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 92+ Chef jobs
Salary: $51,000-55,000
100% Traveling Sous Chef role, based out of Johnson City, TN
Schedule: Generally Monday through Friday, but some evenings, weekends, holidays
Location: supporting Morrison Healthcare locations in SW Virginia and NE Tennesee
Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafés to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation’s largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.
Job Summary
This is a 100% Traveling Sous Chef role, based out of Johnson City, TN supporting Morrison Healthcare locations in SW Virginia and NE Tennesee.
Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary Department for multiple Morrison Healthcare facilities in VA and TN. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing daily menu items and their preparation and garnishment. You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account
- Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus
- Produces and execute catering events
- Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company marketing and culinary team
Preferred Qualifications:
- A.S. or equivalent experience
- Some progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
- Catering experience a plus
- High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
- Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful
- Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
- Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
- Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
- ServSafe certified - highly desirable
Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Flexible Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1572632
Morrison Healthcare
STACEY MOONEY
[[req_classification]]
Salary: $51,000-55,000
100% Traveling Sous Chef role, based out of Johnson City, TN
Schedule: Generally Monday through Friday, but some evenings, weekends, holidays
Location: supporting Morrison Healthcare locations in SW Virginia and NE Tennesee
Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafés to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation’s largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.
Job Summary
This is a 100% Traveling Sous Chef role, based out of Johnson City, TN supporting Morrison Healthcare locations in SW Virginia and NE Tennesee.
Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary Department for multiple Morrison Healthcare facilities in VA and TN. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing daily menu items and their preparation and garnishment. You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account
- Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus
- Produces and execute catering events
- Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company marketing and culinary team
Preferred Qualifications:
- A.S. or equivalent experience
- Some progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
- Catering experience a plus
- High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
- Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful
- Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
- Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
- Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
- ServSafe certified - highly desirable
Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Flexible Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1572632
Morrison Healthcare
STACEY MOONEY
[[req_classification]]
See All 92 Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
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 Sodexo, Morrison Healthcare, and MStreet Entertainment and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 Johnson City 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 September 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 92 Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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