Burger Master
Burger Master
Once known as “The Chalet” to locals, Burger Master Drive-In has been a staple in this gorgeous Smoky Mountain valley for generations. Built in 1967, this drive in is a historical stop for guests visiting the National Park. We serve Burgers, Fries, Hot Dogs and of course Ice Cream ranging from Flurries to Shakes to a dipped cone. Come join the fun serving the peaceful side of the Smokies.
Located just outside of the entrance to Cades Cove National Park. Just a half an hour from Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge home to Dolly Wood and Ober Gatlinburg.
- Location
- Tennessee
- Season
- Summer
- Staff size
- 35
- Housing
- Staff make their own housing arrangements.
- Housing details
- We currently have RV/camper sites available for our work camper program that can last up to 8 months. All other staff will be expected to make their own housing arrangements.
- Pet friendly
- Yes
- Meals
- Some meals / discounts
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About Burger Master
Looking to enjoy the peaceful side of the Smokies? Join our top-rated restaurant for the 2024 season! Since 1967 the Burger Master has been a favorite spot to visit during people's trips to the nearby National Park. Serving Burgers and Shakes to the peaceful side, come join the crew and serve smiles with us this summer.
The Employee Experience
The Burger Master strives to serve the best quality food with the best quality service. We serve locals to visitors across the world and provide the best hospitality Tennessee has to offer. Being on the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" we get to enjoy the beautiful nature the national park has to offer. We are family-owned and operated, so we are team-focused on making each other better. We enjoy serving the community tasty treats while continuing to help develop new leaders for the future.
Ideal Candidate
Our staff are self-motivators who enjoy delivering exceptional hospitality to our customers. Most positions are front-facing with a lot of customers. Being adaptable to adapt to the heat of the restaurant and comfortable to cross-train. Willing to go above and beyond with the customer making sure they have the best experience. Successful applicants will receive appropriate training (depending on interest and experience)
Room and Board
We do not offer room and board to our employees. Employees must provide their own transportation and housing.
We do have 3 camper sites that are offered to our Couple Work-Camper program. These sites are available for a 8 month term and are assigned according to first hired. RV, Camper, or van is not included in the sites and must be provided by employee.
Employee Perks
- Bonus for every hour worked (End of Season Bonus)
- Wages 10.00 - 13.00/hr depending on experience (competitive pay)
- 50% meal discount on days of a worked shift
- Free and discounted Tickets to popular area attractions
- 2 complimentary River Rat tubing passes
- Daily tips
- Employee Uniform
Getting Here and Getting Around
Townsend, Tennessee offers plenty of activities and conveniences. Numerous campgrounds are within walking distance of the property and hundreds are available within 20 miles or less. Cycling is a great option for transportation and exercise if you stay in Townsend. There are miles of concrete bike trails and walkways covering from one side of town to the other. The Great Smoky Mountain entrance is only 1 mile from our property as it is known for its breathtaking views and activities.
The best form of transportation is a vehicle in order to explore what this area has to offer. Public transportation, uber, and taxi services are very limited in Townsend and are not recommended to depend on.
For Fun
There are miles of concrete bike trails and a 14-mile adventurous mountain bike resort Vee Hollow located in Townsend. River Rat offers tubing in Townsend, TN, and rafting on the other side of the Smoky Mountains in Hartford, TN about 1 hour away. The Great Smoky Mountain entrance is only 1 mile from our property as it is known for its breathtaking views, hiking, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, and many historic sites to visit. Townsend is only a 20-minute drive away from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville which are some of the United States' biggest tourist areas. Enjoy the thrill of award-winning coasters at Dollywood, museum attractions, mini-golf, go-karts, shopping, indoor skydiving, and dinner theaters, this area is bursting at the seams with fun for all ages. There are many events hosted in the area each year from Sasquatch festivals, car shows, hot-air balloon festivals, and inheritance events.
Current Job Openings
- Preparing/Cooking: This will include cooking burgers, fries and all other food we serve.
- Building Orders: This involves bagging orders, double checking to make sure everything is in the bag. After correctly assembling the order you will hand it to a front line staff member to serve it.
- Condiment Bar and Outside: During the day the condiment bar needs to be restocked and wiped down. Outside will need to be picked up, tables wiped down, and trash changed.
- Food Safety: Always wear gloves when handling food, make sure proper temperatures are met, and wash hands every thirty minutes.
- Food Prep: This will include cooking bacon for the week, cutting vegetables, and setting out items to thaw.
- Open/Close: A checklist will be provided.
- Greeting Customers - This part of the job requires social interactions between you and the customers. During busy hours this may not be required as often but not subjected to. We are working to serve the guests and giving them a hospitable interaction is apart of our duties as employees. Examples may include but not be limited to informing someone where the bathroom is while you are cleaning outside, or answering questions about the area. We want the customers to feel welcomed and comfortable talking to our staff so put on an extra smile for them and communicate with respect and patience. A Manager will always be on staff to take care of any disputes or questions you are not comfortable or able to answer. We want our Guest and Staff to feel safe and welcomed at the Burger Master and it starts and ends with the staff.
- Outside - Outside will be regularly cycled between front and back of the house employees. Attention to detail is very important when going outside. You will be in charge of cleaning the bar, making sure it is stocked for oncoming business. Tend to the trash cans, meaning if it is full take care of it (if it is too full ask for help as needed). This is where ATTENTION TO DETAIL comes into play. Going around picking up trash before emptying trash can help you make less trips. If you see a trash can at 55% capacity and it is super busy it's important to go ahead and take care of it so they don’t overflow. Inspect for spills that later would be a bigger problem if not gotten up immediately or as soon as possible. These small attentions to detail will help make the job outside less stressful.
- Cash Register - You will take orders, ring in the orders, take and give cash back/use cashless device.
- Front Window - You will be handing orders out to customers, providing any other items needed (Condiments, utensils, etc). DOUBLE check orders to assure everything is there and it is the correct bag for the correct customers. Your job is to make sure the food is properly going out and at a good pace. Keeping an eye on times and giving feedback to the front and back of the house on progress.
- Ice Cream Stations - You will be making ice cream of all sorts. We have Flurries, Shakes, Cones, Novelties, and Sundaes. Quality is very important to us (Presentation) and practice makes perfect. CLEANING regularly by wiping of surfaces and ice cream splashes, maintaining a clean and health code regulated working area.
- Outside - Outside will be regularly cycled between front and back of the house employees. Attention to detail is very important when going outside. You will be in charge of cleaning the bar, making sure it is stocked for oncoming business. Tend to the trash cans, meaning if it is full take care of it (if it is too full ask for help as needed). This is where ATTENTION TO DETAIL comes into play. Going around picking up trash before emptying trash can help you make less trips. If you see a trash can at 55% capacity and it is super busy it's important to go ahead and take care of it so they don’t overflow. Inspect for spills that later would be a bigger problem if not gotten up immediately or as soon as possible. These small attentions to detail will help make the job outside less stressful.
- Greeting Customers - This part of the job requires social interactions between you and the customers. During busy hours this may not be required as often but not subjected to. We are working to serve the guests and giving them a hospitable interaction is apart of our duties as employees. Examples may include but not be limited to informing someone where the bathroom is while you are cleaning outside, or answering questions about the area. We want the customers to feel welcomed and comfortable talking to our staff so put on an extra smile for them and communicate with respect and patience. A Manager will always be on staff to take care of any disputes or questions you are not comfortable or able to answer. We want our Guest and Staff to feel safe and welcomed at the Burger Master and it starts and ends with the staff
Back of the House
Back of the House staff will be in charge of preparing and cooking food, building orders, maintaining proper food safety, Condiment bar/outside, prep for the following day/week, and opening/closing.
These BOH roles include but are not limited to:
Front of the House
Contact Info
- Tristan Williams
- manager@burgermaster.net
- (865) 448-8408
- burgermaster.net


