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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

One year of commercial kitchen/cooking experience * Someone with reliable transportation * Reading ... Clean and maintain stations while practicing good safety and sanitation * Assist with the cleaning ...

Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

One year of commercial kitchen/cooking experience * Someone with reliable transportation * Reading ... Clean and maintain stations while practicing good safety and sanitation * Assist with the cleaning ...

Dietary Cook

Hermitage, TN · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Dietary Service Supervisor, Administrator, Assistant Administrator Key Responsibilities of the Dietary Cook: * Assist in supervising dietary functions and personnel, fostering a collaborative kitchen ...

Dietary Cook / Assistant Cook

Sparta, TN · On-site

$12 - $14.25/hr

Must have, or be willing to learn, food preparation and cooking skills * Must have knowledge of, or ... or assistant manager is not available * Has a thorough understanding of all regulations (local ...

Dietary Cook / Assistant Cook

Sparta, TN

$12 - $14.25/hr

Must have, or be willing to learn, food preparation and cooking skills. * Must have knowledge of ... the manager or assistant manager is not available. * Has a thorough understanding of all ...

Cook

Madison, TN · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

COOK JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Administrative Functions * Review menus prior to food ... Ensure that menus are maintained and filed according to facility policies and procedures. * Assist ...

Cook

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... * Assist in bakery prep or café operations as needed * Support a positive, respectful work environment Requirements Required: * Previous experience cooking in a restaurant, café, or commercial ...

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Monitor food freshness, proper storage, and rotation to minimize waste * Assist with food prep ... Previous experience as a cook, line cook, or in a professional kitchen preferred * Knowledge of ...

COOK

Clinton, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking and a strong desire to create delicious and ... - Assist with menu planning and development Requirements Requirements: - Proven experience as a ...

Cook

Gallatin, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

) Dietary Cook NOW OFFERING DAILY PAY Gallatin Center for Rehabilitation and Healing is seeking a ... Ensure that menus are maintained and filed according to facility policies and procedures. * Assist ...

COOK

Clinton, TN

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking and a strong desire to create delicious and ... - Assist with menu planning and development Requirements Requirements: - Proven experience as a ...

COOK

Clinton, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a passion for cooking and a strong desire to create delicious and ... and served in a timely manner - Assist with menu planning and development Requirements:

Hotel Bistro Cook

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$13 - $17.50/hr

... cooking a variety of menu items while maintaining high standards of food quality and guest ... Monitor inventory and assist in restocking kitchen supplies as needed * Follow health and safety ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What are some common challenges faced by Cooking Assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

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

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What are Cooking Assistants?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What does a Kitchen Assistant do?

A Kitchen Assistant supports food preparation and kitchen operations by cleaning utensils, assisting with ingredient organization, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and may handle tasks such as washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring a hygienic environment.

What are the duties of an assistant cook?

An assistant cook supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also help with inventory management, following safety and sanitation standards, and operating kitchen equipment. Good organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What does a cook assistant do?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision and following safety and hygiene standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Assistant, there are typically no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, good communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; some positions may require food handler certifications. Prior experience in food service can be beneficial but is not always necessary.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Cook

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Morning Pointe Senior Living rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

233rd of 240 rated social care providers


Job description

COOK

You have seasoned kitchen skills, a passion for delicious meals, and a spirit of hospitality. Come put those great traits to work in a place where you truly make a difference in people’s lives- Morning Pointe Senior Living!

As a Prep Cook, you’ll work with our kitchen team to expertly craft breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Attention to detail and quality care are important because your meals are something our residents look forward to every day.

These are some of the benefits you will receive by joining us:

  1. Flexible schedule with no more late nights!
  2. Staff Meals and Free Uniform Program
  3. Managers who work alongside you and respect your work
  4. Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, 401K with company match
  5. PTO and Holiday Pay
  6. “On-Demand Pay” available
  7. Employee Assistance Program
  8. Tuition Reimbursement Program
  9. Free Telehealth (Textcare)
  10. Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  11. Career Development Program
  12. Verizon Wireless Group Discount

We are looking for:

  1. One year of commercial kitchen/cooking experience
  2. Someone with reliable transportation
  3. Reading, writing, and basic math and verbal communication skills
  4. The ability to lift 50 lbs.
  5. The ability to use kitchen equipment safely
  6. Able to stand for long periods of time

Here is a sample of some of the things you will do during your shift:

  1. Treat your team and residents with a genuine sense of kindness and care
  2. Present yourself in a professional manner with a great attitude
  3. Understand that honesty and ethics are an essential part of your success
  4. Use your skills and attention to detail to consistently create delicious meals
  5. Enjoy your work and understand your efforts have true purpose
  6. Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner
  7. Follow recipes and presentation specifications
  8. Operate standard kitchen equipment safety and efficiently
  9. Clean and maintain stations while practicing good safety and sanitation
  10. Assist with the cleaning and organization of kitchen and equipment
  11. Restock items as needed throughout the shift
  12. Adhere to all sanitation and food production codes

Prep Cooks are expected to accomplish tasks outside of their scheduled station whenever necessary including expediting food and assisting in the dish station. As part of a team-oriented environment, Cooks assist in training opportunities and offer help to other areas and staff in need.





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