Tennessee Chefs Sing a Happy Tune

Tennessee's vibrant culinary culture is influenced by Nashville's thriving music business. As a result, resorts and retirement developments have spread across the state. Opportunities for restaurant and hotel managers may be best in Tennessee's larger cities, such as Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Nashville's music industry has turned the city into a heavy travel and entertainment center, with thousands of restaurants and hotels across a wide range of service levels. Memphis ranks among the 25 largest urban centers in the U.S. Those in restaurant or hotel management in Tennessee can participate in a stimulating professional atmosphere.

Wherever you go in the state, you'll might be preparing longtime culinary favorites such as country ham and barbecue, but you'll notice regional culinary differences too. In its early settlement days, the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee prohibited farming and encouraged eating small game, including opossum, raccoon and rabbit. Lowland middle and western Tennessee have a history of more traditional plantation cuisine, with a French influence coming up the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers from New Orleans.

Tennessee Restaurant and Hotel Management

Tennessee employs approximately 238,220 people in food preparation and serving related occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.) The BLS reports that chefs and head cooks earned a mean salary of $34,070 in 2007. Tennessee hotel managers earned an average of $50,360 in 2007. Managers at larger properties have the opportunity to earn higher wages, as do managers with previous management experience. The industry can be very competitive, making career training and experience very helpful. Maintaining a steady stream of customers and offering them consistent, high quality service is a key to succeeding in the restaurant and hotel management industry.

Featured Schools

The Art Institutes

Develop your portfolio at The Art Institutes, and get a competitive advantage.

Campus Locations:

Atlanta
Charlotte
Nashville

Programs:

Culinary Arts (D)
Culinary Arts (AA)

Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America

Bring Your Fire to the Plate. Le Cordon Bleu. Learn the Way.

Campus Locations:

Orlando
Scottsdale

Programs:

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale - Certificate in Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando - 12 Month Certificate in Culinary Arts