Carson City's Nashville Social Club names Tony Schafer as executive chef; late spring opening planned
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 03/10/2022 - 11:00am
The Carson City dining scene is about to be rocked. The Nashville Social Club has named Tony Schafer as Executive Chef. Schafer brings considerable culinary chops to the Dining and Entertainment venue scheduled to open in late spring.
Owned by husband-and-wife John Procaccini and Kitty McKay, the project is a dynamic expression of their spirit, combining his extensive experience in the music business and her successful restaurant, catering and hospitality background.
“The vibe of our menu is hip, southern comfort food, so we were seeking a 'kitchen soulmate' who could infuse modern inspiration into nostalgic dishes,” McKay said. "From the earliest days of casting our vision for the Nashville Social Club, Chef Tony is who we pictured as our Head Chef. He is creative, energetic, award-winning, collaborative and kind.”
Schafer says he’s excited to join the team. “I hope to serve up the best southern food Carson City has ever tasted. We will also focus on healthier takes on traditional preparations, so folks feel good after dining with us. Many of our menu items are iconic southern offerings that are completely new to our area. And while I can’t share the secret yet, watch for the debut of some mighty ‘sexy’ dishes.”
Schafer began cooking when he was barely tall enough to reach the counter. “I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, so we often had to get creative in the kitchen and experiment a bit,” he said. “My dad and stepmom were always doing something new or cool in the kitchen. I loved being part of it.” He says one of his favorite memories was falling asleep to the Food Network Channel.
Schafer began his professional career at 14 working at a popular restaurant in Quincy, California. He enjoyed taking part in his high school’s culinary classes before enrolling in the Feather River College’s Culinary Arts Program. He also spent several years at the popular Longboard’s Bar and Grill in Graeagle, California before making his “executive chef” debut at Chalet View Lodge, also in Graeagle, at just 23 years old.
Throughout his career he’s received numerous awards including 1st Place two years in a row at the People’s Choice Award at Taste of Plumas in Quincy, and 2nd Place Judge’s Choice at the Autumn Food and Wine Festival at NorthStar.
He has also worked at Liberty Food and Wine Exchange in Reno as Executive Banquet Chef. “While there, I was really proud of a program I was involved with called ‘Delivering with Dignity’. We prepared and delivered nourishing meals to people who were unable to leave their homes during the COVID pandemic.”
When asked why he loves cooking he’s quick to answer. “Joy. Good food brings joy to just about everyone. I also love the sense of community it gives me, working in the kitchen, feeding customers who become friends and extended family.” Kitty chimed in, “After what each of us has been through these last few years, we all need some home-spun healing, like that feeling of being wrapped in the warmth of sitting at grandma's kitchen table.”
McKay continued, "Love All Y'all isn’t a slogan for us. It is woven into everything we do, and Tony totally gets it. You can see it reflected in our food philosophy, too, with offerings for every kind of eater. Whether you'll be saying: 'slather-my-biscuit-with-butter-and honey-baby', or you crave scrumptious gluten free, plant-based, keto or paleo selections, we've got you covered."
The Nashville Social Club is located at 1105 S. Carson Street. They’ll be serving up lunch and dinner Wednesday- Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Sunday, featuring a “Saints and Sinners” Brunch.
To join the mailing list (and stay on top of the developing happenings) or to explore employment and entertainment options, visit www.thenashvilleclub.com.
