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Food Services Associate Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Food Service Shift: Evening Department: Food Services Full Time- Evenings, Varied hours and Varied Days Great care starts with great people. (Like you.) At HonorHealth, you'll find something special.

Food Service Associate

Sevierville, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Greeneville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Gray, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$12 - $15.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Maryville, TN · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Kodak, TN · On-site

$12 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Dandridge, TN · On-site

$10.75 - $14/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Kingsport, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

Food Service Associate

Rogersville, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $14.75/hr

Food Service Associates should expect to be cross trained in multiple areas with varying ... services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food ...

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Food Services Associate information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do food services associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for food services associate in Tennessee is $14.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food services associate?

Food Services Associates are professionals who assist in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of meals in various establishments such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and cafeterias. Their responsibilities often include taking food orders, serving meals to customers or patients, maintaining cleanliness in dining and kitchen areas, and ensuring food safety standards are met. They play a crucial role in providing excellent customer service and supporting the overall operation of the food service environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food services associate?

To thrive as a Food Services Associate, you need basic food handling knowledge, attention to cleanliness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and kitchen equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills help you succeed in a fast-paced environment. These abilities ensure safe food preparation, positive customer experiences, and efficient service operations.

What are some common challenges faced by food services associates when working during peak meal times?

Food Services Associates often encounter high-pressure situations during peak meal times, such as lunch and dinner rushes. Managing large volumes of orders while maintaining accuracy and ensuring food safety can be challenging. Effective communication with kitchen staff and staying organized are essential to prevent delays or mistakes. Adapting to fast-paced environments and handling customer inquiries with professionalism are also important skills for success in this role.

What is the difference between Food Services Associate vs Food Service Worker?

AspectFood Services AssociateFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schoolsRestaurants, cafeterias, hospitals, schools
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare, education, and hospitality sectorsWidely used across food service establishments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, serving, cleaning, customer serviceServing food, cleaning, basic food prep

The Food Services Associate and Food Service Worker roles are similar in credentials, work environment, and industry usage. Both positions involve food handling, customer service, and cleaning tasks in various food service settings. The main difference often lies in specific job duties or employer terminology, but they are generally interchangeable in many establishments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Services jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Food Services jobs in Tennessee are:

What job categories do people searching Food Services Associate jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Services Associate jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Food Services Associate jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Food Services Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Services Associate job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,776 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Food Service Manager

Winchester, TN • On-site


Food City

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 663 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 123 rated grocery stores

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents

Respectful managers


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

About the Job:
As a key member of the store management team, the responsibilities of the Food Service Manager include providing exceptional customer service, leading by example, driving sales by effectively merchandizing fresh product in the department and building a productive staff through team work and effective recruiting and training. Food Service Managers are responsible for achieving or exceeding the overall department financial projections, weekly and annually, through sound business practices contributing to the profitability of the store.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Provide and promote exceptional customer service at all times in support of the company mission to "Run the Best Store in Town!"
  • Lead by example and set the standard for customer service, associate relations, cleanliness, sanitation, professional appearance, and overall profitability
  • Maintain a positive attitude; create an atmosphere of friendliness and fun through flexibility and teamwork.
  • Generate a positive, friendly, and fun working environment with a customer first initiative by encouraging associates to greet and speak to customers, provide prompt, courteous, and efficient customer service.
  • Interact professionally with management team, associates, supervision, and customers
  • Manage inventory and labor costs in the department through proper sales projection planning
  • Responsible for overall staffing of Food Service Department by following Best Practice Guidelines for Recruiting, Selecting, Hiring, Orienting, Training, and Developing value added Food City Associates, and maintaining adequate staffing levels
  • Ensure work schedules are posted timely and per company requirements to ensure adequate staffing for weekly sales projections and customer service levels
  • Provide Food Service Department associates with training and development in required skills and areas of job responsibilities
  • Implement and enforce all marketing programs and merchandising plans including plan-o-grams
  • Prepare work schedule that adheres to engineered labor standard guidelines
  • Complete all department paperwork adhering to Model Store standards including annual performance reviews including periodic department inventory
  • Communicate on a regular basis with the store manager, department managers, and all Food Service associates providing them with information or instruction
  • Follow and implement all policies and procedures including all local, state, and federal regulations as it pertains to the Food Service department
  • Inspect and rotate product on a regular basis while maintaining close dated items on Electronic Short Date List
  • Maintain a clean and safe department according to company standards utilizing Sanitation schedules and daily to-do lists

Qualifications:
  • Associate degree or equivalent work experience
  • 3 years' experience in Food Service Department operations
  • Must be able to resolve differences and diffuse difficult situations (customers and associates) through diplomatic means
  • Must be knowledgeable in various training methods
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written instructions, perform routine and repetitive tasks, and have constant contact/interaction with various levels of individuals on a daily basis
  • Flexibility in work hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must have excellent problem-solving skills
  • Must be able to lead by example to give Food City Customers their best shopping experience
  • Knowledge of Food City policies and procedures
  • Expertise of all job duties associates must perform in each area of responsibility
  • Ability to attend on-site work during scheduled shifts to adhere to company time and attendance policies

Benefits of working for Food City:
401(k) with company match, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Weekly Pay Checks with Direct Deposit, Company paid Life and Disability Insurance, Medical Plan with wellness benefits, Dental Plan, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacations, Associate Offers, and so much more!
About Food City:
Food City is a privately held, family-owned company with a driving mission to 'run the best store in town.' Dedicated to giving back to the communities we serve, we encourage our associates to get involved with their local civic organizations. We consider our associates to be our greatest asset. Over 13% of the company is currently owned by our associates through our employee stock ownership plan, promoting tremendous pride in the services and products we provide. Whether your passion is baking, accounting, or trucking, Food City has a promising career opportunity for you. We offer flexible schedules to ensure our associates have ample time to spend with family and friends. If you're looking for a great career or the opportunity to try something different, consider becoming part of the Food City family.

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