Chef

Chiquito Restaurant, Bar and Mexican Grill; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay with Tronc

Flexible working

50% off food & drink across Big Table

Wellbeing & support

Fully funded apprenticeships

Free meals on shift

Early access to wages

Discounted gym memberships

Exclusive savings on theme parks

Job summary

Chiquito Restaurant, Bar and Mexican Grill in Gateshead is seeking a Chef to join our bold, fast-paced kitchen. If you love cooking Tex-Mex, thrive in a lively team, and want to be part of an inclusive, supportive workplace, you could be a great fit.

You'll cook to spec, keep the kitchen clean and safe, and bring energy and pride to every shift. We offer flexible contracts, competitive hourly pay with Tronc, and plenty of opportunities to grow within the hospitality group.

Qualifications

• No heavy experience required; just a genuine love for food and a positive attitude.
• Ability to work well in a team in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Cook delicious Tex-Mex dishes to spec—hot, fresh, and full of flavour.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe, and running smoothly.
• Work as part of a close-knit team that supports each other and has fun doing it.
• Help deliver an unforgettable experience for every guest.
• Bring energy, pride, and passion to every shift.

Skills

Teamwork

Passion for food

Fast-paced environment

Cleanliness

Job description

Bring the Heat – Join Chiquito as a Chef!

At Chiquito, we’re all about bold flavours, sizzling dishes, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re passionate about cooking, thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, and love being part of a fun, supportive team, we’d love to welcome you as a Chef!

Why Join Chiquito?

We know that great food starts with great people, so we offer:

• Hourly pay and opportunity to earn Tronc
• A Place for Everyone – We celebrate individuality and welcome anyone who brings passion, energy, and a love for food.
• Flexible Working – Contracts that fit your lifestyle.
• Awesome Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands, plus 25% off for friends & family.
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Program includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, second medical opinion service, and more.
• Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships and development opportunities (Hospitality Team Member Level 2 and beyond).
• Perks & Rewards – Free meals on shift, early access to wages, discounted gym memberships, and exclusive savings on theme parks, shopping, and more!
• Team Celebrations – Competitions, team parties, and chances to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You’ll Do As a Chef

• Cook delicious Tex-Mex dishes to spec—hot, fresh, and full of flavour.
• Keep the kitchen clean, safe, and running smoothly.
• Work as part of a close-knit team that supports each other and has fun doing it.
• Help deliver an unforgettable experience for every guest.
• Bring energy, pride, and passion to every shift.

Who We’re Looking For

If you love food, enjoy working as part of a close‑knit team, and thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

At Chiquito our kitchens are the heartbeat of the restaurant. From prepping fresh ingredients to cooking dishes our guests love, you’ll play a key role in delivering great food, every time. You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you can learn new skills, build confidence, and take pride in what you do.

We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can help you get started, but what really stands out to us is you – your enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to get stuck in.

You don’t need loads of experience – just a genuine love for food, a positive attitude, and a great team mindset. If you enjoy working behind the scenes to create something special on the plate, we’d love to welcome you into the Chiquito kitchen.