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Culinary Innovation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cracker Barrel

Manager Culinary Innovation

Lebanon, TN · On-site

Bachelors or Culinary Arts degree and/or 5-7 years culinary experience with exposure to daily food service/restaurant operations or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and ...

Cracker Barrel

Manager Culinary Innovation

Lebanon, TN · On-site

Bachelors or Culinary Arts degree and/or 5-7 years culinary experience with exposure to daily food service/restaurant operations or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and ...

Circle K

Director of Proprietary & MTO

Nashville, TN · On-site

This position partners closely with Culinary Innovation, Category Management, Operations, Training, Supply Chain, Technology, and Quality Assurance to deliver best-in-class MTO programs that drive ...

Valor Hospitality Partners

$67K - $92K/yr

Lead Innovation. Inspire Culinary Excellence. Create a Legacy! The Award-Winning Harpeth Hotel is looking for an Executive Chef to lead all aspects of the culinary operations and help shape the ...

KANE BROWN'S

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$68K - $76K/yr

The Executive Chef will define the menu narrative, drive culinary innovation rooted in Southern influence, and maintain uncompromising standards of excellence in execution, hospitality, and financial ...

Compass Group

Executive Sous Chef - FedExForum

Memphis, TN

$63K - $80K/yr

Drive continuous culinary innovation aligned with venue events and clientele Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an ...

Compass Group

Executive Sous Chef - FedExForum

Memphis, TN

$63K - $80K/yr

Drive continuous culinary innovation aligned with venue events and clientele Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an ...

Compass Group

Executive Sous Chef - FedExForum

Memphis, TN · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

Drive continuous culinary innovation aligned with venue events and clientele Curious about Life at Levy? Check it out: Levy Culture Levy is a member of Compass Group USA. Compass Group/Levy is an ...

CAVA

Team Lead

Nashville, TN

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA

Team Lead

Hixson, TN

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA

Team Lead

Knoxville, TN · On-site

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA - Green Hills

Team Lead

Nashville, TN · On-site

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA - 21st Avenue

Team Lead

Nashville, TN · On-site

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA - Paul Huff Parkway

Team Lead

Cleveland, TN

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA - Century Farms

Team Lead

Nashville, TN · On-site

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CAVA - Bearden Station

Team Lead

Knoxville, TN

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, andexceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across thecountry. We foster a culture built on five core values:

CKE Restaurants

Supply Chain Agent

Franklin, TN · On-site

Works closely with Quality Control, Culinary Innovation, and Inventory Management to overcome obstacles. * Support Marketing initiatives, including limited-time offers (LTOs) and new menu items, by ...

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Culinary Innovation information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$30

How much do culinary innovation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary innovation in Tennessee is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a professional in Culinary Innovation typically collaborate with other departments within a food company?

Professionals in Culinary Innovation regularly work cross-functionally with teams such as product development, marketing, quality assurance, and supply chain. They often translate culinary trends and consumer preferences into viable product concepts, collaborating with food scientists to ensure recipes are scalable and meet safety standards. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they participate in brainstorming sessions, attend product tastings, and provide culinary expertise during product launches. This collaborative environment allows them to influence multiple stages of the product lifecycle and see their ideas brought to market.

What is the difference between Culinary Innovation vs Food Scientist?

AspectCulinary InnovationFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees, culinary arts experienceFood science degrees, certifications in food safety and technology
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D kitchens, culinary labsResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, food development centers
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, food companies, culinary startupsFood manufacturing, research institutions, regulatory agencies

While both roles focus on food development, Culinary Innovation emphasizes creating new recipes and culinary concepts, often in a kitchen setting. Food Scientists focus on the scientific aspects of food, including safety, preservation, and formulation, typically working in research labs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is culinary innovation?

Culinary innovation refers to the process of creating new food products, recipes, or dining experiences by combining creativity with culinary expertise. It often involves experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation to meet evolving consumer tastes and industry trends. Professionals in this field may work in restaurants, food manufacturing, or hospitality, collaborating with chefs and product developers to bring fresh ideas to the table. Culinary innovation helps businesses stay competitive by offering unique and exciting options to customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Culinary Innovation, and why are they important?

To excel in Culinary Innovation, you need a strong background in culinary arts, food science, and recipe development, often supported by experience in professional kitchens or a relevant degree. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and product development software is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help drive the creation of unique dishes and successful teamwork. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative food concepts that meet market demands and maintain high-quality standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Culinary Innovation jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Culinary Innovation jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Culinary Innovation job openings:
Culinary Innovation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Innovation job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,778 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Manager Culinary Innovation

Manager Culinary Innovation

Cracker Barrel

Lebanon, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Cracker Barrel rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 1,085 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 87 rated restaurants

Job description

They say you are the company you keep - and at Cracker Barrel, we take that seriously. At the Store Support Center, we're in the business of serving those who serve our guests. Whether you're designing solutions, telling our story, or setting our teams up for success, your work makes a difference every single day. Here, the work means more because we take pride in doing it together. So, join our team and find your place, because here...we're all in good company.

What You'll Do - You'll Make the Moment

  • Ideation and development of new menu recipes and promotional food items that perform equally in multiple cooking platforms (Core; S2E). Creates recipes and develops products from conceptualization through development and testing, including plate presentation and cost estimates. Collaborates with Marketing, FP&A, Operations, Strategic Sourcing and Training in the development of new menu and promotional products.
  • Provides Product Development perspective/expertise as needed to support all CBOCS initiatives to include S2E, Process Simplification, TO GO, Scalable Prototype, and etc.
  • Maintains up-to-date awareness of CBOCS operations, supplier capabilities and competitive positions through CBOCS, competitive and supplier visits.

Experience and Education:

  • Bachelors or Culinary Arts degree and/or 5-7 years culinary experience with exposure to daily food service/restaurant operations or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Knowledge of culinary arts/food technology.
  • Knowledge and understanding of food service industry trends.
  • Familiarity with consumer research (trends, methodology, etc.).
  • Extensive knowledge of proper food safety (handling and storage) and service techniques; general understanding of quality assurance.
  • Extensive knowledge of CBOCS restaurant equipment and both operational platforms.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical and math skills.

Focus on You

We're all about making sure you're taken care of too. Here's what's in it for you:

  • Good Work Deserves Good Pay: Competitive Annual Salary | Annual Bonus Opportunities

  • Support That Goes Beyond the Clock: Medical, Rx, Dental and Vision Benefits on Day 1| Life Insurance and Disability Coverage | Paid Vacation/Employee Assistance Program

  • Grow and Thrive Your Way: Business Resource Groups | Tuition Reimbursement | Professional Development

  • Culture of Belonging: Support that starts on day one | Onboarding, training, and development to help you thrive | Recognition programs and employee events that bring us together

  • Invest in Your Future: 401k Plan with Company Matching Contributions at 90 days | Employee Stock Purchase Program

  • More Perks, Just Because: 35% Discount on Cracker Barrel Food and Retail items | Exclusive Biscuit Perks like discounts on home, travel, cell phones, and more!

A Little About Us

Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has been a place to gather around delicious food, abundant servings, unexpected finds, and a warm welcome. Over time, it's become even more - somewhere folks can reconnect and feel at home. With more than 70,000 team members nationwide, we take pride in our roots -- always serving up more than a meal.

See for yourself. Apply now.

Cracker Barrel is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or any other class expressly protected by law.

What Cracker Barrel employees say

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Cracker Barrel logo

About Cracker Barrel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Quite simple, really. It starts with quality food served with care. Offering warm welcomes and friendly service. It takes a dedication to pleasing people and treating our guests and staff like family. Maybe that’s why, for more than 50 years, millions of folks have trusted Cracker Barrel as a home-away-from-home where they can get a warm, comforting meal. It’s a trust we take seriously and couldn’t be more grateful for. And it’s a trust we’ve earned as a homegrown business dedicated to treating our guests to the very best – delicious, hand-prepared fare that’s sourced with love and served with a smile.

Industry

Restaurants

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lebanon, TN, US

Year founded

1969

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