ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Waitress Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWaitress JobsEntry Level Waitress JobsEntry Level Waitress Jobs in Tennessee

Entry Level Waitress information

What are some common challenges entry level waitresses face during their initial months, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level waitresses often face challenges such as managing multiple tables at once, remembering menu details, and effectively communicating with kitchen staff. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and handling customer requests can be overwhelming at first. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to ask questions, observe experienced coworkers, and practice active listening with customers. Developing good organization habits and staying calm under pressure will make the transition smoother and help build confidence on the job.

What does an entry level waitress do?

An entry level waitress is responsible for greeting customers, taking food and drink orders, serving meals, and ensuring guests have a positive dining experience. Other duties may include setting and clearing tables, answering questions about the menu, and handling customer payments. Entry level waitresses often work under the supervision of more experienced staff and receive on-the-job training to learn restaurant procedures and customer service skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level waitress, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Waitress, you need strong customer service skills, basic math abilities for handling payments, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and food safety protocols is often required. Outstanding communication, teamwork, and a positive attitude help create a welcoming dining experience and ease coordination with kitchen staff. These skills ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and smooth restaurant operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Waitress vs Hostess?

AspectEntry Level WaitressHostess
Primary ResponsibilitiesTaking orders, serving food, handling customer paymentsGreeting guests, managing reservations, seating customers
Work EnvironmentRestaurant floor, interacting directly with customersFront entrance, lobby, customer service area
Required SkillsCustomer service, communication, multitaskingCustomer service, organization, interpersonal skills
Typical CertificationsNone required, but food safety knowledge helpfulNone required

Entry Level Waitresses and Hostesses both work in restaurant settings, focusing on customer service. Waitresses primarily serve food and handle payments, while Hostesses manage guest seating and reservations. Both roles require strong communication skills and a friendly demeanor, but their responsibilities differ based on their position in the customer experience process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Waitress jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Waitress jobs in Tennessee are:
Entry Level Waitress jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Waitress job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Server / Waitstaff

Waffle House - Rocky Top Waffles

Maryville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

At Waffle House, we are not in the food business. We are in the People Business and we are hiring immediately for full time and part time servers (all shifts). 

Being in the People Business, we don’t just take care of our Customers. We take care of our people. Since 1955, we have provided a fulfilling, fun and rewarding career.

Why join us?

  1. With our best-in-class training, you’ll earn well above what you might earn as a Server at other similar restaurants.
  2. Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance available
  3. Flexible schedules – Full time or Part time, Day or Night shift / Overnight shift
  4. Opportunities to advance to supervisor or management positions
  5. 401k with company matching available
  6. You take home tips daily. Direct deposit and pay card available for weekly payout.

The Role:

As a server (waiter / waitress), your job is all about delivering the Waffle House experience to your Customers.

  1. You can expect to be on your feet, doing everything from taking orders to making sure our restaurant is clean and inviting
  2. We have a team environment but you will not have to share tips
  3. Our busiest time is the weekends, - where you can take home the most tip money. So, we’ll ask you to be available to work weekends and holidays

Requirements:

  1. Entry level, no experience required
  2. Must have a positive and friendly attitude
  3. Teens welcome but must be 18 years old + 

We are a strong, growing company dedicated to our Customers and Associates. We are hiring and would love to talk to you about being on our team.