Cook - Hiring Immediately

Denton, TX, USA|

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Part-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $12.00 - $13.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

competitive pay

no overnight hours

employee discount on food

Excellent career growth potential

flexible schedule

Full-Time or Part-Time hours

Job Description

El Pollo Loco is a renowned restaurant chain specializing in flame-grilled chicken and Mexican-inspired cuisine, recognized for its commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, and vibrant customer experiences. Known for its lively atmosphere and flavorful dishes, El Pollo Loco has established itself as a popular dining destination across various locations, consistently attracting a diverse clientele. The company prides itself on delivering best-in-class service by focusing on culinary excellence and exceptional customer care. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, El Pollo Loco offers competitive pay and flexible work schedules to accommodate both full-time and part-time team members, fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace. Employees enjoy benefits such as employee discounts on food, opportunities for career advancement through internal promotions, and a positive work-life balance with no overnight shifts required. The culture at El Pollo Loco encourages teamwork, continuous learning, and adherence to high standards of food safety and hygiene, making it an attractive employer for individuals passionate about the foodservice industry.

The role of Grill Master, commonly known as Cook, is a critical position within El Pollo Loco's kitchen team, responsible for crafting an exceptional guest experience by preparing and presenting grilled and hot food items according to strict company guidelines. This position demands a culinary professional who is detail-oriented, capable of maintaining consistency in food quality, and dedicated to upholding the restaurant's standards for safety and sanitation. The Grill Master plays an essential role in ensuring that proteins such as chicken are marinated, cooked, rotated, and served at optimal temperature, providing both visual appeal and outstanding taste. This role also requires active participation in maintaining the cleanliness of the workspace, managing inventory of raw proteins, and supporting hot and cold food preparation lines as needed. Working collaboratively with fellow team members and management, the Grill Master helps maintain a positive and efficient work environment while striving to exceed customer expectations. With competitive hourly wages ranging from $12 to $13, the position offers flexibility in scheduling to accommodate diverse employee needs and emphasizes a commitment to professional growth, including the training of new cooks and opportunities to cross-train in various restaurant functions. The Grill Master position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in fast-paced environments, have a passion for cooking, and seek to develop their careers within a well-established, supportive company.

Job Requirements

Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire
One or more years of previous restaurant cooking experience preferred
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Flexibility to work various shifts including weekends and holidays
Strong communication skills
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks
Demonstrated reliability and punctuality
Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs
Willingness to adhere to food safety and sanitation policies
Willingness to learn and adapt to procedures
Commitment to provide excellent customer service

Job Qualifications

Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire, adhering to EPL policy and state regulations
One or more years of previous restaurant cooking experience is preferred but not required
Bilingual is preferred but not required
Willingness to participate in cross-training opportunities to develop skills in other areas of the restaurant as needed
Enthusiastic and positive demeanor, with a genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude
Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, with a commitment to meeting scheduled work shifts and assignments
Willingness to learn and adapt to changing procedures and protocols
Commitment to upholding company values and standards of excellence in customer service

Job Duties

Prepare, marinate, season, cook, stock and rotate chicken and other grilled proteins according to company standards
Receive orders, cut cooked chicken, and arrange proteins for proper presentation on the plate or in the applicable packaging apparatus
Monitor holding time for grilled proteins and take corrective actions when hold time expires or when product quality fails to meet company standards
Maintain and ensure that all cooked proteins are at proper serving temperature
Thaw and store all other raw proteins to projected needs
Inspect chicken and other raw proteins for acceptable quality standards prior to marinating or grilling
Clean and sanitize the entire work area including all equipment, tools, storage containers, grills and hoods
Maintain proper quality and quantity levels of whole chicken and other meats cooking throughout shift based on projections and actual business activity
Diligently follow all food safety, food rotation, and sanitation policies and procedures to maintain a safe/healthy environment
Assist on the hot and cold prep lines as needed
Continuously strive to meet or exceed customer expectations and satisfaction
Work collaboratively with restaurant team members and management to achieve operational goals, maintain a positive work environment, and uphold company standards
Assist in the training of new cooks
Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations