Culinary Internship Summer 2026

Southernhospitalityinternshipprogram; Pigeon Forge (TN); On-site; USD 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Wages

Flexible Scheduling

Generous Company Discounts

Discounts to Local Attractions

Employee Assistance Program

Referral Program

Employee Engagement Events

Wellness Program

Job summary

Southernhospitalityinternshipprogram in Pigeon Forge is offering a Culinary Internship designed to provide immersive learning experiences about kitchen operations, ingredient management, and food preparation standards.

The internship presents two tracks: a Specialty Culinary program focusing on specific interests and a Diversified Culinary program exposing you to the broader spectrum of our culinary and retail operations. This paid position will require flexibility in scheduling and aims to fulfill your college internship requirements while enriching your culinary skills.

Qualifications

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Open to interns capable of fulfilling college curriculum requirements.

Responsibilities

• Understand kitchen operations through various tasks.
• Work with managers to set learning objectives.
• Prepare food according to established recipes.
• Ensure all food meets quality and presentation standards.

Job description

CULINARY INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

One of the area’s most highly rated companies is looking for interns to join our culinary team. Are you looking for a unique internship experience with competitive wages, benefits, and company discounts that is rewarding, fun, and will contribute to your professional development? If you are looking for an unparalleled internship experience with a company providing unique handmade products and goods, quality food, superior service, and gracious hospitality, then this is an excellent fit for you.

Our Company

Founded in 1830, our company is one of Pigeon Forge’s most beloved and unforgettable attractions. We have remained a staple of Smoky Mountain Culture for generations, featuring two restaurants, a pottery studio, a distillery, a candy shop, and a nearly 200‐year old working gristmill. Serving Southern classics in a beautiful historic setting, our delicious food and friendly, welcoming atmosphere are loved by locals and visitors alike. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, our time‐tested recipes and wholesome ingredients have kept our restaurants busy for more than 25 years. As a successful company with restaurants and stores popular with locals and visitors alike, we only seek the best to join our Culinary Team.

Your Internship

At the start of your internship, you will meet with an internship coordinator and choose between two internship programs:

• Specialty Culinary Internship Program- Focuses on one to three areas of interest
• Diversified Culinary Internship Program – Exposes the intern to not only our restaurants and areas of interest, but also the retail stores, production centers, and business operations

During your internship, you will learn about kitchen operations through baking and pastry, chocolate and caramel work, small and large batch menu items, research and development, and various production elements. You will also learn responsibility for ingredient inventory management, administrative duties, and retail. Our internship programs offer an immersive internship experience like no other, from our onboarding experience to monthly internship outings. Your time here will allow you to satisfactorily complete individual college curriculum requirements for internships to satisfy college credit. This internship will provide you with an opportunity to meet your needed course requirements in a paid position and a fast‐paced, realistic work environment.

What will I do?

• Achieve an understanding of the responsibilities/duties of each manager and team members
• Develop an understanding of the importance of synergy between business segments for overall organizational success
• Finish program with a better understanding of own strengths and weaknesses
• Gain knowledge in each area of business
• Learn standards set by managers and team members
• Work with department managers to set learning objectives for each location
• Prepare food according to our recipes
• Leave having a thorough working understanding of all recipes, restaurant standards, and visual standards for each product
• Efficiently & accurately clean equipment
• Operate equipment safely and in line with best-use practices for each piece of equipment
• Learn and adheres to all the company’s level of quality Standards
• Perform other duties when assignedEnsures all food meets quality and presentation standards
• Maintains a proper work area
• Maintains positive and consistent energy and productivity standards throughout shift
• Effectively communicates and works with all team members
• Work and interact with others in a manner consistent with the company’s culture
• Completes the company’s training program
• Uphold the company’s mission, vision, and service standards
• Ensures that all food meets the quality and presentation standards of the company

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive Wages
• Flexible Scheduling
• Generous Company Discounts
• Discounts to Local Attractions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Program
• Employee Engagement Events
• Wellness Program

Availability

Full‐time position with 35‐40 hours per week. Available to work flexible hours as assigned, including mornings, weekends, special events, and holidays.