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Culinary Innovation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Team Lead

Nashville, TN

$19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across the country. We foster a culture built on five core values ...

Team Lead

Antioch, TN

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across the country. We foster a culture built on five core values ...

Team Lead

Alcoa, TN

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across the country. We foster a culture built on five core values ...

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 ...

Chef Manager / Dining Director - Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are Canteen.   Job Summary Join a team where culinary excellence meets innovation. We're seeking a forward-thinking, hospitality-driven Chef Manager/Dining Directo r to lead our corporate café ...

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position requires a seasoned culinary professional with a passion for innovation, a commitment to quality, and the ability to inspire and guide the kitchen staff. What You Will Do * Responsible ...

Chef de Cuisine

Memphis, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

... culinary environment that values innovation, quality, and teamwork. We offer opportunities for growth, professional development, and a supportive workplace culture dedicated to excellence.

Sous Chef

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Innovation: Continuously strive to innovate and improve culinary programs and services. Encourage creativity and new ideas within the kitchen team to enhance member satisfaction and operational ...

Posted today

Registered Dietitian - Part Time

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and plan Sodexo-branded menu systems to align with strategic culinary goals. * Lead recipe creation and raw material development to support menu innovation and consistency. * Manage food cost ...

Registered Dietitian - Part Time

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and plan Sodexo-branded menu systems to align with strategic culinary goals. * Lead recipe creation and raw material development to support menu innovation and consistency. * Manage food cost ...

Registered Dietitian - Part Time

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and plan Sodexo-branded menu systems to align with strategic culinary goals. * Lead recipe creation and raw material development to support menu innovation and consistency. * Manage food cost ...

Registered Dietitian - Part Time

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$48K - $63K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and plan Sodexo-branded menu systems to align with strategic culinary goals. * Lead recipe creation and raw material development to support menu innovation and consistency. * Manage food cost ...

Executive Sous Chef

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

We pride ourselves on creating programs and providing dining services with the strength of a national program and the flexibility and innovation of an industry leader. We pair superior culinary ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$72K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Executive Chef will shape menu innovation, uphold technical excellence, and lead a high-performance culinary team capable of executing refined Asian cuisine at the highest level. The ideal ...

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the ... Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or related experience; 2 years minimum * Strong ...

Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the Food Scientist will play a crucial role in the ... Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or related experience; 2 years minimum * Strong ...

Showing results 41-60

Culinary Innovation information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$30

How much do culinary innovation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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.

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.

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Culinary Innovation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,778 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$19.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

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. We are a rapidly growing restaurant company dedicated to providing wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that delights our guests and nourishes communities. With a commitment to quality ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional guest experiences, we are expanding our footprint across the country.

We foster a culture built on five core values:   

·        Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others

·        Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious

·        Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt

·        Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility

·        Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose

The Role:

Our Team Leaders (“TL”) play a key role in bringing our mission, values, and competencies to life for guests and team members in our restaurants. TLs support performance success in partnership with our Assistant General Managers and General Managers by leading the team daily, promoting a positive work environment, and delivering on our commitments to our guests. TLs work collaboratively with teams by delegating routines and important tasks, ensuring standards are executed, and support the training and development of other Team Members.  

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
 

Qualifications:

·        Work closely with Managers and Team Members to bring the spirit of hospitality to our guests and create quality food

·        Coach, develop, and support the cross training of Team Members as our business continues to grow

·        Support the overall restaurant experience and execute key duties including but not limited to opening and closing the restaurant, placing food orders, conducting inventory, and cash handling as needed

·        Support food safety initiatives and ensure that other Team Members follow proper food safety practices and cleanliness standards

·        Model sound decision making and help resolve issues that may arise

·        Support deployment practices on your scheduled shift to ensure heightened levels of service interactions with guests, as well as prompt presentation of food orders   

What We Bring to the Table (Benefits):   
We’ve got you covered. Here are just some of the benefits available to CAVA Team Members:  

·        Early Wage Access* 

·        Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!*  

·        401k enrollment with CAVA contribution*   

·        Paid sick leave, parental leave, and community service leave*  

·        FREE CAVA Meal for every shift worked 

*indicates eligible qualifying positions

Physical Requirements: 

·        May stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds 

·        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 
 

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