Culinary Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

**Position Overview**

The Culinary Supervisor plays a key leadership role in the JWB Grill kitchen, helping deliver the perfect blend of coastal flavors, Southern comfort, and island-inspired dishes that keep guests “wasting away in paradise” — even in the heart of Music City. This hands-on position requires previous line cook experience and the ability to jump on the line during peak times, run the expo window, and seamlessly orchestrate communication between the back of house and front of house teams. You’ll help maintain the fun, high-volume energy of a bustling Nashville restaurant while upholding Margaritaville’s standards for quality, consistency, and tropical hospitality.

**Summary**

The Culinary Supervisor manages daily kitchen operations at JWB Grill, ensuring exceptional food service with a signature Margaritaville twist. You will enforce strict safety and sanitation policies, manage food inventories and vendor deliveries, oversee food preparation, and contribute to menu execution that highlights fresh seafood, Southern-inspired favorites, coastal classics, and crowd-pleasing items like our signature cheeseburger. With proven success as a cook, you maintain a hands-on approach — especially when prepping the kitchen for high-energy service. You bring strong planning and execution skills, the ability to evaluate production flow, and the leadership to influence pace, speed, and accuracy during both a la carte service and any banquet or event needs. Your positive influence keeps the kitchen clean, organized, and running smoothly, even when troubleshooting arises in our fast-paced downtown environment.

**Qualifications**

- Minimum 3 years of cooking experience, preferably in high-volume restaurants or resorts.

- Previous line cook experience is required, with the ability to relieve stations during busy periods, run the expo window, and coordinate between BOH and FOH.

- One year of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

- Food/Beverage Service Worker Permit (where applicable).

- Some knowledge of wine, craft cocktails, and fine food pairings is helpful (especially with our tropical margaritas and Tennessee libations).

- Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.

- Strong communication skills with both guests and team members.

- Open availability is required, including nights, weekends, and holidays — because the party doesn’t stop in paradise.

- Thursday-Sunday closing shifts are required!

**Performance Standards**

- **Customer Service**: Deliver service that enhances guest satisfaction in true Margaritaville style; respond to guest questions or special requests (like customizing a “Cheeseburger in Paradise”) professionally and promptly.

- **Work Habits**: Uphold hotel and brand standards for procedures, grooming, attendance, and punctuality in our lively downtown setting.

- **Personal Development**: Embrace opportunities to learn island-inspired techniques, improve performance, and cross-train while solving problems with a positive, “no worries” attitude.

- **Safety and Security**: Stay alert to hazards and actively contribute to a safe, fun environment for team members and guests.

- **Food/Beverage Presentation**: Plate dishes that are attractive, appetizing, and full of tropical flair — from vibrant seafood presentations to perfectly garnished Southern favorites.

- **Food/Beverage Preparation**: Use only quality ingredients; prepare items according to Margaritaville recipes and guest specifications while minimizing waste.

- **Sanitation**: Maintain impeccable standards to prevent food-borne illness and pass all health inspections with flying colors.

- **Supervision**: Build and develop a team that delivers consistent, high-energy service; provide timely, constructive feedback and accurate documentation.

**Essential Functions**

- Select, train, supervise, develop, discipline, and counsel kitchen team members in accordance with Margaritaville Hotel and brand policies.

- Assist in directing and correcting food presentation, portioning, and plating to meet JWB Grill standards.

- Communicate effectively with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef on any issues, special events, guest feedback, or team performance.

- Coordinate all food orders efficiently between kitchen stations and servers, especially during high-volume periods near Bridgestone Arena or Nissan Stadium events.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work area that reflects the fun, tropical spirit of Margaritaville.

- Monitor quality and consistency of all food leaving the line, with special attention to coastal and Southern-inspired dishes.

- Report unsafe conditions immediately.

- Ensure proper plate presentation and food quality across all restaurant lines.

- Set up, restock, maintain, and clean food preparation areas.

- Direct purchasing to guarantee proper quality and quantities of ingredients.

- Demonstrate strong knowledge of sanitation and safe food handling practices.

- Ensure daily specials and new menu items are prepared on time and to specification.

- Step into any supervised position as needed to support the team.

- Prepare food according to current menus, recipe cards, and plating guides.

- Help implement new menu items under the direction of the Executive Chef.

- Attend all mandatory meetings and complete other duties as assigned, including cross-training.

- Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time.

This role is perfect for a passionate, energetic culinary professional who thrives in a high-volume, guest-focused environment and wants to bring island vibes and Southern soul to every plate at JWB Grill* in Margaritaville Hotel Nashville.