1

Cooks Prep Cooks Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cooks

Alcoa, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Clarksville, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Morristown, TN ยท On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Hermitage, TN ยท On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Dickson, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Gallatin, TN

$13.50 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Springfield, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Gallatin, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Dickson, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Clarksville, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Springfield, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Hermitage, TN ยท On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Manchester, TN ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Morristown, TN ยท On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Franklin, TN ยท On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Lebanon, TN ยท On-site

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Prep Cooks

Cookeville, TN ยท On-site

$12.25 - $15.50/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Showing results 21-40

Cooks Prep Cooks information

What is a cook?

Cooks and prep cooks are culinary professionals who work in kitchens to prepare and cook food. Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring, ensuring everything is ready for the main cooking process. Cooks, on the other hand, handle the actual cooking of dishes, following recipes and presentation standards. Both roles require attention to detail, good time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Together, they help ensure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cook?

To thrive as a Cook or Prep Cook, you need solid food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, basic knife handling techniques, and adherence to food safety certifications like ServSafe are important. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure consistent food quality, safe kitchen operations, and smooth workflow in fast-paced culinary environments.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep cooks often work in fast-paced settings where managing time efficiently and maintaining attention to detail can be challenging. They must juggle multiple tasks, such as chopping ingredients, preparing sauces, and organizing supplies, all while adhering to strict food safety standards. Communication with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent delays during service. Adapting to changing menus or last-minute requests is also a frequent part of the role, requiring flexibility and quick thinking.

What is the difference between Cooks Prep Cooks vs Line Cooks?

AspectPrep CooksLine Cooks
ResponsibilitiesPrepare ingredients, wash, chop, and set up stationsCook dishes during service, follow recipes, and manage station
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, food safety certification often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep areas, early shifts, less pressureFront-line cooking stations, during service hours, high-pressure environment
Industry UsageCommon in restaurants, catering, and hospitalityEssential in restaurant kitchens, culinary establishments

Prep Cooks focus on preparing ingredients and setting up stations, while Line Cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require similar credentials and work in busy kitchen environments, but their responsibilities differ based on the stage of food preparation.

Do prep cooks make good money?

Prep cooks typically earn an hourly wage that varies by location and establishment, with median pay around minimum wage to slightly above. Experienced prep cooks or those working in high-end restaurants may earn higher wages, and some may receive tips or benefits. Overall, the pay is generally considered modest compared to more advanced culinary roles.

How much do prep cooks make a year?

Prep cooks typically earn an annual salary ranging from $20,000 to $30,000, depending on experience, location, and the establishment. Many prep cooks are paid hourly, with wages often between $10 and $15 per hour, and may receive benefits or overtime pay based on the employer's policies.

What qualifications do I need to be a prep cook?

Prep cooks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic cooking skills. Prior experience in food preparation, knowledge of kitchen safety, and the ability to follow recipes and instructions are often required. Some employers may also value food safety certifications such as ServSafe.

What are popular job titles related to Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Tennessee?

For Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Cooks Prep Cooks jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Cooks Prep Cooks job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooks Prep Cooks job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 67% Physical, and 33% Remote job distribution.

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

O'Charley's Restaurant + Barย is known for offering good food, good times and some of the most awesome job opportunities around.

That's because working at O'Charley's puts you in the company of friends and professionals who genuinely enjoy working with one another. In fact, O'Charley's is recognized as best in class by People Report and Chain Leader magazine for our team member referral program.

Full Time & Part Time Opportunities Available For:
Prep Cook

We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits:

  • Get Paid Quickerย - We pay our team members weekly
  • Growth Opportunitiesย - Approximately 50 percent ofย ourย management team started out as hourly team members.
  • Better quality of lifeย - no late night bar hours!
  • Paid Time Offย - Earn vacation based upon company policy
  • Discountsย - 25% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages for team members to enjoy with their family and friends outside of their work shift
  • Healthcare Coverageย - Restaurant hourly team members may become eligible for health and welfare plans the first of the month following an ACA measurement period in which average hours worked per week is 30 or greater.
  • Retirement Savings Planย - After 1 year of employment you are eligible to participate in the companyโ€™s 401(k) plan upon reaching 21 years of age.

OUR TEAM BRINGS A LOT TO THE TABLE!

Oโ€™Charleyโ€™s Restaurant + Bar is an equal opportunity / e-verify employer.

Ocharleys is a full service, casual dining restaurant chain with team member opportunities available throughout the US. At ocharley we offer great full time and part time restaurant culinary careers for prep cooks who have back of house preparation, cooking, chef / kitchen experience in a high volume restaurant environment.

**Coupon will be awarded after interview has been completed. Not valid on Combo Appetizer. No additional purchase necessary. One coupon per check. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Coupon required at time of purchase. Coupons that are duplicated or altered in any way will not be accepted. Not valid with delivery.**