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Cook Helper Jobs in Columbia, TN (NOW HIRING)

CAVA

Grill Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$18.50/hr

Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics. What You ...

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Utility Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Utility Cooks help ensure the restaurant operates efficiently by supporting prep production, maintaining organized workspaces, and keeping all kitchen equipment and dishware clean and available for ...

Hawkers Asian Street Fare

Utility Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Utility Cooks help ensure the restaurant operates efficiently by supporting prep production, maintaining organized workspaces, and keeping all kitchen equipment and dishware clean and available for ...

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Utility Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Utility Cooks help ensure the restaurant operates efficiently by supporting prep production, maintaining organized workspaces, and keeping all kitchen equipment and dishware clean and available for ...

Hawkers Asian Street Food

Utility Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Utility Cooks help ensure the restaurant operates efficiently by supporting prep production, maintaining organized workspaces, and keeping all kitchen equipment and dishware clean and available for ...

Chartwell Hospitality

Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The goal is to help preserve and enhance our reputation so we can expand our clientele ... Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff * Answer, report and follow ...

Pilot Companies LLC

Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Someone to work as a team player, follow instructions, and help us delight our customers with delicious food from our menu. In addition to cooking prowess, great communication and organizational ...

Hhs

Cook

Nashville, TN

$19/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

HHS LLC

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$19/hr

Responsibilities Cook Wage: $19/hour Full-time position available Day/Evening/Night shifts ... help the department operate efficiently Qualifications * Minimum of 2 years of experience in a ...

Encompass Health

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Join us in a culinary journey that goes beyond the kitchen and resonates with the warmth of helping others. If you're ready to infuse your love for cooking into a career that matters, your next ...

Tmc Hospitality

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Help create a positive, collaborative kitchen environment. What We're Looking For * Previous line cook experience in a restaurant, hotel, or high-volume kitchen preferred. * Comfortable working ...

Zaxby's

Cook

Franklin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

We're looking for enthusiastic Cooks to join our team and help deliver a delicious experience for our guests. Whether you're looking for part-time or full-time hours, we have a spot for you! Why ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCook Helper JobsCook Helper Jobs in Columbia, TN

Cook Helper information

See Columbia, TN salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do cook helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook helper in Columbia, TN is $15.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook helper?

Cook Helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing and serving food in kitchens. Their duties often include washing and chopping ingredients, cleaning kitchen equipment, organizing supplies, and helping with basic cooking tasks. They play an essential role in maintaining kitchen hygiene and ensuring that food preparation runs smoothly and efficiently. Cook Helpers typically work in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, or other food service establishments.

What are some common challenges cook helpers face during busy meal service times?

Cook Helpers often face the challenge of working efficiently under pressure during peak meal service times. They must keep up with rapidly changing orders, maintain cleanliness, and ensure ingredients are prepped and available for cooks. Balancing speed with attention to detail is crucial, as mistakes can impact food quality and kitchen workflow. Strong communication and teamwork help Cook Helpers support chefs and contribute to a smooth, successful service.

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

To thrive as a Cook Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory tracking systems is beneficial. Strong teamwork, time management, and the ability to follow instructions help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, food safety, and effective support for chefs and cooks.

What is the difference between Cook Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectCook HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skillsHigh school diploma; general kitchen knowledge
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, food service establishments
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service industry to assist cooksUsed across various food service settings to support kitchen operations

Cook Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles often overlap, with both supporting kitchen staff in food prep and cleaning. However, Cook Helpers typically focus more on assisting cooks with specific culinary tasks, while Kitchen Assistants handle broader support duties like cleaning and basic prep. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

What are popular job titles related to Cook Helper jobs in Columbia, TN?

For Cook Helper jobs in Columbia, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Columbia, TN are hiring for Cook Helper jobs?

Cities near Columbia, TN with the most Cook Helper job openings:

Cook Helper jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Helper job openings in Columbia, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,638 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Grill Cook

CAVA

Franklin, TN • On-site

$18.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Grill Cook
At CAVA, we love what we do, and we try and make every day as fulfilling as the last.Our restaurants need team members to make the magic happen every day.Everyone matters and we're here to celebrate your growth.
Wefoster a culture built on five core values:

  • Positivity-Every one of us can change someone's day for the better.
  • Transparency-We use transparency to help us make decisions through open dialogue
  • Humility- We can always find ways to improve.
  • Fanaticism- We are passionate about the opportunity to turn every guest into a fanatic.
  • Thoughtfulness-We go above and beyond for our guests, our teams and communities.


The Role:
Grill cooks help create an exceptional experience for every guest who walks through our doors. By preparing top quality food in our open kitchens, our grill cooks help create CAVA fanatics.


What You'll Do:

  • Observe food safety, sanitation, and quality procedures
  • Follow recipes and procedures to maintain food quality and consistency
  • Adhere to safety and sanitation procedures and all CAVA standards
  • Restock cook stations and keep them clean and organized
  • Stand and/or walk for anentire shift
  • This role is constantly in motion to deliver mind-blowing meals to our guests
  • Put deliveries away, plus any additional duties assigned
  • Ability to cross train across the restaurant to ensure rapid growth
  • May stand for long periods of time andlift upto 50 pounds
  • Assist with any additional duties assigned


Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to bend and reach overhead often
  • Must possess dexterity to handle tongs, pots/pans, and other equipment
  • Must be comfortable working in temperatures ranging from hot to cold
  • Must be comfortable working near open flames
  • May be required to work in tight spaces
  • Must maintain near constant communication with multiple people
  • Close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision is required
  • Must be able to sit, squat and kneel occasionally
  • Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner
  • May be required to occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions

Benefits at CAVA?
We've got you covered. Here are just some of the benefits available to CAVA team members:

  • Competitivepay
  • Health,Dental,Vision,Telemedicine,PetInsuranceplus more!*
  • 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution*
  • Paid sick leave, parental leave, and community service leave*
  • FREE CAVA Meal for every shift worked
  • The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand
    *indicates eligible qualifying positions


As an equal opportunity employer,CAVAconsiders applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.

Team Member | Cook | Prep Cook | Grill Cook | Prep Crew | Line Cook | Customer Service | Restaurant | Part Time | Full Time | Team Member

Cava Grill logo

About Cava Grill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cava Grill, located in Washington, DC, US, operates within the fast-casual restaurant industry. It offers Mediterranean-inspired food and is well-known for its customizable meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Cava Grill’s sound reputation is built on its fresh, locally-sourced, and high-quality offerings. Founded by three childhood friends in 2006, Cava Grill now operates more than 85 restaurants across the country, demonstrating impressive growth in a short amount of time. The company places a significant emphasis on its values of authenticity, positivity, curiosity, and purpose and has a clear mission to build a culture of wellness and empower mindful living.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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