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The holidays may be behind us, but there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate. We’re ready to take a breath and begin planning for a year of events — from large-scale weddings and fundraisers to intimate gatherings. To make things easy (and fabulous), we’re shining a light on one of our favorite luxury catering resources in Nashville — Chef’s Market. We sat down with owner Jim Hagy to hear about their offerings, this year’s catering trends, and what sets Chef’s Market apart from the crowd.
Jim and his wife, Cheryl, started Chef’s Market nearly 26 years ago with a mission to create a place where people could get chef-quality food in an approachable, affordable, and easy way. “We wanted to create a way for people to be able to come in, get food really quickly without table service, and enjoy a nice environment here within the restaurant,” says Jim.
Today, Chef’s Market is not only known as one of the best restaurants in Middle Tennessee, but it has also built an excellent reputation around its custom catering offerings. From Jack Daniel’s braised beef short rib to Parmesan sage-crusted chicken and so much more, you’re guaranteed to receive high-quality, creative food for your next event. After all, Chef’s Market is based on the idea that its offerings are so much more than just food.
As one of the leaders in Nashville’s catering industry, Jim says we can expect to see new catering trends arise this year while also experiencing the comeback of pre-pandemic trends. First and foremost, expect to see more elevated comfort food. Before COVID, events often included food with over-the-top plate styling and infusions. “People seem to be leaning towards things that are more familiar, more approachable, and things they remember from their past in a really comforting time,” adds Jim.
Another element more people seem to be focusing on in the events world is sustainability. Whether it’s asking about omitting plastic use or using leftovers as compost, more people are asking questions about going green with their event. “At Chef’s Market, we try avoiding plastic and prefer using to-go packaging that is environmentally friendly,” explains Jim.
When it comes to weddings specifically, Jim says more people are being influenced by the Northeast and adding unique elements to their food. In the past, Southern weddings have included passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinners, and cake at the end of the night. “Now people might have a little something for guests as they arrive at the ceremony,” Jim explains. “It could be a drink if it’s hot outside, or instead of passed hors d’oeuvres, we’re seeing people with stations in addition to passed hors d’oeuvres. It’s expanded what people want to offer for the guest in a way that’s not over the top.”
Other wedding-specific catering trends include a rise in seated dinners. “The percentage of plated dinners is still higher than it was pre-COVID, so we’re seeing a lot more plated, served events, which is also a Northern expectation,” adds Jim. He also says more couples are leaning toward a Venetian dessert display and a traditional wedding cake. These displays include small and fun items, such as banana pudding shots or mini whoopie pies.
Chef’s Market’s approach to catering — whether for a wedding, corporate event, or graduation — is genuinely one-of-a-kind. This is, in part, because of its holistic approach. From the beginning of the process, the Chef’s Market team looks at the client’s vision and asks questions about budget, personal style, the season, and the event’s location. “We’re bringing the staffing, we’re bringing the aesthetic, and we’re bringing the logistics,” Jim tells us. “If we’re not ordering something ourselves, we’re fine-tuning and looking at what the planner has ordered to make sure it matches everyone’s needs.”
When you work with Chef’s Market, you’re getting so much more than delicious food. In addition to logistics, friendly staff, and help with event styling, Jim adds that a big part of their mission is showcasing the team’s heart and passion in everything they do. “We have a saying that we’re hands-on and hearts in,” he explains. “We know people have been planning their event for a long time, and we realize how important it is. We’re providing the creativity and the menu, but we have all this other expertise that comes behind that, too.”
Chef’s Market is located at 900 Conference Dr., Goodlettsville, TN 37072. To learn more, call (615) 851-2433 or visit chefsmarket.com.Â
This article is sponsored by Chef’s Market. All photography by Mayter Scott.
