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Chef Jobs in Portland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. Lettuce Entertain You is bringing a new, late-night taco and drink spot to Nashville ...

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

SOUS CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. Lettuce Entertain You is bringing a new, late-night taco and drink spot to Nashville ...

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Aug 17, 2026 Summary The Senior Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef in the daily kitchen operations, supervising the culinary team, ensuring food quality and consistency ...

New

Executive Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

Roze Pony is looking for an Executive Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. Searching for highly motivated and positive individuals that enjoy leading a team. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Head Sushi Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$1.4K - $1.7K/wk

Position Overview The Head Sushi Chef leads culinary execution at the venue and sets the tone for both the team and the guest experience. This hands-on role calls for an accomplished sushi chef who ...

Chef de Cuisine

Nashville, TN

$64K - $87K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Naked Farmer is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant group with multiple locations, cooking and serving scratch-made, healthy, and affordable meals. Our restaurants celebrate the ...

Banquets- Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Support Banquet Chef in all related duties * Support, lead and motivate all banquet kitchen staff * Provide Internal Guests with coaching and counseling as needed to achieve performance objectives ...

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

The Senior Sous Chef is responsible for supporting the Executive Sous Chef in the daily kitchen operations, supervising the culinary team, ensuring food quality and consistency, managing kitchen ...

New

Senior Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Lead and mentor Sous Chefs, line cooks, and other kitchen staff, providing guidance and professional development. * Collaborate with the Executive Sous Chef on menu development, recipe ...

Sushi Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

The menu from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan will feature signature maki, handrolls, San-Sets, nigiri and sashimi along with Sizzling Rice, binchotan robata grilled dishes and more. Along with a robust ...

Chef Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

The Chef De Cuisine for Vanderbilt Campus Dining is responsible for supporting the leadershipandoversightoftheday-to-dayculinaryoperationsinanassigneddininghall.The Chef De Cuisine will provide hands ...

New

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K/yr

Looking to hire a Sous Chef for Geist. Must have at least 2 year experience in a kitchen manager role. More detail about Geist Restaurant, please visit -Geist-Restaurant

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Looking to hire a Sous Chef for Geist. Must have at least 2 year experience in a kitchen manager role. More detail about Geist Restaurant, please visit

Chef de Cuisine

Nashville, TN · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Seeking a culture driven, organized and energetic Chef de Cuisine (CDC) for our NEW Village Whiskey concept opening in the Gulch. Featuring a comprehensive selection of more than 200 whiskeys ...

Executive Sous Chef

Hendersonville, TN

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club | Hendersonville, TN | Invited Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Executive Sous Chef

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

Executive Sous Chef at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club | Hendersonville, TN | Invited Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Executive Sous Chef

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

Executive Sous Chef at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club | Hendersonville, TN | Invited Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Showing results 21-40

Chef information

See Portland, TN salary details

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$22

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How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Portland, TN is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Portland, TN?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Portland, TN are:

What cities near Portland, TN are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Portland, TN with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Portland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,493 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

$55K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 88 rated restaurants


Job description


Opening early Fall 2026 in the middle of the Broadway action, Tacos El Terry is a high-energy, quick-service taqueria. We will focus on a simple, quality menu featuring 4–5 made-to-order tacos, chips, guacamole, and fresh salsas. Every taco is made-to-order and served on fresh handmade tortillas. Our beverage program will focus on the classics; margaritas, palomas, and ice-cold beer. We are seeking a foundational team of hospitality and culinary professionals to operate this high-volume and exciting Broadway location on Nashville’s most iconic street.


Tacos El Terry in Nashville is Hiring Now: SOUS CHEF!

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. Lettuce Entertain You is bringing a new, late-night taco and drink spot to Nashville's bustling Broadway! Join our team and help us launch the city's next go-to destination for great food and drinks. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities.

A Few of Our Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Quarterly Bonus
  • Paid Time Off - including Paid Holidays, Personal Days & Vacation
  • 401(k)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a commitment to mental health & wellness

 

Why Work With Lettuce? 

Lettuce is a culinary-driven restaurant company with a genuine commitment to our people: we welcome unique perspectives and nurture diverse talents at 130+ locations, supported by our Culture of Caring. If you’re ready to be a part of what we do next, then explore your possibilities at Lettuce and apply today!
We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify


  • Run BOH shifts and ensure effective and efficient BOH shifts and operations including food prep and cooking, ensure adequate inventory levels of food and supplies, and supervise the kitchen, dish and all other BOH teams
  • Lead BOH pre-shift meetings and participating in line, temp and cooler checks and food tastings for the shift
  • Partner with GM and/or designated managers/chefs to regularly review and maintain recipe books
  • Perform regular line checks throughout the day to ensure quality of all menu items
  • Purchase and order food product and supplies for the restaurant including daily product order
  • Assist with tracking and controlling food cost
  • Ensure effective communication of food production and timing issues, needs, and special requests between front of house (FOH) and BOH
  • Partner with GM and management team to interview, hire, onboard, train, supervise and develop all BOH employees and teams as needed
  • Model and promote teamwork across all teams
  • Use tact and good judgment when dealing with challenges pertaining to guests, vendors and employees, and respond with patience and courtesy
  • Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple sites with or without overnight travel, as needed
  • Move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds

  • 2-3 years of sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant
  • Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff
  • Must be comfortable working late hours, restaurant operates until 3:00 AM

USD $55,000.00 - USD $75,000.00 /Yr.

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