ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research And Development Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$60K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$48K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain ... research through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. Firebirds has received numerous ...

Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment

Sushi Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sushi Chef Position Description: Amazing Benefits! 100% company paid health insurance, with 50 ... Engage in relevant Research amp; Development opportunities to bring new ideas, follow trends, and ...

ZUZU NASHVILLE

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$72K - $84K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Lead tasting, testing, and R&D processes to ensure dishes meet the highest standards of flavor ... Mentor sous chefs and key culinary leaders to build long-term bench strength. * Lead by example ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

The Pictsweet Company

Food Scientist

Bells, TN · On-site

Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist preferred * Product Development experience for Food Manufacturing required; 3 years minimum * Culinary experience in a restaurant kitchen or ...

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco Corporation

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Memphis, TN

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Nashville, TN · On-site

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Consultant

Knoxville, TN

  • Retirement

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch And Development Chef JobsResearch And Development Chef Jobs in Tennessee

Research And Development Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$44K

$92.4K

$149.8K

How much do research and development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research and development chef in Tennessee is $92,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research and development chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research and Development Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, food science, and recipe development, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with product development tools, food safety regulations, sensory evaluation methods, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you innovate and work effectively across teams. These skills are vital to create appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products that meet consumer and market demands.

What is a research and development chef?

Research and Development (R&D) Chefs are culinary professionals who create, test, and refine new recipes and food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or hospitality companies. They work in kitchens and labs to innovate dishes, improve existing menu items, and ensure products meet quality, taste, and safety standards. R&D Chefs often collaborate with marketing, production, and nutrition teams to bring new culinary concepts to market. Their role combines creativity, technical culinary skills, and knowledge of food science.

How does a research and development chef typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

A Research and Development Chef works closely with departments such as marketing, quality assurance, and production throughout the product development process. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to align culinary innovation with consumer trends, production capabilities, and regulatory requirements. Effective communication is essential, as the R&D Chef must translate creative ideas into scalable recipes while ensuring food safety and quality standards are met. This collaborative approach helps streamline the launch of new menu items or products and ensures that everyone is aligned from concept to commercialization.

What is the difference between Research And Development Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch And Development ChefFood Scientist
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certificationsDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFood product development, recipe innovationFood safety, quality control, product testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Research And Development Chefs focus on creating new recipes and culinary innovations, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists analyze food properties, ensuring safety and quality in labs. While both roles contribute to food product development, R&D Chefs emphasize culinary creativity, whereas Food Scientists focus on scientific analysis and safety protocols.

What are popular job titles related to Research And Development Chef jobs in Tennessee?

For Research And Development Chef jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research And Development Chef jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Research And Development Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Research And Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Research And Development Chef job openings:

Research And Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research And Development Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,390 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Sous Chef

Momotaro - Nashville

Nashville, TN

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Momotaro Nashville | In partnership with Chef Gene Kato & Boka Restaurant Group


Momotaro Nashville, from Jean Banchet Award of Culinary Excellence winner Chef Gene Kato & Boka Restaurant Group, brings an authentic and refined Japanese dining experience to Nashville. Rooted in tradition yet shaped by modern culinary culture, Momotaro is known for pristine sushi, robata-grilled specialties, and a thoughtfully curated beverage program — all delivered within a striking, high-energy space.

What You’ll Do

  • Partner directly with the Chef de Cuisine to lead daily kitchen operations and uphold Momotaro’s culinary standards
  • Oversee food production and execution to ensure consistency, quality, and visual excellence on every plate
  • Assist in ordering, inventory management, and par systems to maintain cost controls and minimize waste
  • Contribute to scheduling, labor management, and strategic cuts to support financial performance
  • Support recruiting, hiring, training, and performance management of BOH team members
  • Participate in manager meetings and maintain open communication with culinary and upper management teams
  • Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine
  • Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution
  • Maintain and continuously refine BOH systems, including prep lists, line checks, temp logs, order guides, and daily walkthroughs
  • Enforce strict health, sanitation, and safety standards across the kitchen
  • Proactively address kitchen challenges with professionalism, urgency, and sound judgment
  • Review and understand monthly P&L statements to align culinary execution with financial goals

Who You Are
  • A strong, steady kitchen leader who leads by example
  • Highly organized and confident in high-volume environments
  • Patient, empathetic, and team-oriented
  • Detail-driven with high standards of cleanliness and execution
  • Comfortable balancing operational leadership with hands-on production
  • Committed to coaching, developing, and holding teams accountable

What We’re Looking For
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in a Sous Chef role
  • Experience managing labor, inventory, and cost controls
  • Proven leadership in a high-volume or production-driven environment
  • Strong understanding of BOH systems and operational structure
  • A collaborative partner to the Executive Chef
  • Passion for hospitality, craft, and continuous improvement

Why Momotaro Nashville
  • Join the opening team of a celebrated, chef-driven concept
  • Work alongside Chef Gene Kato and Boka Restaurant Group, a James Beard Award-winning hospitality group
  • Be part of a culture rooted in craft, discipline, and genuine hospitality
  • Grow within a collaborative, high-standard BOH leadership team

Benefits & Perks:
Health, Dental, and Voluntary Benefits Package (available after 90 days), employer-sponsored mental health and resource program, life insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid parental leave, 401(k) program, career mentorship and growth potential, and dining incentives across our 20+ establishments!


Physical Requirements:

  • Lift and move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Safely and effectively use all necessary tools, equipment, & cleaning chemicals
  • Stand and walk for an entire shift, including moving safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven and slick surfaces
  • Ability to bear exposure to hot and cold environments


If you feel you meet the requirements, are a team player, experienced, passionate, and dedicated to your craft, we want to hear from you!

More detail about Momotaro - Nashville part of BOKA Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/938407-Momotaro---Nashville