THE OPTIMIST EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF – UP TO $85K/yr. + BONUS (Germantown)

Rocket Farm Restaurants is a renowned hospitality group known for its unwavering commitment to creating an exemplary workplace culture where every team member is valued and served with dignity, respect, and care. At the heart of this ethos lies the principle, "We serve the person who is serving the guest." This philosophy shapes how the company operates, ensuring that the respect and support team members receive in the kitchen mirror the exceptional service delivered to guests in the dining room. As a leader in the restaurant industry, Rocket Farm Restaurants maintains a vibrant network of establishments across multiple cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Houston, Raleigh, and Winter Park, each bringing unique culinary experiences to their communities with a focus on quality and innovation.

Among its distinguished venues is The Optimist, located in Nashville's Germantown neighborhood. The Optimist offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience centered around wood-fired fare, specializing in fresh, sustainably sourced seafood that transports diners from Tennessee’s landlocked environment to the coastside. This venue exemplifies Rocket Farm Restaurants’ dedication to culinary excellence, sustainable sourcing, and creating memorable guest experiences. It is within this vibrant setting that The Optimist is currently seeking to welcome an Executive Sous Chef who embodies passion, precision, and leadership.

The Executive Sous Chef position at The Optimist is a critical role responsible for the smooth and effective daily operation of the kitchen. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Executive Sous Chef oversees every facet of kitchen operations including production and preparation, management of private parties and special events, stewarding, purchasing, and receiving. This position demands a culinary expert who can lead a team to craft innovative, high-quality dishes consistently following stringent standards.

In addition to culinary leadership, the Executive Sous Chef plays a vital role in maintaining operational efficiency and financial health of the kitchen. This includes managing culinary budgets, controlling labor costs, overseeing scheduling to prevent overtime, and ensuring that workflow and productivity are optimized. The successful candidate will excel in high-pressure environments, demonstrating calm and effective leadership to foster teamwork and maintain high morale among staff.

Applicants should have a minimum of five years of progressive culinary experience, with at least two years in a Sous Chef capacity, highlighting a strong foundation in both kitchen operations and team leadership. Rocket Farm Restaurants offers a competitive salary range between $70,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, as well as a generous quarterly bonus program.

The company values its employees as much as its guests, offering full benefit eligibility after just 30 days of employment. Benefits include major medical insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance, supporting the overall well-being of team members. Employees enjoy a supportive and ethical work environment coupled with opportunities for dynamic performance-based raises and promotions. Additional perks such as paid time off, childbirth recovery leave, and parental leave underscore Rocket Farm’s commitment to work-life balance.

Long-term retention is encouraged through significant retention bonuses, and team members receive time off on most major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. A 50% discount at all Rocket Farm Restaurants locations amplifies employee appreciation. Additionally, the company invests in professional growth through Rocket Farm University, offering specialized leadership classes and personalized career advancement support. Employee engagement is further fostered through mentorship programs, advisory councils, and safety committees.

Rocket Farm Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. Applicants are encouraged to review their rights under federal employment laws, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the hiring process. Joining The Optimist as an Executive Sous Chef means becoming part of a dynamic, innovative, and heartfelt team dedicated to exceptional culinary experiences and a collaborative workplace culture.