EL Cook/Prep – EPL 3855 Scottsdale – Hayden (Scottsdale, AZ)
Job Overview
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
Retirement Plan
Job Description
El Pollo Loco is a renowned fast casual restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-style grilled chicken dishes. With a widespread presence across multiple states, El Pollo Loco prides itself on serving fresh, high-quality meals that combine traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. The company is committed to providing a welcoming environment for both its customers and its employees, emphasizing teamwork, efficiency, and exceptional food safety standards. Known for its vibrant and engaging service culture, this restaurant brand continuously seeks motivated individuals who are passionate about food preparation and delivering an outstanding dining experience.
The role of Prep Cook at El Pollo Loco is pivotal in maintaining the kitchen's efficiency and consistency. Reporting to a Shift Leader, Assistant Manager, or General Manager, the Prep Cook’s primary responsibility is to prepare ingredients and food items adhering to El Pollo Loco's established recipes, preparation procedures, and stringent food safety standards. This position involves marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and creating salsas, all in accordance with brand standards, portion controls, and proper labeling, dating, and storage based on First In, First Out (FIFO) principles.
The Prep Cook supports the culinary team by ensuring all ingredients are ready for grilling and service, and may assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as needed. Maintaining a clean and organized preparation area is critical, including the upkeep of coolers, utensils, tools, and equipment sanitization. The role demands vigilance in monitoring prep levels to communicate shortages or quality concerns proactively to management. Adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations is mandatory to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard customer health.
Physically, the Prep Cook should be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, performing repetitive hand and wrist movements, and handling lifting or moving objects of varying weights. The working environment is fast-paced, often involving exposure to open flames, heat, cold storage, noise, and wet or slippery surfaces, requiring attention, agility, and care. Flexibility in scheduling is also necessary, as the role may include shifts during mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
El Pollo Loco values dependability, professionalism, and teamwork. The Prep Cook must work collaboratively with cooks, grill staff, and management, following directions precisely to contribute to a smooth and successful kitchen operation. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building their culinary skills within a structured, high-energy restaurant environment dedicated to quality and safety.
The role of Prep Cook at El Pollo Loco is pivotal in maintaining the kitchen's efficiency and consistency. Reporting to a Shift Leader, Assistant Manager, or General Manager, the Prep Cook’s primary responsibility is to prepare ingredients and food items adhering to El Pollo Loco's established recipes, preparation procedures, and stringent food safety standards. This position involves marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and creating salsas, all in accordance with brand standards, portion controls, and proper labeling, dating, and storage based on First In, First Out (FIFO) principles.
The Prep Cook supports the culinary team by ensuring all ingredients are ready for grilling and service, and may assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as needed. Maintaining a clean and organized preparation area is critical, including the upkeep of coolers, utensils, tools, and equipment sanitization. The role demands vigilance in monitoring prep levels to communicate shortages or quality concerns proactively to management. Adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations is mandatory to prevent cross-contamination and safeguard customer health.
Physically, the Prep Cook should be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods, performing repetitive hand and wrist movements, and handling lifting or moving objects of varying weights. The working environment is fast-paced, often involving exposure to open flames, heat, cold storage, noise, and wet or slippery surfaces, requiring attention, agility, and care. Flexibility in scheduling is also necessary, as the role may include shifts during mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
El Pollo Loco values dependability, professionalism, and teamwork. The Prep Cook must work collaboratively with cooks, grill staff, and management, following directions precisely to contribute to a smooth and successful kitchen operation. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building their culinary skills within a structured, high-energy restaurant environment dedicated to quality and safety.
Job Requirements
- Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required
- knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred
- ability to work flexible schedules including mornings nights weekends and holidays
- ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- ability to lift and carry varying weights occasionally requiring assistance
- ability to use prep equipment and kitchen tools safely as per state age requirements
- ability to follow company policies and health regulations properly
Job Qualifications
- Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred
- knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred
- ability to work flexible schedules including mornings nights weekends and holidays
- ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately
- ability to maintain focus and food safety standards
- ability to multi task in a fast paced environment
- ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance
Job Duties
- Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken chopping produce portioning proteins preparing salsas following brand standards
- follow approved recipes prep lists and portion controls
- label date store and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines
- assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned
- maintain clean and organized prep areas coolers and storage spaces
- clean and sanitize prep tools utensils and equipment
- monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management
- support kitchen operations during high volume periods
- follow all food safety sanitation and health department regulations
- handle raw and cooked products properly to prevent cross contamination
- comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards
- work collaboratively with cooks grill staff and follow direction from managers and shift leaders
- demonstrate dependability teamwork and professionalism
Job Criteria
Experience
No experience required
Job Location
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