Our Story
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 5th, 2024
THE CHEF AND I SAYS GOODBYE
Nashville’s restaurant staple announces New Year’s Eve as last day in business.
Nashville, TN.
The Chef and I Nashville has announced plans to close their restaurant after 17 years, and the establishment’s last day will be December 31, 2024. Chris and Erica Rains, known throughout the community as ‘The Chef and I”, announced their exit strategy today.
“We still can’t believe how our company grew and what we survived over the years,” says Erica Rains, CEO, and the “I” of The Chef and I. “It just became evident that the current model no longer works due to historic increases in food and labor cost paired with a decreased number of diners. Rains notes that several of their restaurateur friends cited the same reasons for closing recently.
With a comprehensive four-week plan to assist employees in finding their next career move, including strategic employment partnerships in hospitality and other industries, the Rains’ plan to go out with a bang, on New Year’s Eve. Diners can expect throwback experiences and chefs bringing back dishes from the early years of the Chef and I as a nod to their history.
Restaurants have been closing at a higher rate due to similar financial situations, in which costs finally exceeded what the business produced. While some have closed with little or no notice, leaving employees with no job suddenly, the Rains’ plan to create a different kind of experience. They are hoping to help every single employee find jobs with a 26 day (almost four-week notice), and are asking Nashvillians to help by coming out ‘one last time’ to eat.
If The Chef and I can bring in a higher number of diners from now until their last day, they will be able to make sure employees make as much as possible, with the intention of making a graceful and purposeful exit from the industry. Chris and Erica are asking the community to rally around their special family once more.
The Rains’ say that their landlord, Corner Partnership LLC, have been completely supportive through these recent tough times. Removing valet services and opening for a fast casual lunch were two more ways The Chef and I operators tried to find a profitable lane so that this beloved Nashville staple could continue.
“We’ve been at this for 17 years,” said Rains. “Everything has a beginning, a middle and an end. But the end can be good too, and we hope what we leave behind is a legacy of local business support and a genuine love of people and food.” Two employees with The Chef and I are now married and are now expecting their first child. The Chef And I was always a love story, but one that also created love stories.
The message the Rains want to leave with the world is one of community support and entrepreneurial hope. “Please eat, shop and dine local," said Chef Rains. “This is what will keep your favorites open. We hope we’ve been open long enough in Nashville to touch everyone’s hearts, as much as they’ve touched ours.”
While the closing of the business is a loss to the Rains’, their employees, and the Nashville community, it also created countless memories, industry recognition and business awards. The Chef and I’s proudest accomplishment, however, was being able to create jobs, empower people, help them grow their careers, and create unforgettable culinary experiences together.
What began as a catering company in 2007 became a restaurant that opened first in Lenox Village near Nolensville, moved to the Gulch, and moved once more to midtown. The Chef and I added a team building division about ten years ago and have grown a local and national clientele. The Rains are in discussions to continue The Chef and I Team Building division in another location after the first of the year.
Until then, the Rains will be at the restaurant to greet diners and hope to see old friends again. They encourage everyone to come out one last time and help them close this chapter and celebrate all of the great years together. The Chef and I was always about bringing people together over food, even now as they spend their last month in the restaurant. Erica Rains added, “We hope we made you proud, Nashville.”
To make a reservation call 615-730-8496 or visit www.thechefandinashville.com - The restaurant will be open seven days a week for dinner through December 31st, except for being closed on Christmas Day, December 25th.
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The Chef and I is built on a love story. That's why it works. We serve innovative cuisine in a fun environment. Guests can choose to order off the menu or do a chef's tasting any day of the week. Our cuisine is farm to table fusion driven.
CHEF'S TASTING MENU: We offer a chef's tasting experience at 5 and 7 courses which consist of what is in season paired with what the chef's are truly inspired to share with you that day. Tastings are carefully planned to take you from start to finish through a progression of courses. The Tasting menu is available in all dining areas nightly.
CHEF TABLE EXPERIENCE: This adventure is a full "omakase style" or "I leave it up to you" tasting experience. Incorporating small bites, shareables and composed tasting courses throughout your 2.5 hour reservation. You will be seated right around the show kitchen, literally with all the sights, sounds and aromas turned up to 11. Available every Friday and Saturday at 6:30pm. Larger groups of 10 and 20 guests, can be accommodated any day of the week by contacting Chef Chris at 615-305-4869 to pre-plan your private show kitchen experience.
SEASONAL MENUS: We offer seasonal inspired ala carte menus for Lunch and Dinner. Executive Chef Chris Rains and Chef de Cuisine, Anthony Zaragoza work together with our staff to carefully curate these menus for you.
Seating is limited in all of our unique dining areas. Please choose your dining experience/table from the available areas for your reservation. For chef table counter seats daily contact Chef Chris at 615-305-4869.
We are always able to accommodate walk-in guests in our lounge, backstage bar and other dining areas. We have a 24 - hour cancellation policy. Any reservations cancelled within 24 hours from date/time are subject to a $20 per seat charge.