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Morning Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Your job is catching them in the morning. Consistency & Execution The Chef sets the spec; you make sure the line holds it. Portion, seasoning, temperature, plate build -- you check plates before they ...

Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Chef Athenian Hospitality Group -- Knoxville, TN Full-Time, Salaried | $70,000-$100,000/year ... the morning of an inspection. Coolers organized, stations broken down properly, and a team that ...

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef plays an important role in the execution of service through strict adherence to ... Kitchen Walk-Through (Done upon arrival every morning) * General walk-through of kitchen * Line ...

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

The Sous Chef plays an important role in the execution of service through strict adherence to ... Kitchen Walk-Through (Done upon arrival every morning) * General walk-through of kitchen * Line ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Fairlane Hotel | Nashville, TN Full-Time | Salaried | On-Property ABOUT FAIRLANE ... the morning (Early Bird) and turns into a cocktail lounge with small plates at night (Night Owl)

Pastry Chef - Grasslands Club Grasslands Club is a premier private club community dedicated to ... early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as dictated by the club's event and tournament ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... years of Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Strong knowledge of sushi ...

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... years of Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Strong knowledge of sushi ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... years of Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Strong knowledge of sushi ...

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Skilled in preparing nigiri, sashimi, maki, and ...

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... sous chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and manage the kitchen staff

Sushi Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Skilled in preparing nigiri, sashimi, maki, and ...

Chef de Cuisine

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... years of Chef de Cuisine experience in a full-service restaurant * Strong knowledge of sushi ...

Work a variety of days and shifts (including early mornings, late nights and weekends) at multiple ... years of Chef de Cuisine experience in a full-service restaurant * Strong knowledge of sushi ...

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Morning Chef information

What does a morning chef do?

A Morning Chef is responsible for preparing and cooking breakfast and early morning meals in a restaurant, hotel, or catering setting. Their duties typically include planning breakfast menus, prepping ingredients, cooking a variety of breakfast dishes, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. Morning Chefs often start work very early to ensure that everything is ready for opening hours. They may also supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and maintain a clean work environment. This role requires excellent time management, culinary skills, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a morning chef?

To thrive as a Morning Chef, you need solid culinary skills, experience in breakfast and brunch preparation, and typically a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems are commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure timely, high-quality meal production and a smooth start to daily kitchen operations.

What challenges are unique to working as a morning chef, and how can I prepare for them?

Morning Chefs often face the challenge of early start times, which require excellent time management and adaptability to ensure breakfast service runs smoothly. You’ll need to quickly set up the kitchen, coordinate with other team members, and handle high-volume orders during peak morning hours. Staying organized, maintaining a positive attitude, and preparing mise en place the night before can help you excel. Collaboration with kitchen staff and servers is essential to maintain quality and speed during busy breakfast periods.

What is the difference between Morning Chef vs Breakfast Cook?

AspectMorning ChefBreakfast Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceOften similar, may require basic culinary training
Work EnvironmentHotels, restaurants, catering services, typically early hoursHotels, diners, cafes, focusing on breakfast service
Industry UsageCommonly used in upscale and hotel settingsCommon in casual dining and breakfast-focused establishments
Job FocusPreparing a variety of dishes, overseeing kitchen operationsSpecializing in breakfast items and morning service

The main difference between a Morning Chef and a Breakfast Cook lies in scope and setting. A Morning Chef often has broader responsibilities, including menu planning and kitchen management, typically working in hotels or upscale restaurants. A Breakfast Cook specializes specifically in preparing breakfast dishes, usually in cafes or diners. Both roles require culinary skills and early hours, but the Morning Chef's role is generally more comprehensive.

What job categories do people searching Morning Chef jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Morning Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Morning Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Morning Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Morning Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Run the kitchen line during service, including expediting, calling tickets, and monitoring food quality and timing.

  • Oversee prep and production activities to ensure readiness and proper inventory management before service begins.

  • Train, develop, and coach kitchen staff to maintain consistency, quality, and adherence to standards.


Job description

Sous Chef
Athenian Hospitality Group — Knoxville, TN
Full-Time, Salaried | $67,000–$75,000/year

Athenian Hospitality Group is hiring an experienced Sous Chef for our Knoxville kitchen. This is the second-in-command role — you work alongside the Chef, and you run the kitchen when the Chef is off. The standard doesn't move either way.

Service Leadership

You run the line during service. That means expediting, calling tickets, watching the pass, and keeping food moving on time without letting quality slide to make the clock. When the rush hits or someone falls behind, you jump on a station and pull the line back together. Cooks read the room off whoever's leading it — steady beats loud, every time.

Prep & Production

You own what happens before the doors open. Par levels hit, product rotated first-in-first-out, prep lists built so the next shift walks into a kitchen that's ready instead of behind. Most service problems are prep problems that nobody caught in the morning. Your job is catching them in the morning.

Consistency & Execution

The Chef sets the spec; you make sure the line holds it. Portion, seasoning, temperature, plate build — you check plates before they leave and you send back what isn't right, including your own. Consistency is a discipline, not a talent, and it's mostly enforced at your level.

Training & Coaching

You train new cooks and develop the ones you have. That means teaching technique and the reasoning behind it, correcting a cook mid-shift without derailing service, and following up so the same mistake doesn't come back tomorrow. Good sous chefs create cooks who can be promoted.

Inventory & Cost Support

You back the Chef on the business side — receiving and checking deliveries against invoices, tracking waste, running counts, and flagging cost problems while they're still small. You should notice when yields drop or a case comes in short, and say something the same day.

Safety & Sanitation

Temperature logs, dating and labeling, allergen protocol, station cleanliness, organized coolers. You hold the line on this every shift, and you hold the team to it — especially at close, when it's easiest to let go.

Stepping Up

Chef's day off, vacation, or emergency: the kitchen runs the same. Ordering placed, schedule covered, service executed. That's the real test of the role.

Requirements

  • 2+ years as a Sous Chef, Lead Line Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor in a high-volume kitchen
  • Strong on multiple stations — grill, sauté, and fry — with the ability to hold any of them at peak
  • Working knowledge of prep par levels, receiving, inventory, and food cost basics
  • Proven ability to direct and train a team
  • ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as business requires
  • Scratch cooking background preferred; Mediterranean/Greek cuisine experience is a plus but not required

What We Offer

  • $65,000–$75,000 annually, based on experience
  • Clear path to Chef — we promote from within
  • Direct working relationship with the Chef and ownership
  • Employee meals

Athenian Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer.


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