What Restaurants Do Prep Cooks Make the Most Money at in Memphis, TN?

Prep Cooks in Memphis typically earn an average hourly wage of around $14 per hour, but their total earning potential can be significantly higher when factoring in tips, overtime and shift differentials. While Prep Cooks don’t receive tips as directly as front-of-house positions, in some restaurants with tip pooling, they may share in an additional $1 to $5 per hour in tips.

This article dives into the restaurants in Memphis where Prep Cooks can earn the most, exploring how salary varies by establishment type, experience level and location. We'll also cover strategies for finding lucrative Prep Cook positions and the outlook for this role in the city.

Top-Paying Restaurants for Prep Cooks in Memphis, TN

Memphis offers a variety of restaurants where Prep Cooks can find quality employment with rewarding pay. The city’s vibrant culinary scene includes Southern comfort food joints, upscale eateries and trendy bistros, each presenting unique opportunities for kitchen staff compensation.

Here are some of the top spots to consider for Prep Cook jobs:

1. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar

Known for its innovative dishes and extensive wine list, Flight combines a sophisticated menu with a lively downtown atmosphere. Prep Cooks here benefit from a fast-paced work environment with higher wage scales to match the restaurant’s upscale positioning.

2. Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

This Italian eatery is famous for its fresh pasta and seasonal fare. Its focus on quality ingredients and artisan preparation allows Prep Cooks to develop advanced skills while earning above-average wages for the region.

3. The Beauty Shop Restaurant

Set in a former beauty salon, this unique spot blends Memphis history and Southern cuisine. The eclectic menu and strong customer base create opportunities for Prep Cooks to earn competitive pay, especially with tips included in some shifts.

4. Garage Grill & Beer Garden

Located in the Cooper-Young neighborhood, this casual venue focuses on American comfort food and craft beverages. While hourly wages can be average, the kitchen’s busy atmosphere and dynamic team incentives often boost total earnings.

5. Hog & Hominy

Offering Southern-inspired dishes with an innovative twist, Hog & Hominy places a strong emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Prep Cooks here enjoy competitive pay and professional growth opportunities within a respected local brand.

The Impact of Restaurant Type on Prep Cook Earnings

The type and location of a restaurant in Memphis heavily influence a Prep Cook’s earnings. Upscale and fine-dining restaurants generally offer higher base wages, enhanced benefits and sometimes profit sharing or bonuses, reflecting the greater skill and efficiency required.

On the other hand, casual dining and fast-casual spots usually have lower hourly wages but can provide more consistent hours, which helps build steady income. The availability of tip pooling in some establishments can also add to a Prep Cook’s take-home pay.

• Upscale/Fine-Dining: Higher wages around $15-$17 per hour; occasional tip sharing; requires culinary skills or certifications.
• Casual and Fast-Casual: Generally $12-$14 per hour; less tipping; may offer more predictable schedules.
• Hotel/Resort Kitchens: Competitive pay with possible benefits and workout incentives; varied work hours.

How To Find a High Paying Prep Cook Job in Memphis

Enhance Your Culinary Skills

Obtaining culinary certifications or training can make you stand out for better-paying positions. Experience in food safety, knife skills and speed cooking are highly valued by Memphis restaurants.

Network Locally

Engage with local Chefs, attend food industry events and connect with hiring Managers in person. Personal recommendations can dramatically improve your chances of landing high-paying opportunities.

Tailor Your Application

Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume and cover letter. Express your enthusiasm for working in all types of kitchens, especially those with more complex prep requirements.

Be Flexible with Shifts

Offering availability for weekend, evening or holiday shifts shows employers you are dependable and may qualify you for higher compensation or bonuses.

What’s the Outlook for Prep Cook Jobs in Memphis in 2025 and Beyond?

The demand for Prep Cooks in Memphis is expected to grow modestly over the next several years as the city’s food scene continues to expand and diversify. According to labor market projections, hospitality roles including kitchen staff are anticipated to see steady openings due to restaurant expansion and turnover.

Memphis’s mix of casual eateries and upscale dining means there will be opportunities across the spectrum, with increased need for skilled Prep Cooks in higher-end establishments. Industry trends toward sourcing local ingredients and culinary innovation further boost demand for Prep staff who can handle specialized tasks.

Those willing to keep their skills updated and adaptable to emerging food trends should find solid long-term prospects in Memphis.

Is a Prep Cook’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Memphis?

At an average hourly wage of around $14 per hour, Prep Cooks in Memphis can expect an annual base salary near $29,000 before tips, overtime or bonuses. With tip-sharing in some kitchens and potential overtime, total income can increase by several thousand dollars annually.

Living costs in Memphis are relatively affordable. Average rents for a one-bedroom apartment hover around $900 per month, with utilities and groceries adding roughly another $300–$400 monthly. Transportation and entertainment costs are also lower than in many large metro areas.

With careful budgeting and additional income sources like tips or second jobs, a Prep Cook can live comfortably in Memphis. Higher-earning roles or advancement to Line Cook positions can provide even greater financial stability.

Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Memphis Prep Cook Jobs

We selected these restaurants based on thorough research of wage data from job listings, local hospitality reports and direct feedback from industry insiders. Our choices reflect venues that offer consistently competitive pay and strong potential for tip participation or bonuses.

Additional criteria included:

• Restaurant Reputation: Establishments known for quality and steady patronage.
• Location: Venues in high-traffic areas or popular dining districts.
• Growth Opportunities: Places that offer advancement within the kitchen or cross-training options.
• Employee Benefits: Restaurants providing healthcare, meal allowances or scheduling flexibility.

These factors combine to create environments in Memphis where Prep Cooks can thrive financially while developing their culinary careers.