Work life of Tim Kast, executive chef at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

By the way Bad Daddy’s burgers taste, you’d think that Tim Kast has been perfecting the art his whole career. That actually turns out to be pretty far from reality. Before moving to Charlotte about a year and a half ago, Kast was in southern California working in a fine dining restaurant that specializes in healthy foods. But when he got the call to come to the burger bar, he was more than ready.

“I just took a complete turnaround,” Kast told me. “I said, let’s start having some fun and see how big and outrageous we can make our burgers.”

Fascinating stuff. Here’s how he works.

Job title

Corporate Executive Chef, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar & Good Times Restaurants

Office location

I would have to say my office is in the kitchen of every Bad Daddy’s across the Charlotte region, but I do have an office in Pineville off of Westinghouse Rd that I hardly get to see

Commute

With restaurants from Ballantyne to Mooresville, i77 and I have become very well acquainted. On an average day I will travel over 100+ miles between home and our restaurants.

What do you do during your commute?

If I’m not on my bluetooth catching up on phone calls, I will be listening to NPR catching up on what is happening in the world.

Phone

iPhone 6 Plus

Desk photo

What type of computer do you use?

MacBook Air and iPad Air

Gadgets you can’t live without

A knife, digital scale and thermometer are a must

Do you listen to music while you work?

Honestly, some head banging techno always gets me pumped up in the kitchen

What software are you a power user of?

CTUIT (my recipe management software)

What’s your favorite spot for a business lunch? Your order?

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar all the way! I have all my lunch meetings at our Dilworth restaurant on East Blvd. If I can’t tackle one of our massive burgers, the Stella Chicken Salad hits the spot perfectly.

Social media habits

I’m pretty exclusive to Instagram, I can’t get enough of #BurgerPorn or #GoodEats

To-do list manager:

My MS Exchange Calendar chimes several times a day to keep me on task. Otherwise my longterm projects are organized using SmartSheets

What everyday thing are you really good at?

Being a Dad to my 4 month old daughter!!

What’s your one favorite thing about your job?

Acting like a mad scientist in the Bad Daddy’s Test Kitchen, can’t complain about being paid to play with knives and fire.

Best time-saving shortcut or Charlotte life hack

Time Saving Shortcut: I try to knock out short email responses as they come in. Once they start piling up throughout the day, I will never get back to them. Charlotte Life Hack: I know this is going to sound crazy, but try a date night at the Charlotte Whole Foods. My wife and I can indulge with a pint of beer or glass of wine in the 2nd floor lounge while enjoying a nice cheese plate or fresh sushi. We will then plan our meals for the week and get the grocery shopping done.

Sleep routine

Sleep? What is that? With a 4 month old daughter at home, we are still trying to find a routine

Where do you go around Charlotte to get away from the office?

On my days off I enjoy working outside in my home garden during the Spring and Summer then wood working projects in the garage during the Autumn and Winter.

What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

2 shots of espresso and a quinoa granola bar. A small breakfast because you do a lot of on the job eating as a chef

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing?

Living on a farm, making my own cheese and growing my own vegetables.

Best job advice you’ve received?

Always learning, Always Teaching. Pass on all your knowledge to your subordinates. You will never move up in the world unless you have your replacement trained and ready to take your job

Last book you read (and grade it on a A-F scale):

5 Minute Bed Time Stories (A+++) Get’s my daughter to sleep every time!!

Last movie you watched (and grade it on a A-F scale):

Star Wars, The Force Awakens (A)

What’s one thing people don’t know about Charlotte that they should?

People don’t realize how much of a melting pot Charlotte is. You get to interact with people from all parts of the country and walks of life every day.

Images provided by Tim Kast and Bad Daddy’s.