Cook

Join El Pollo Loco as a Grill Master (Cook) and craft the signature grilled experience for guests while enjoying competitive pay, flexible scheduling, and growth opportunities. Benefits Competitive pay No late-night hours Meal discounts Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within) Flexible scheduling: full‑time or part‑time hours Medical, dental, vision insurance + flexible spending account* 401(k) plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate) Paid sick time Employee assistance program Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels, and more Eligibility based on average hours worked per week within a 12‑month period Position Purpose The Grill Master (Cook) creates a best‑in‑class guest experience at El Pollo Loco by preparing grilled and hot food items while following precise company standards for preparation and presentation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 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 presentation or packaging. Monitor holding time for grilled proteins and take corrective actions when hold time expires or when product quality fails to meet standards. Maintain proper serving temperature for all cooked proteins. Thaw and store raw proteins to projected needs. Inspect chicken and other raw proteins for acceptable quality before 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 during shifts based on projections and actual business activity. Follow food safety, rotation, and sanitation policies and procedures to maintain a safe/healthy environment. Assist on hot and cold prep lines as needed. Strive to exceed customer expectations and satisfaction. Collaborate with restaurant team members and management to achieve operational goals and uphold company standards. Assist in training new cooks. Perform other duties assigned by management to support restaurant operations. Qualifications Education/Work Experience: One or more years of previous restaurant cooking experience is preferred but not required. Certifications: Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire, adhering to EPL policy and state regulations. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Willingness to participate in cross‑training opportunities to develop skills in other areas of the restaurant. 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 commitment to scheduled 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. Physical Demands Regularly stands, talks, hears, uses close and distance vision, tastes, or smells. Repetitively reaches, handles, feels, and/or grasps objects with hands. Occasionally bends, stoops, kneels, crouches, and/or crawls. May lift objects weighing up to 40 lbs. Regularly exposed to noise, fumes, heat, burn hazards, and/or wet surfaces. May be exposed to certain cleaning chemicals during performance of job duties. We are an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. Reasonable accommodations are made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Pay range: The hourly or salary rate for this position is based on experience, industry experience, education, geography, and other factors. This range does not include benefits or bonus opportunities. #J-18808-Ljbffr El Pollo Loco, Inc.