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Restaurant Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Stonebreaker Hotel

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

... Restaurant Chef. If you have a culinary degree (or equivalent work experience) and are ServSafe Certified, please apply today. MMI Hotel Group fosters a work environment that is inclusive as well as ...

Dufry

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

This is an exempt position and typically reports to the Restaurant Chef, depending on local requirements. Essential Functions: Assists in supervising the day to day activities of kitchen staff ...

Posted today

Geist Restaurant

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$60K/yr

Looking to hire a Sous Chef for Geist. Must have at least 2 year experience in a kitchen manager ... More detail about Geist Restaurant, please visit -Geist-Restaurant

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Old Glory Distilling Co. We're seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead our ... Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant * Strong passion for ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Are you the Executive Chef who can bring strong leadership and experience to Strawberry Alley Ale ... Assuming leadership of restaurant operations in the absence of the GM * Consistently enforcing ...

ABA

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$70K - $100K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

ABA

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth opportunities. A Few ...

Alla Vita - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$64K - $74K/yr

Alla Vita | In partnership with Chef Lee Wolen & Boka Restaurant Group Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means "to ...

Biltmore Company

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

... Chef or Restaurant Chef. 6. May help kitchen with food prep on occasion. 7. Being a team player; where teamwork is a priority 8. Provides assistance and support for department, leadership, and the ...

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Sous Chef

Madison, TN · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Sous Chef with 2 years of sous chef experience. Lettuce Entertain You is bringing a new, late-night taco and drink spot to Nashville's bustling ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef - Olos Chattanooga We're cooking up something brand new in the heart of Downtown ... Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant * Strong passion for ...

Momotaro - Nashville

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN

$60K - $65K/yr

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 ...

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How much do restaurant chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant chef in Tennessee is $22.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do restaurant chefs earn?

Restaurant chefs' earnings vary based on experience, location, and establishment size, but the median annual salary in many regions ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Executive chefs and those with specialized skills or working in high-end restaurants can earn significantly more, often exceeding $70,000 annually.

What are some common challenges restaurant chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Restaurant Chefs often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency in food quality, handling high-pressure service periods, and managing inventory to minimize waste. Coordinating a diverse kitchen team and ensuring clear communication is also essential for smooth operations. Additionally, adapting to menu changes and accommodating special dietary requests requires flexibility and strong culinary knowledge.

What is a restaurant chef?

Restaurant chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants. They create menus, oversee kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain kitchen safety and sanitation standards. Chefs may specialize in certain cuisines or dishes and often manage inventory and food costs. Their role is crucial in delivering a memorable dining experience to guests.

What is the difference between Restaurant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceOn-the-job training or culinary school
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, menu planningFood preparation on the line
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares specific dishes, follows recipes
Industry UsageExecutive and head chef rolesLine cook positions in restaurants

The main difference between a Restaurant Chef and a Line Cook is that the Restaurant Chef oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, and plans menus, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes according to recipes on the line. The Restaurant Chef has more responsibilities and typically requires more experience or formal training, whereas the Line Cook specializes in food preparation within a team setting.

Is 25 too late to become a restaurant chef?

Becoming a restaurant chef at 25 is common and feasible, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills through training, such as culinary school or apprenticeships, and gaining experience in kitchens. Age is less important than dedication, skill development, and building a strong work ethic in the culinary industry.

How to get a job as a restaurant chef?

To become a restaurant chef, gain culinary education through a culinary school or apprenticeship, develop cooking skills, and obtain relevant experience in kitchens. Building a strong portfolio, obtaining certifications like ServSafe, and applying to restaurants with a well-prepared resume can improve job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant chef?

To thrive as a Restaurant Chef, you need expertise in culinary techniques, menu planning, food safety, and usually formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure set outstanding chefs apart. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality dishes, ensure kitchen safety, and maintain a positive, productive kitchen environment.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Restaurant Chef jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Restaurant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Chef jobs in TN? For Restaurant Chef jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Restaurant Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,493 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Sous Chef

Stonebreaker Hotel

Memphis, TN • On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Job Description
Looking for a hospitality career where you can lead a team, create memorable guest experiences, and still enjoy the charm of Fayetteville without being in the middle of the downtown rush? Stonebreaker Hotel is looking for passionate Food & Beverage leaders to join our growing team.
Located just six blocks from the University of Arkansas campus, Stonebreaker Hotel offers the perfect balance - close to the energy of campus life while tucked away from the congestion and noise of the busy downtown entertainment district. Our setting creates a more elevated and intentional guest experience, and we are building a Food & Beverage team that reflects that same atmosphere.
Key responsibilities will include preparing meals by reviewing menus and product specifications with the Executive Chef; evaluating menu production; overseeing portion size; evaluating and improving productivity; providing food preparation expertise; monitoring presentations; analyzing food production records and menu expenses; standardizing production recipes; promoting kitchen staff interest in quality improvement; and supervising staff in the absence of the Restaurant Chef.
If you have a culinary degree (or equivalent work experience) and are ServSafe Certified, please apply today.
MMI Hotel Group fosters a work environment that is inclusive as well as diverse, where team members can be themselves. MMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.

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