Chef Brian Baxter didn’t want to run someone else’s kitchen. He wanted to build his own.

Now the executive chef and partner at The Catbird Seat in Nashville, Baxter is leading one of the country’s most innovative tasting menus. In this episode, he shares how he creates layered, intentional experiences; why collaboration drives everything at his restaurant; and how he’s developing the next generation of leaders through thoughtful mentorship and systems.

Takeaways

• Collaboration is the foundation of creative kitchen culture
• Great tasting menus are built on storytelling, not just technique
• Transparency in decision-making empowers staff at every level
• Growth comes from curiosity and consistency
• Mentorship means sharing the process, not just the outcome
• Leaders must check in constantly to build team stability
• Being a chef today requires emotional intelligence and adaptability

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