Restaurant Jobs in Kentucky

Restaurant jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in the state's hospitality, tourism, and entertainment sectors, with openings at every level from line cook and server to general manager and executive chef. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green are the busiest hiring markets, anchored by employers such as Yum! Brands, Darden Restaurants, and Churchill Downs Incorporated, which maintain lasting operations throughout the commonwealth. The most in-demand roles right now are front-of-house supervisors, experienced kitchen staff, and quick-service shift leaders. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles186+
Top employerTaco Bell
Top cityLexington, KY
Cities hiring76
Work type100% On-site
Top industryRetail

Showing 5 of 186+ Restaurant jobs

Condado Tacos
Restaurant Assistant Manager
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Condado Tacos
New 22h ago
Restaurant Assistant Manager
Condado Tacos
Lexington, Kentucky
IT Support
Project Management
Technical Program Management
$50k - $60k/yr
1,001-5,000

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G
Restaurant Shift Supervisor
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G
Added 1d ago
Restaurant Shift Supervisor
GOLD STAR
Alexandria, Kentucky
Business Operations
Product Management
Project Management
$14 - $17/hr
11-50

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Love’s Travel Stops
Seasonal Team Member - Restaurant
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Love’s Travel Stops
Added 1d ago
Seasonal Team Member - Restaurant
Love’s Travel Stops
Oak Grove, Kentucky
Business Strategy
Product Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Military encouraged
10,000+

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O
Looking for Experienced Servers and Bartender for Omakase Japanese Restaurant
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O
Added 2d ago
Looking for Experienced Servers and Bartender for Omakase Japanese Restaurant
OMAKASE SUSHI & SAKE BAR
Lexington, Kentucky
Business Development
Program Management
Project Management
$100 - $300/hr
On-Site

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O'Charley's
Restaurant General Manager
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O'Charley's
Added 2d ago
Restaurant General Manager
O'Charley's
Cold Spring, Kentucky
Business Strategy
Product Management
Project Management
$70k - $75k/yr
1,001-5,000

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Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Restaurant Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Lexington
13 jobs
Louisville
13 jobs
Georgetown
10 jobs
Shepherdsville
8 jobs
Paducah
7 jobs
Florence
7 jobs
Frankfort
6 jobs
Corbin
5 jobs
London
5 jobs

Restaurant Job Market in Kentucky

A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Taco Bell
    Taco Bell36
  • Wendy's
    Wendy's24
  • Bojangles'
    Bojangles'24
  • Burger King
    Burger King22
  • Bob Evans Restaurants
    Bob Evans Restaurants13

Top Industries Hiring

  • Retail

What Kentucky Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in restaurant jobs across Kentucky.

  • Prior experience in a fast-paced restaurant or food service environment required
  • Food handler certification or ServSafe certification recognized by Kentucky health authorities
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards applicable in Kentucky
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by Kentucky restaurant operations
  • Strong customer service and communication skills suited to Kentucky's hospitality-focused market
  • Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and basic cash-handling procedures

Restaurant Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a restaurant worker in Kentucky?

Most restaurant positions in Kentucky do not require a state-issued license, but food handlers are expected to complete a food safety course such as ServSafe, which is widely recognized by Kentucky health departments. Managerial roles typically require a Certified Food Protection Manager credential approved under Kentucky administrative regulations. Entry-level applicants generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, while chef and kitchen management roles benefit from culinary training or vocational coursework available at institutions like Sullivan University.

Which companies hire restaurant workers in Kentucky?

Kentucky restaurant roles are posted by Taco Bell, Wendy's, and Bojangles' and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's strong presence of national quick-service chains, regional dining groups, and entertainment-anchored venues in Louisville and Lexington means hiring activity is consistent throughout the year.

Which Kentucky cities have the most restaurant jobs?

Lexington, Louisville, and Georgetown are the Kentucky cities with the most restaurant openings right now. Louisville drives the largest share of demand thanks to its dense concentration of hospitality venues, bourbon tourism attractions, and major events like the Kentucky Derby, while Lexington and Bowling Green generate steady openings through their university populations, retail corridors, and regional shopping destinations that anchor suburban dining traffic.

Are there remote restaurant jobs in Kentucky?

Yes, but they're rare. Restaurant work is fundamentally hands-on and location-based, so the vast majority of roles require an on-site presence. About 0% of restaurant openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to be corporate support functions such as training coordination, menu development, or regional operations roles rather than front-of-house or kitchen positions.

How can I get hired as a restaurant worker in Kentucky with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying for a host, busser, or dishwasher role at a full-service restaurant, which Kentucky employers routinely use as a starting point for promotion into server and kitchen positions. Large operators like Darden Restaurants and regional chains based in Louisville often run structured onboarding programs for new hires with no prior experience. Completing a ServSafe food handler course before applying gives candidates a clear advantage, and culinary programs at Kentucky Community and Technical College System campuses provide affordable credentials that open kitchen doors.

Where can I find and apply to restaurant jobs in Kentucky?

You can find and apply to restaurant jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and availability, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 186+ Restaurant Jobs in Kentucky

Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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