Employer Description

Denny’s is a well-known American diner serving breakfast throughout the day, along with burgers, sandwiches and classic comfort food. The Pigeon Forge restaurant operates 24 hours and provides participants with experience in a fast-paced hospitality environment serving local residents and international visitors.

Rivera Restaurant Group is identified as the operator in the supplied employer information.

Job Positions

Food & Beverage Crew Member

Location: 3716 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Weekly hours and overtime: Not specified

Compensation

• Dishwasher, kitchen crew, busser, cook and host/hostess: $14–$15 per hour, depending on the assigned position.
• Server: $2.13 per hour plus customer tips.
• For tipped positions, the employer must ensure that wages plus tips meet the applicable minimum-wage requirements.
• Tip-sharing arrangements, overtime and guaranteed weekly hours were not specified.

Available Assignments

Dishwasher / Service Assistant

• Wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, pans and utensils.
• Operate and maintain dishwashing equipment.
• Bus, clean and reset tables when required.
• Restock clean dishes and kitchen supplies.
• Maintain clean kitchen, dining and service areas.

These duties are consistent with Denny’s official dishwasher/service-assistant descriptions.

Kitchen Crew / Cook

• Prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items.
• Operate grills, fryers and other kitchen equipment.
• Follow recipes, portions and presentation standards.
• Monitor food quality and cooking times.
• Maintain clean, stocked and organized workstations.

Busser

• Clear, clean and reset tables.
• Carry used dishes safely to the kitchen.
• Restock dining-room and beverage supplies.
• Assist servers during busy service periods.
• Keep guest areas clean and welcoming.

Server

• Welcome guests and take food and beverage orders.
• Explain menu options and answer customer questions.
• Deliver orders accurately and monitor guest satisfaction.
• Process customer payments when required.
• Clean and prepare tables for incoming guests.

Host / Hostess

• Welcome customers immediately upon arrival.
• Confirm the number of guests and identify special seating needs.
• Manage waiting lists and organize the seating flow.
• Escort customers to their tables and provide menus.
• Coordinate with servers to maintain efficient restaurant service.

Denny’s official description confirms that hosts welcome customers, determine party size and identify special requirements such as high chairs or special menus.

Housing

• Employer-provided housing: $140 per week.
• Initial housing deposit: $500.
• $300 of the deposit is refundable, subject to housing conditions.
• Therefore, $200 appears to be non-refundable.
• Room occupancy, utilities, housing address and refund requirements were not specified.

Transportation

• Bus transportation to and from work is available between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• Airport pickup is not provided.
• Transportation for the Social Security application process is not provided.
• Because the restaurant operates 24 hours, participants should confirm that their assigned shifts finish within the bus schedule. Transportation outside those hours may be their responsibility.

Area Description — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is a popular tourism destination located in a valley at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Its restaurants, shops, theaters and attractions create an active hospitality environment where Work & Travel participants can interact with visitors from across the United States.

Popular attractions include Dollywood, The Island in Pigeon Forge, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, Titanic Museum Attraction and numerous mountain coasters and live shows. Nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives and wildlife viewing.

During winter, the city features extensive holiday lights and seasonal entertainment, while the surrounding mountains may receive snow. The destination is ideal for participants seeking a social tourism environment with access to nature, although they should confirm transportation to supermarkets, housing and attractions.