plan

flexible schedule

Career Development

Meal allowance

Job Description

Herschend Enterprises is a distinguished leader in family-oriented themed entertainment, proudly recognized as the largest family-owned company in this sector. With seven generations of experience, Herschend has perfected the art of bringing families closer together by creating memorable, wholesome entertainment experiences that inspire discovery and joy. Their diverse portfolio includes over two dozen family entertainment brands, delighting more than 15 million guests annually. At the core of Herschend's operations is a culture known as Heartspitality, which emphasizes leading with love and fostering genuine connections between hosts, guests, and communities.

Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown Nashville, is Herschend's newest hospitality venture that embodies the legacy and spirit of the legendary entertainer Dolly Parton. This unique hotel features 245 rooms, two food and beverage entertainment venues, a market, and Dolly Parton's Museum, providing guests an immersive experience that seamlessly blends music, style, and hospitality "the Dolly-way." Inspired by Dolly Parton's epic career and trailblazing influence, the SongTeller Hotel offers an unforgettable atmosphere sprinkled with glamour, artistic surprises, and a sense of humor that celebrates local talent and the cultural richness of Nashville.

The Pastry Cook role at Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is an integral part of this exceptional hospitality experience. This position is a full-time opportunity designed for an accomplished and motivated culinary professional who is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for hosts, guests, and the wider community while contributing to the success and profitability of the hotel's food and beverage outlets. The Pastry Cook will work closely with the team, executing high-quality pastry preparation activities under the direction of the Pastry Chef. Responsibilities include the production of entremets, cookies, plated desserts, and specialty items across various outlets such as restaurants, coffee shops, and banquet services.

The ideal candidate will bring strong foundational knowledge of pastry techniques, including baking doughs, batters, creams, mousses, glazes, and garnishes, ensuring consistency, quality, and refined presentation adhering to established recipes and standards. The role demands meticulous attention to food safety, sanitation, labeling, and FIFO inventory practices, as well as the ability to manage and maintain pastry stations for efficient service. With a spirit that aligns with the hotel’s mission and values, the Pastry Cook will contribute to a high-energy environment by demonstrating professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude while adapting to varied schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

This role offers not only the chance to work in a dynamic culinary setting but also the opportunity to be part of a unique hospitality destination that honors a global icon. Passion for exceptional pastry craftsmanship combined with a dedication to creating joyful guest experiences makes this position ideal for culinary professionals seeking to advance their careers within a renowned and value-focused organization.

Job Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 1-2 years experience in pastry or bakery in a professional kitchen
Ability to obtain and maintain ServSafe Certification
Strong knowledge of pastry techniques
Ability to follow recipes and portion standards
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
Strong organizational and multitasking skills
Effective communication skills
Basic math skills for recipe measuring and portioning
Ability to work flexible schedule including weekends and holidays
Ability to meet physical demands including prolonged standing and lifting

Job Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent
Culinary or Baking & Pastry degree preferred
Minimum of 1-2 years of pastry or bakery experience in a professional kitchen (hotel or multi-outlet experience preferred)
Ability to obtain and maintain a ServSafe Certification
Strong foundational knowledge of pastry techniques including doughs, batters, creams, and plated dessert components
Ability to follow recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines with consistency and attention to detail
Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, labeling, and FIFO practices
Strong organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks and adapt in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Effective communication and teamwork skills with a professional, reliable, and positive work ethic
Basic math skills for measuring, scaling recipes, and portioning
Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
Ability to meet physical demands including standing for long periods, lifting up to 30-50 lbs, and working in varying kitchen temperatures

Job Duties

Execute daily pastry production under direction of the Pastry Chef with focus on entremets, cookies, plated desserts, and specialty items for all outlets
Report to the Pastry Chef or Sous Chef to review daily production objectives, assignments, priorities, and menu updates
Prepare, assemble, and finish pastry items according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines
Assist in the production of components such as creams, mousses, glazes, doughs, batters, and garnishes
Support service execution including plated dessert assembly and banquet plating
Assist with daily mise en place and station setup ensuring all pastry stations are properly prepared
Ensure assigned workstation is properly stocked with required par levels and supplies
Assist with opening and closing duties of assigned pastry stations
Maintain high standards of product quality, flavor balance, texture, and refined presentation
Demonstrate knowledge of modern and classical plating techniques relevant to plated desserts and banquet displays
Follow daily production lists and maintain appropriate production levels to support all outlets and service periods
Ensure all products are prepared and presented in accordance with established recipes and pastry standards
Maintain proper mise en place, organization, and cleanliness of assigned workstation at all times
Adhere to all food safety and sanitation standards including labeling, dating, rotation (FIFO), proper storage, and allergen awareness
Demonstrate knowledge of proper food safety standards, holding times, and temperature control as applicable to pastry production
Follow proper food handling procedures to minimize waste and maintain product integrity
Assist in monitoring inventory levels, notifying leadership of shortages, and supporting proper storage and organization of products
Participate in receiving and storing deliveries, ensuring product quality and proper handling
Maintain cleanliness of kitchen areas including sweeping, mopping, dishwashing, and equipment care as needed
Support kitchen leadership and collaborate with team members to ensure efficient pastry and overall kitchen operations
Demonstrate professionalism, strong communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Maintain professional appearance, good personal hygiene, and dependable attendance
Promote a positive and collaborative team environment
Follow all company operational standards, safety procedures, and health department regulations
Maintain flexibility to adapt to changing business levels including working varied schedules such as evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed
Meet the physical demands of the position including standing for extended periods and lifting required loads