Prep Cook

Torchy’s Tacos started in 2006 in Austin, Texas, and has grown from a single food trailer into a nationally recognized restaurant chain operating across the United States. Known for its innovative and high-quality tacos, Torchy’s has cultivated a dedicated following by combining great food with a fun and energetic atmosphere. The company prides itself on using fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and maintaining high culinary standards that set it apart in the fast-casual dining segment. Since its inception, Torchy’s has maintained a strong commitment to its roots while expanding its menu and locations, ensuring every guest receives a consistent and memorable dining experience.

At Torchy’s, the role of a Prep Cook is critical to sustaining the vibrant food culture that customers enjoy. The Prep Cook position is tailored for individuals passionate about culinary arts and food preparation who thrive in dynamic kitchen environments. This role offers an hourly wage of $19.29 with additional pooled tips, making it an appealing opportunity for candidates seeking both competitive compensation and a team-oriented workplace.

The Prep Cook is responsible for executing a variety of food preparation tasks as outlined in the daily prep sheet, adhering strictly to Torchy’s recipes from the ‘‘Taco Bible’’ to ensure consistency and quality. This includes producing menu items, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, setting up and breaking down stations, and following food safety and HACCP procedures. The role emphasizes the importance of recipe adherence and proper documentation, such as recording pre- and post-weights of food and tracking yields to optimize kitchen operations.

Additionally, the Prep Cook handles tortilla production—specifically masa production, pressing corn tortillas, dealing with flour tortilla dough balls, and cooking tortillas on flat tops to precise standards. These specialized responsibilities require attention to detail and proficiency with kitchen tools and equipment.

Complete preparation and organization are essential to this role, ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently during shifts. Physical readiness is also important, as the job requires lifting up to 40 pounds and using various kitchen equipment including fryers, char grills, flat tops, immersion blenders, and mandolins.

Torchy’s also invests in its team members with access to benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance after one year of full-time employment, a 401(k) retirement plan after six months, paid time off, flexible scheduling, and a food discount card available for employees and their spouses. The company fosters a supportive work environment and even has the Torchy’s Family Foundation to assist team members in times of need.

This position is best suited for individuals who are at least 18 years old, possess a Food Handler’s certification meeting state and local requirements, and have kitchen experience or a keen interest in developing culinary skills. The Prep Cook role at Torchy’s Tacos offers an exciting and rewarding career path for motivated individuals to grow within a respected restaurant brand known for exceptional food and culture.