1

Restaurant Work Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Shift Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator--both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator-both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator--both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator-both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Mount Juliet, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator--both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator-both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicatorboth in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator?both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator-both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Murfreesboro, TN

$13.50 - $17/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator--both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator-both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicatorboth in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicatorboth in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

Shift Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

He or she has experience in fast food and/or restaurant work and is an excellent communicator--both in written form and verbally. The Shift Supervisor is willing to lead a team during each shift and ...

PM Team Member

Spring Hill, TN · On-site

$11 - $16/hr

A fun work environment where you can positively influence others * Flexible scheduling (and closed on Sundays) * Learning first-hand from experienced Restaurant Leaders * Intentional growth and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Restaurant Work information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$14

$20

How much do restaurant work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant work in Tennessee is $14.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $14.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is restaurant work?

Restaurant work involves a variety of roles and responsibilities within a food service establishment, such as serving customers, preparing food, cleaning, and managing operations. Jobs in this field include servers, cooks, hosts, dishwashers, and managers. The work can be fast-paced and often requires strong communication, teamwork, and customer service skills. Restaurant employees typically work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate customer demand.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant workers and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant workers often encounter challenges such as handling high-pressure situations during busy hours, maintaining excellent customer service, and working long or irregular shifts. Effective time management, strong teamwork, and clear communication with colleagues and management help address these challenges. Many restaurants also provide training on multitasking and customer interaction, which can make adapting to the fast-paced environment easier. Building resilience and staying organized are key to thriving in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Restaurant Work vs Server?

AspectRestaurant WorkServer
CredentialsNone required, on-the-job trainingNone required, but tips and experience matter
Work EnvironmentKitchen, dining area, front and back of houseDining area, front of house
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, cateringRestaurants, cafes, bars
Common Search & ComparisonGeneral restaurant rolesCustomer service, food service

Restaurant work encompasses a variety of roles including cooks, dishwashers, and bussers, often requiring minimal formal credentials. Servers specifically focus on customer service in the dining area, taking orders and serving food. While both roles are essential in the restaurant industry, servers have direct interaction with guests and typically earn tips, whereas other restaurant roles support the overall operation. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on skills and interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in restaurant work, and why are they important?

To thrive in restaurant work, you need a solid understanding of food safety, customer service, and basic culinary or serving skills, often supported by a food handler's permit or relevant training. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation software, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this environment. These abilities ensure efficient service, customer satisfaction, and smooth operations during busy shifts.
Infographic showing various Restaurant Work job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,221 per year, or $14 per hour.

Executive Kitchen Manager | Casual Dining Restaurant | Work Life Balance

NextGen Hospitality Solutions

Cordova, TN

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Command Our Kitchen: Executive Kitchen ManagerCordova, TN | Competitive Salary + Bonus

Ready to lead a busy, energetic kitchen team?

This high-volume casual dining operation needs a seasoned kitchen leader who thrives in fast-paced environments. You'll oversee all food production, mentor a talented crew, and ensure every plate meets our standards. It's a chance to make a real impact on a team that matters and build something sustainable.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity
  • Competitive salary of $70,000-$75,000 annually with performance bonus
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage included
  • 401k retirement plan with matching and generous paid time off
  • Clear path to advancement within a growing organization
  • Supportive culture that values kitchen leadership and innovation
What You'll Do
  • Manage all kitchen operations and food production standards
  • Build and mentor your kitchen team through coaching and development
  • Control food costs while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Train staff on safety protocols and proper food handling
  • Execute menu items to specification, every service
What We're Looking For
  • Proven kitchen management experience in high-volume restaurants
  • Track record leading kitchen teams of 8+ people
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and health codes
  • Ability to optimize labor and food costs
  • Leadership style that inspires respect and accountability

If you're ready to own a kitchen operation and grow with a solid team, we'd love to hear from you.