Culinary Internship Fall 2026

Southernhospitalityinternshipprogram; Pigeon Forge (TN); On-site; USD 13,638 - 19,424; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to complete course credit

Practical kitchen experience

Leadership development classes

Job summary

A leading hospitality internship program in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers interns an opportunity to gain comprehensive experience in kitchen operations at a renowned theme park. Interns will engage in various responsibilities including food preparation, quality assurance, and inventory management. This role provides practical experience that may also satisfy college credit requirements, along with access to leadership development classes. A willingness to learn and adapt to a fast-paced environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to participate in various kitchen operations.
• Basic understanding of food safety and cleanliness.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen operations as a dishwasher and various cook roles.
• Manage inventory and assist in administrative tasks.
• Participate in training and development activities.
• Act as a quality assurance inspector for food.
• Assist in cost analysis and menu creation.

Job description

The intern will support the kitchen operations through dishwasher, receiving clerk, prep cook, line cook, banquets production and ingredient inventory management and administrative duties within Dollywood Theme Park. In turn, intern will satisfactorily complete individual program requirements to satisfy college/university credit and/or course study requirements if needed. The Dollywood Company will provide the intern:

• The opportunity to complete course credit for the term of the internship
• Practical experience within a fast paced and ever changing work environment
• Opportunity to apply theory with practice
• Attend Leadership Development classes as available.
• Attend weekly intern meetings to discuss jobs of the week and learn about the different functions of a theme park.
• Train and work in below sections of internship:
  • Dishwasher - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures.
  • Receiving Clerk - Manage the loading dock. Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment. Checking in orders, putting up food and non-food inventories. Coding invoices according to standardized accounting process.
  • Prep Cook - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures
  • Line Cook - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures
  • Baker - To participate in all activities, including food preparation, merchandise handling, ware washing, and cleanliness and sanitation procedures.
• Act as quality assurance inspector for food, ensuring a high quality.
• Responsible for the implementation and possible creation of “Plate Perfect” recipes.
• Know, understand, & enforce the use of the “Start Fresh” program when necessary.
• Be available/willing to work at different locations throughout The Dollywood Company.
• Responsible for all aspects of the P&L including but not limited to labor management (scheduling, time keeping, etc.), Cost Analysis to include Cost of Sales, product mix, and Spending Per Person
• Assisting with creating and implementing improvements profit contribution and cost savings through menu creation.
• Execute special project benefiting the Foods area as determined by Management.