THE OPTIMIST EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF – UP TO $80K/yr. + BONUS (Germantown)

Rocket Farm Restaurants is a distinguished restaurant group known for its commitment to an inclusive and compassionate workplace culture. At its core, the philosophy of Rocket Farm Restaurants is encapsulated in the belief that 'We serve the person who is serving the guest.' This ethos is not merely performed as a formality but is genuinely ingrained in the daily interactions among staff. The company prioritizes respect, dignity, and care in its kitchen operations, fostering an environment where team members support one another with the same level of attentiveness and kindness they extend to their guests. This approach creates a warm, ethical workplace that ultimately enhances guest experiences and nurtures employee satisfaction and growth.

One of the flagship establishments under the Rocket Farm Restaurants umbrella is The Optimist, located in Nashville's vibrant Germantown neighborhood. The Optimist specializes in casual, wood-fired cuisine and offers a menu spotlighting fresh, sustainably sourced seafood, transporting guests coastside despite Tennessee's landlocked geography. The restaurant has garnered acclaim for its authentic flavors and dedication to quality, sustainability, and hospitality.

The Optimist is actively seeking an Executive Sous Chef who exemplifies precision, enthusiasm, and leadership. This critical role entails managing daily kitchen operations including production and preparation, coordinating private parties and special events, overseeing stewarding duties, and handling purchasing and receiving logistics. The Executive Sous Chef plays an integral role in ensuring that every menu item meets the highest standards of quality and presentation. In addition to managing the kitchen team, this position involves stepping up as the primary leader in the Executive Chef’s absence, ensuring seamless operational continuity.

The ideal candidate for this position is expected to remain composed and effective under pressure while fostering a unified and motivated kitchen staff. Responsibilities extend to rigorous management of culinary budgets as well as diligent monitoring of labor costs, scheduling, and overtime to maximize productivity without compromising guest satisfaction. The role is suited for a culinary professional with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in the industry, including at least two years specifically in a Sous Chef capacity. This opportunity is ideal for individuals eager to join a dynamic, innovative, and heartfelt team committed to excellence and personal development.

Rocket Farm Restaurants offers competitive compensation for the Executive Sous Chef position, with salary ranges from $65,000 to $80,000 annually, dependent on experience. This figure is complemented by a generous quarterly bonus program, recognizing exceptional performance and contributions. Beyond compensation, the company extends comprehensive benefits after just 30 days of employment, including major medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Employees at Rocket Farm Restaurants benefit from a caring organizational culture that encourages ethical behavior, provides dynamic, performance-based raises and promotions, and supports robust work-life balance through paid time off and specialized parental leaves such as childbirth recovery and parental leave. Long-term retention is rewarded with significant bonus programs, and employees enjoy precious time with family during most major holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Additional perks include a 50 percent discount at all Rocket Farm Restaurants locations across multiple cities—Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Houston, Raleigh, and Winter Park. The company is also dedicated to employee development through Rocket Farm University, providing specialized leadership courses and personalized career advancement support. Employees can engage in mentorship programs, advisory councils, and safety committees, fostering a deeply collaborative and supportive work environment.

Rocket Farm Restaurants is an equal opportunity employer, committed to complying with all federal employment laws and ensuring fair treatment of all job applicants. This focus on social responsibility extends into all facets of the company, setting it apart as a forward-thinking and respected organization within the hospitality industry.