Behind the Scenes With Chef’s Market’s Jim Hagy

From age 11, Jim Hagy knew he wanted to work in hospitality. That dream started thanks to his family’s restaurant, Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, which inspired him to pursue a degree in hospitality management and food and beverage service. While studying at The University of Southern Mississippi, Jim met his wife, Cheryl, and the pair put their heads together to develop something truly unique. 

Flash-forward several decades, and the couple is celebrating 27 years of their business, the Goodlettsville-based Chef’s Market Cafe & Takeaway. The eatery now has more than 300 employees with a shared aim — to create meaningful culinary experiences for their guests. As Nashville has continued to develop, Chef’s Market has followed suit. While its offerings have expanded as its business has grown, one thing has remained the same — the restaurant’s goal to foster connections through tasty food, great service and stellar hospitality.

What inspired Chef’s Market, and how has your business changed as Nashville has evolved? At Chef’s Market, we kicked off our journey with a simple but ambitious idea: to offer chef-quality cuisine that’s both approachable and economical, all while being quick. Nashville has always loved a good party, and we aimed to ensure that every gathering was infused with deliciousness and sophistication. 

As Nashville has grown and embraced a more diverse food scene, we’ve eagerly evolved with it. Our offerings now include interactive stations and experiential dining options, making sure every meal isn’t just eaten, but savored. In a city as dynamic as Nashville, we believe every dining experience should be just as exciting.

What is your favorite hospitality memory? I can’t pick just one standout moment, but I always love it when guests come up to me reminiscing about weddings I catered five, 10 or even 25 years ago. They introduce me to their kids — and sometimes even their grandkids — as if I’m an old family friend. It’s such a powerful reminder that great food can create lasting memories and forge strong connections across generations. 

As you look around Middle Tennessee and see all the growth, what excites you? Over the past 40-plus years I’ve been here, I’ve witnessed some incredible transformations. When Cheryl and I first moved to Nashville, we felt so welcomed by the sense of community. I know some folks worry that as the city expands, it might lose some of its charm, but I think people probably felt the same way 40 years ago too. Nashville’s charm and hospitality are deeply rooted in its culture, and I don’t see that changing. Instead, I see our family just getting a little bigger.

Is there a topic you love to nerd out about? I never get tired of discussing the historical roots of Southern cuisine. It fascinates me how various cultures — Native American, African and European — have influenced our food. The stories behind dishes like shrimp and grits — or the use of sorghum and molasses — are so tied to our region’s history. 

Growing up … I was surrounded by rich culinary traditions. My grandparents started one of the oldest fish camp-style restaurants in the South, which really shaped my appreciation for the evolution of Southern food.

What legacy would you like to leave in this community? I want to leave a legacy of connection — a place where people remember and continue to enjoy Chef’s Market as a spot that brings families and communities together, creating lasting memories over shared meals and important life events. Through my work and our community involvement, I hope to inspire the next generation of chefs and entrepreneurs to push boundaries while staying true to Nashville’s spirit. I love what we do, and I look forward to continuing this journey for many years to come!