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Prep Cook Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Shoney's

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

DESCRIPTION Prepares food by recipes (such as soups, salads, breaded foods, etc.), preps food quantities according to prep sheet, monitors quality of food being prepared, assist on cook's line when ...

Chuy's

Tortilla/Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

As a Tortilla & Prep Cook, you're the heartbeat of the kitchen, crafting fresh tortillas from scratch while prepping the ingredients that make our TexMex shine. You keep the kitchen running smoothly ...

Chuy's

Tortilla/Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

As a Tortilla & Prep Cook, you're the heartbeat of the kitchen, crafting fresh tortillas from scratch while prepping the ingredients that make our TexMex shine. You keep the kitchen running smoothly ...

Shoney's

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Oak Ridge, TN

$13 - $17/hr

Prepares food by recipes (such as soups, salads, breaded foods, etc.), preps food quantities according to prep sheet, monitors quality of food being prepared, assist on cook's line when needed, cook ...

Shoney's

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Prepares food by recipes (such as soups, salads, breaded foods, etc.), preps food quantities according to prep sheet, monitors quality of food being prepared, assist on cook's line when needed, cook ...

Shoney's

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

DESCRIPTION Prepares food by recipes (such as soups, salads, breaded foods, etc.), preps food quantities according to prep sheet, monitors quality of food being prepared, assist on cook's line when ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Powell, TN · On-site

$17/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time and part time PREP COOK position. * Location : North Knoxville Medical Center - 7565 Dannaher Drive, Powell, TN 37849. Note: online applications accepted ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Cook As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and presentation guidelines. You'll work closely with the culinary team to ensure timely, safe, and ...

New

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Cook As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and presentation guidelines. You'll work closely with the culinary team to ensure timely, safe, and ...

New

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Cook As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and presentation guidelines. You'll work closely with the culinary team to ensure timely, safe, and ...

New

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Cook As a Cook, you will prepare high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes and presentation guidelines. You'll work closely with the culinary team to ensure timely, safe, and ...

Compass Group

PREP COOK

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time PREP COOK position. * Location : Parkwest Medical Center - 9352 Park West Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37923. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule ...

Chesapeake's

Prep Cook - West Knoxville

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Chesapeake's is looking for a Prep Cook to work at their West Knoxville location! Responsibilities include: building items for the restaurant and marketplace, following recipe guidelines, maintain ...

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

O'Charley's Team Members

Prep Cooks

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Prep Cook We offer flexible work schedules, a great work environment, excellent opportunities for advancement along with the following benefits: * Get Paid Quicker - We pay our team members weekly

Chili's Grill & Bar

Prep Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Complete assigned prep work to stock and set-up stations About Us Chili's was born in Dallas, Texas in 1975. Since then, we've boldly claimed our place in the casual dining industry as the place to ...

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All JobsPrep Cook JobsPrep Cook Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Prep Cook information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep cook in Oak Ridge, TN is $15.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a prep cook?

A prep cook works in a restaurant or private kitchen, preparing ingredients for other chefs to cook. As a prep cook, your responsibilities center on simplifying the cooking process for everyone in the kitchen. Your duties include cleaning, peeling, chopping, cutting, slicing, and dicing vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, and other food. You are also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the kitchen, which is a responsibility of everyone on the staff. You need excellent knife skills to safely and quickly prepare food, and you need communication skills to follow instructions and collaborate with your coworkers. Experience working in a kitchen is helpful when you look for jobs as a prep cook, but a prep cook can sometimes be considered to be an entry-level position.

What are some common challenges faced by prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Prep cooks often encounter challenges such as working in fast-paced environments, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintaining consistency in food preparation. To manage these effectively, it’s important to develop strong time-management skills, stay organized, and communicate clearly with other kitchen staff. Building stamina and adaptability will also help handle peak hours, and being attentive to detail ensures quality and food safety standards are consistently met.

How to get a job as a prep cook?

To get a job as a prep cook, you should gain basic cooking skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience in a kitchen environment. Many employers look for previous kitchen work, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced setting. Applying to entry-level restaurant or catering positions and demonstrating reliability can improve your chances of securing a prep cook role.

What is the difference between Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectPrep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPrepares ingredients, washes, chops, and organizes supplies cooks dishes during service, manages specific station
Skills & CertificationsBasic cooking skills, food safety, knife skillsAdvanced cooking skills, station-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsHot line during service, fast-paced environment
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

Prep cooks focus on preparing ingredients and organizing supplies, while line cooks handle cooking dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge, but line cooks often need more advanced skills and work in a faster, high-pressure environment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right culinary role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prep cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prep Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and experience with kitchen equipment, usually gained through on-the-job training or a culinary certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen tools such as slicers, mixers, and standardized recipes is common in this role. Strong attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are essential soft skills for handling multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure high-quality food preparation, kitchen safety, and smooth operation during busy service periods.
More about Prep Cook jobs
What job categories do people searching Prep Cook jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Prep Cook jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Prep Cook jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Prep Cook job openings:
Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prep Cook job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,194 per year, or $15 per hour.

Prep Cook/Line Cook

Shoney's

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Shoney's rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Prepares food by recipes (such as soups, salads, breaded foods, etc.), preps food quantities according to prep sheet, monitors quality of food being prepared, assist on cook's line when needed, cook items to order.
Overview of Tasks:
Preps foods, (using tools such as slicers, ditto machines, groen kettles, scales, measuring utensils, etc.), follows recipes, prep sheet to know how much of an item is needed, makes sure that products are kept at proper temperatures, checks quality of products, maintains cleanliness of work area, clean pots, pan, and utensils needed in preparing recipes, assist in line cooks duties when needed, follows all rules and regulations set by Shoney's and Health Dept. safety regulations.
Essential Job Functions:
Visual, some auditory, hand dexterity, full body mobility, basic reading, coordination, able to follow instructions, must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., basic math skill, hand/eye coordination, able to read and follow measurements on recipes, must be able to use sharp objects (such as knives, slicers, etc.) must be able to work with all types of food, must be able to read prep sheet.
DESCRIPTION OF MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT & WORK AIDS USED:
Knives, recipe book, recipe posters, food products, Hobart slicer, Hobart Ditto Machine, Groen Kettle, double boilers, food containers, conventional ovens, stainless steel colander, 20 gal. food bins, walk-in freezer and cooler, utensils, 32 in prep tables, 1 gal. pitchers, ladles, food products, cleaning supplies, chemicals, rectangular serving trays, clip boards, prep sheets, pen, pencils, stainless steel pot sink.
Expected Hours Per Week:
Range: 20 - 40 Hours
REQUIREMENTS
  • Authorized to work in the United States.
  • Resume Required

Shoney's of Knoxville, Inc. is an employee-owned company that operates 18 restaurants in 10 East Tennessee counties, opening the first franchise in 1962. Shoney's is a family-friendly restaurant famous for the bountiful breakfast, lunch and dinner Fresh Food Bars, along with Shoney's full-service menu.
Shoney's has continually served the greater Knoxville community with fresh, delicious food in a welcoming, family-oriented setting. Shoney's generously contributes to many local community, social, educational and faith-based organizations including schools, youth groups and other family-focused organizations.
Mission Statement:
At Shoney's of Knoxville Inc., we strive to provide families with an exceptional dining experience that blends southern hospitality with quality, flavorful food. We use the best of local ingredients, preparing them with care in a safe, healthy manner. As an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on having professional, honorable, and welcoming employees so that when you dine with us, you feel like family. We appreciate our guests and warmly welcome them back into our restaurants to create memories that will last a lifetime. We are your neighbors, your friends and your family!

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