Catering prestigious events like the CMT Awards After Party or Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert’s engagement party was never on Jim and Cheryl Hagy’s radar when they started their little catering business in a very small kitchen over 15 years ago.
Today, Chef’s Market has earned the “Nashville’s Best Caterer” award twice, nominated by Nashville Scene readers, and the “Wedding Industry Experts” award. In addition to catering, they have a popular gourmet restaurant and boutique gift shop in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Because of its close proximity to Nashville Wraps, many of us stop in for lunch or dinner for popular dishes like Hot Chicken Salad and Cajun Seared Salmon.
Weddings are a big deal at Chef’s Market. Half of their business comes from catering and weddings, 25% from their restaurant and gift shop and the other 25% from takeout and delivery. Adding baristas to their front register to serve great coffees along with incredible cakes, cookies and ice cream has been equally successful.
Having a local company like Nashville Wraps for their packaging has been important to Chef’s Market. They use a variety of our shopping bags and tissue for their gift shop, as well as truffle boxes for their amazing cake truffles, cello bags for their homemade tortilla chips and coffee bags for bulk coffee purchases. During the holiday season, they sell gourmet baskets using our gift basket supplies.
“The packaging we get from Nashville Wraps adds value to the gift and is an unexpected bonus,” explains Stacey Diller, Corporate Sales & Marketing Manager. “Many times customers will come in for a last-minute gift, so having the gift wrapped in a nice bag with tissue keeps them from having to go to another store for wrapping materials. Many times they will also get a slice of cake or even a whole cake!”
When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted immediately by sophisticated charm, thanks to Ricky Carroll, Visual Merchandiser & Event Stylist for Chef’s Market. The gift boutique, located at the front, features displays that combine Southern elegance with just the right amount of whimsy. As you make your way to the back to place your order, you’ll encounter a visual feast of beautiful salads and sides along with delicious savory dishes.
Chef’s Market has garnered both local and national attention. They have been featured in People Magazine’s Country Special Edition for catering Blake & Miranda’s engagement party. Their down-home menu included fried green tomato sliders, smoked gouda mac & cheese “cupcakettes” and Tennessee-cheese-straw-crusted chicken bites. “It had to be pickup food because nobody wanted a formal dinner or even to bother with utensils,” said Chef’s Market caterer Shannon Bates.
Promoting their business through social media has brought them even closer to their customers. Check out their amazing catering photos on their Facebook page and their blog full of recipes including Goo Goo Caramel Apple Salad. They appear at civic and charitable activities, promotional events, in bridal magazines and on local television.
Chef’s Market’s commitment to excellence, creativity and personal service explains why their customers continue to vote them the best in town.
