Culinary Leader – Sous Chef for Artist & Event Catering

Job Title: Sous Chef – In-House Catering

Location: Rock Nashville – Nashville, TN

Reports to: General Manager

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000 – $65,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, meal stipend, performance bonuses, growth opportunities

Position Summary

Studio 1 Catering is seeking a dedicated, production-minded Sous Chef to join our family-style catering team. This is a hands-on culinary leadership role supporting daily in-house catering operations at Rock Nashville. You’ll work side by side to lead our chefs, line cooks, and utility staff to prepare, cook, and serve meals for artists, production crews, and VIP events.

As Sous Chef, you will oversee kitchen operations, support staff development, and ensure that every meal reflects Studio 1’s commitment to excellence and hospitality. If you are looking to lead a passionate team that is dedicated to building and maintaining an outstanding culture while providing excellent service, Studio 1 Catering is the place for you.

This role is about more than cooking—it’s about leadership, teamwork, and setting the tone for excellence in every service. The Sous Chef is expected to model professionalism, adaptability, and positivity in a high-energy environment, while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect in the kitchen. You will have the opportunity to shape menus, mentor staff, and contribute to a workplace where growth, creativity, and hospitality are at the center of everything we do.

Flexibility is essential in this role. Service times, room setups, and even menus can change with little notice, and the Sous Chef is expected to adapt quickly and lead the team through those changes with professionalism and calm focus.

Key Responsibilities

Food Production & Execution

• Daily lead the culinary team in meal preparation and service in collaboration with the General Manager and event coordinators.
• Oversee plating, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Ensure all food is prepared to meet dietary needs and client requests (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.).
• Maintain food safety, quality, and sanitation standards at all times.

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Supervise line cooks, prep staff, and utility team members.
• Assist with receiving, storage, and rotation of inventory.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized kitchen and prep areas.
• Monitor efficiency and jump in wherever needed—this is a boots-on-the-ground role.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with chefs, servers, and utility staff to deliver seamless service.
• Communicate clearly with management and staff to adapt to last-minute changes.
• Participate in daily update meetings to coordinate schedules and client needs.

Adaptability & Flexibility

• Adjust quickly to last-minute changes in service timing, room assignments, or menu requests.
• Lead the team with composure and positivity when plans shift.
• Model problem-solving and creativity in fast-moving situations.

Qualifications

• 3 years of professional culinary experience (catering, events, or high-volume service a plus).
• Strong leadership and communication skills with ability to manage a team.
• Detail-oriented and organized with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain) preferred.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Culture & Expectations

At Studio 1, culture comes before titles, tasks, or résumés. We are a people-first, family-style catering company serving Nashville’s music and event community. Skills can be sharpened, but heart, attitude, and hospitality cannot—that’s why we hire for culture first.

We go the extra mile to create a welcoming environment for our clients and our team. That means jumping through hoops to get it right, staying flexible in the face of change, and treating everyone—from artists to teammates—with respect and warmth.

Every Studio 1 team member is expected to embody our values:

• Hospitality-minded – even in the kitchen, you’re serving people first.
• Team-driven – success comes from pitching in and working together.
• Flexible under pressure – events move fast; you adapt with grit and creativity.
• Committed to excellence – from prep to serving, details matter.
• Positive energy – enthusiasm and hustle set the tone and make the kitchen hum.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, love working with a close-knit team, and take pride in serving meals that make people feel cared for, Studio 1 is the place for you.

• Submit your resume and a cover letter describing how your qualifications and experience align with the Sous Chef role at Studio 1 Catering.
• Share a favorite recipe with a complete ingredients list that you believe would work well in a catering-focused environment (large-batch friendly, adaptable, and cost-conscious).
• Include at least one professional reference who can speak to your leadership, teamwork, or culinary abilities.