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Relief Cook Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Relief Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Relief Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Relief Cook

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Relief Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Relief Cook

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

On-Budget Operations About the Role As our Relief Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week.

All JobsRelief Cook JobsRelief Cook Jobs in Tennessee

Relief Cook information

See Tennessee salary details

$9

$15

$18

How much do relief cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief cook in Tennessee is $15.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by relief cooks when adapting to different kitchen environments?

Relief cooks often work in multiple kitchens, which means they must quickly adapt to new teams, equipment, and menu styles. One common challenge is learning each kitchen's specific routines and standards, sometimes with little advance notice. Good communication and flexibility are essential, as relief cooks frequently collaborate with unfamiliar staff while maintaining consistency in food quality and safety. This dynamic environment helps develop valuable problem-solving skills and can open doors to permanent positions or advancement within various hospitality settings.

What is the difference between Relief Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectRelief CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary trainingFood Handler’s Permit, culinary training
Work EnvironmentVarious kitchens, flexible shiftsSpecific station in a kitchen, fixed shifts
Employer UsageHotels, catering, restaurants needing coverageRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Search & ComparisonOften compared for flexibility and coverage rolesCompared for specialization in kitchen stations

Relief Cooks and Line Cooks both require similar certifications and work in restaurant or hospitality environments. Relief Cooks provide flexible coverage across multiple stations or kitchens, while Line Cooks specialize in specific kitchen stations. Relief Cooks are ideal for temporary or substitute roles, whereas Line Cooks focus on consistent, station-specific cooking. Both roles are essential in maintaining kitchen operations, but Relief Cooks offer greater flexibility and adaptability.

What is a relief cook?

Relief cooks are culinary professionals who temporarily fill in for regular kitchen staff, often during peak periods, staff absences, or special events. They are skilled in preparing and cooking a variety of dishes and must quickly adapt to different kitchen environments and team dynamics. Relief cooks help ensure that kitchen operations continue smoothly without interruption and maintain the quality of food and service. Their flexibility and broad skill set make them valuable assets to restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.

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

To thrive as a Relief Cook, you need solid culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in various cooking techniques, often supported by a food handler's certificate. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and inventory management tools is beneficial. Flexibility, quick adaptability, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure consistent food quality, efficient service, and smooth operations across different kitchen environments.
What are popular job titles related to Relief Cook jobs in TN? For Relief Cook jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Relief Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Cook job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,445 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Relief Cook

Resort Lifestyle Communities

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Resort Lifestyle Communities rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join Our Mission
At Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC), serving seniors isn't just a job, it's a calling. When you join our team, you become part of a close-knit, servant-hearted community guided by our Core Values: Respect, Honesty, Kindness & Compassion, and Service Excellence.
Together, we work toward four essential goals that guide our success:
  • Happy Employees
  • Happy Residents
  • Full Occupancy
  • On-Budget Operations

About the Role
As our Relief Cook, you'll step in on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure residents enjoy the same high quality dining experience they receive throughout the week. Working in our scratch-based kitchen, you'll prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner as scheduled, creating meals that are safely cooked, visually appealing, and portioned to resident preferences. Just as importantly, you'll build positive relationships with residents, guests, and team members to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere every weekend.
What We're Looking For
  • Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • Ability to work every Saturday and Sunday, at least 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to read, speak and understand basic English.
  • Experience in kitchen preparation and cooking, preferred.
  • Ability to secure appropriate food handler permits as required by local ordinances within two (2) weeks of first day of employment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and present high-quality dishes by cooking a wide variety of proteins and vegetables using methods such as broiling, grilling, frying, and sautéing, and ensuring every plate looks appealing.
  • Engage in continuous improvement by contributing ideas during meetings, staying open to feedback, and maintaining attentive coverage of the service line during meal hours.
  • Complete all assigned opening and closing tasks for each shift, including morning setup or end-of-day shutdown, while supporting teammates with shared duties to maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen.
  • Keep stations fully stocked and well organized by maintaining adequate food supplies, refreshing pantry items for freshness and appearance, and monitoring refrigeration as needed.
  • Ensure a sanitary kitchen environment by thoroughly cleaning work areas and equipment and regularly checking and recording food, refrigeration, and dish-machine temperatures to support safety and satisfaction.

Why RLC?
  • Awesome Perks: Enjoy your pay on demand, employee discounts, and more.
  • Fast-growing, family-owned company with 60+ communities nationwide
  • Supportive leadership in a beautiful, resort-style environment
  • A purpose-driven role where you make a difference every day

Ready to Cook with Heart?
Bring your servant heart to a place that feels like family. Apply today, and our Team will follow up soon!
EOE/ADA
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Pay Range: $16 - $18 per hour

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