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Weekend Cooking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean ... Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends * Safely and effectively ...

... cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean ... Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends * Safely and effectively ...

Cook

Nashville, TN · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

... cooking 3 days with the Sous Chef, preparing food for clients while ensuring food safety and ... Ability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and varying catering schedules About Nashville ...

Cook

Fairview, TN · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant) * Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating ...

Cook

Fairview, TN · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant) * Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating ...

Cook

Jackson, TN · On-site

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant) * Ability to follow detailed cooking instructions and plating ...

Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$10 - $13/hr

Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards * Food preparation and ... Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays * Ability to be flexible in all ...

Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$10 - $13/hr

Preparing and cooking food orders to meet product quality standards * Food preparation and ... Ability to work irregular hours, nights, weekends and holidays * Ability to be flexible in all ...

Cook

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Knoxville, TN

$11.75 - $15.75/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Mountain City, TN · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Elizabethton, TN · On-site

$11.25 - $15/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Knoxville, TN

$12 - $16.25/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Mountain City, TN · On-site

$11 - $14.75/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Oak Ridge, TN

$12.25 - $16.25/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Cleveland, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

Cook

Piney Flats, TN · On-site

$12.50 - $16.50/hr

Operates large-volume cooking equipment such as griddles, grills, or deep fryers. * Prepares ... Must be able to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. * Must be able to lift up to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weekend Cooking information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do weekend cooking jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend cooking in Tennessee is $15.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $17.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Weekend cooks often face the challenge of managing a high volume of orders in a short timeframe, as weekends typically see increased customer traffic. Efficient prep work, time management, and clear communication with other kitchen staff are crucial for maintaining quality and speed. It's also important to adapt quickly to menu changes or special requests, and to stay organized under pressure. Building strong teamwork skills and staying proactive during slower periods can help prevent stress during peak hours.

What is the difference between Weekend Cooking vs Weekend Chef?

AspectWeekend CookingWeekend Chef
CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, food safety certificationsProfessional culinary training, certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentHome kitchens, small catering events, food blogsRestaurants, catering services, private events
Employer & IndustryIndividuals, small businesses, food mediaRestaurants, catering companies, hospitality industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Weekend Cooking typically refers to individuals preparing food during weekends, often for personal enjoyment, blogging, or small-scale catering. Weekend Chef usually denotes a professional or semi-professional cook working in restaurants or catering services during weekends. While both roles involve culinary skills, Weekend Chefs often have formal training and work in commercial settings, whereas Weekend Cooks may operate more informally or as hobbyists.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Cook, you need basic culinary skills, knowledge of food safety, and experience with meal preparation, often backed by a food handler’s permit or relevant training. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management tools is typically required. Strong time management, teamwork, and communication skills help ensure smooth operations, especially during busy service hours. These skills are crucial for delivering quality meals efficiently while maintaining a safe and collaborative kitchen environment.

What are weekend cooking jobs?

Weekend cooking jobs typically involve preparing and serving meals during weekends, often in restaurants, catering services, hotels, or private homes. These positions may include roles such as line cook, prep cook, personal chef, or event caterer. Weekend cooking jobs are ideal for individuals looking for part-time work or extra income, and they often require flexibility, food safety knowledge, and basic culinary skills. Responsibilities can range from food preparation and cooking to cleaning and ensuring kitchen safety standards are met.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Cooking jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Weekend Cooking jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Weekend Cooking job openings:
Infographic showing various Weekend Cooking job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 53% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,295 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Prep Cook - PM & Weekend AM

Aba - Nashville

Nashville, TN

$18 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

We are hiring people to join our team as PREP COOKS! 


A Few of Our Prep Cook Benefits:

  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program - Focusing on a Commitment to Mental Health & Wellness
  • Paid Vacation for Qualifying Employees
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life, Accident Protection & Critical Illness Insurance
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • 401(k)



Located in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, is a Mediterranean restaurant with a California influence. With locations in Austin, TX, Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, the menu features Top Chef Alum, Chef Partner CJ Jacobson’s modern approach to Mediterranean cooking and the beverage program showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser known Mediterranean regions.




Caring. Creative. Careers.
Join the Lettuce Entertain You team! Our 100+ restaurants are nationally recognized for great food and service and as great places to work. We hire and care deeply for people with creativity, passion and the drive to be the best. And we reward our teams with top notch benefits, career-long training and development and opportunities for growth. If you want a career at a progressive company with a long-standing commitment to people, join our caring and creative team.
​
EOE. We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify



PREP COOK JOB DESCRIPTION

Prep Cooks are responsible for the preparation and production of readying foods, garnishes and condiments to be used on the line or for service.


Essential Functions

  • Prepare food items and ingredients needed for menu items according to prescribed recipes and/or special requests
  • Available to work a variety of hours, days and shifts, including weekends
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment, including knives
  • Ability to effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Ability to multi-task calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable noise and temperature levels
  • Able to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Follow all prescribed portioning controls and par levels
  • Maintain food safety and quality standards
  • Ability to read a thermometer correctly and efficiently
  • Communicate any food delays or issues to Coordinator
  • Accurately account for all items coming out of the kitchen
  • Understand and follow the food allergy procedure and special orders/restrictions
  • Comply with all safety and sanitation guidelines and procedures
  • Follow all rules, policies, procedures and conditions of employment, including those outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Get along well with others and be a team player
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed