Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Chef jobs in Tennessee are active across a diverse range of settings, from the booming restaurant scene in Nashville and Memphis to the resort and hospitality corridors in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, with openings at every level from line cook to executive chef. Major employers with a lasting presence in the state include Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and HCA Healthcare's cafeteria and patient services operations. The most consistent demand is for sous chefs, pastry chefs, and culinary professionals with Southern cuisine expertise. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 79+ Chef jobs
Salary: $75K–$80K
Benefits: Standard benefits; PTO; relocation assistance available
The Chef Manager leads culinary and dining operations for a university in Williamsburg, bringing hands-on kitchen leadership and operational expertise to a dynamic, student-focused campus dining environment. This role is responsible for overseeing daily culinary operations, maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency, and developing a talented culinary team while ensuring an exceptional dining experience for the university community.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Chef Manager or senior culinary leader within a university, corporate dining, or similar large-scale managed food service environment
- Strong knowledge of food production, menu execution, food safety standards, and kitchen organization with the ability to maintain consistency and quality across all university dining operations
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop culinary teams while managing budgets, food costs, scheduling, and operational functions to drive efficiency and excellence in a high-volume campus dining environment
Responsibilities
- Oversee all daily culinary and dining operations for the university, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and timely execution across all campus dining outlets and catering functions
- Manage prep planning, inventory management, scheduling, and cost control to maintain efficient and high-quality kitchen operations across all university dining venues
- Lead, mentor, and develop kitchen staff while fostering a culture of culinary excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement in a dynamic Williamsburg university dining environment
See All 79 Chef Jobs in Tennessee
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Find Chef JobsChef Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chef Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Wolfoods11
- Morrison Healthcare7
- SpaceXSI3S
- FISD2
- Sodexo2
Top Industries Hiring
- Hospitality & Tourism
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chef jobs across Tennessee.
- ServSafe Food Handler or Food Manager certification recognized by Tennessee Department of Health
- Proven experience in a full-service restaurant, hotel, or institutional kitchen environment
- Ability to lead a kitchen team during high-volume service periods
- Proficiency in Southern cuisine techniques, menu development, and seasonal ingredient sourcing
- Knowledge of food cost controls, inventory management, and ordering processes
- Culinary degree or formal apprenticeship training from an accredited program preferred
Chef Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chef in Tennessee?
Tennessee does not require a state-issued chef license, but all food service workers must hold a valid Food Handler Permit, and supervisors are expected to obtain ServSafe Food Manager certification recognized by the Tennessee Department of Health. Most employers hire candidates who have completed a culinary arts program at an institution like the Nashville State Community College Culinary Arts program, combined with hands-on kitchen experience at progressively responsible levels.
Which companies hire chefs in Tennessee?
Tennessee chef roles are posted by Wolfoods, Morrison Healthcare, and SpaceXSI and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Tennessee's mix of major hospitality brands, independent fine-dining establishments, and large institutional employers like hospital systems and university dining services keeps hiring consistent throughout the year.
Which Tennessee cities have the most chef jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville lead Tennessee for chef openings. Nashville drives the largest share of listings thanks to its nationally recognized restaurant industry and major convention and resort properties, while Memphis adds significant volume through its hospitality sector and food-focused tourism, and smaller markets reflect demand from regional employers and growing local dining scenes.
Are there remote chef jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Cooking and kitchen leadership are inherently hands-on roles that require physical presence, so most openings are fully on-site. About 0% of chef openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve culinary consulting, recipe development, food styling, or corporate menu planning rather than traditional kitchen work.
How can I get hired as a chef in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for prep cook or line cook positions at large Tennessee employers such as Gaylord Opryland Resort or Cracker Barrel, both of which hire entry-level kitchen staff and offer structured on-the-job training. Community college culinary programs at institutions like Nashville State offer associate degrees that satisfy many employer requirements. Obtaining a ServSafe Food Handler Permit before applying gives candidates a concrete advantage from day one.
Where can I find and apply to chef jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to chef jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find roles that match your experience level and the type of kitchen environment you want to work in, then apply directly to each one.
See All 79 Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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