Cocinera

Vallarta Supermarkets; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plan

Dental & vision

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation

Legal services

Sick time

Holiday pay

Scholarships

Savings marketplace

Credit union

Recognition programs

Job summary

Vallarta Supermarkets in Pasadena, CA, seeks a full-time Cook (Cocinera FT) to prepare and cook authentic Mexican and Central American dishes from scratch. The role emphasizes cooking, prep, cleanliness, food safety, and exceptional customer service in a fast-paced taqueria setting.

You'll gather ingredients, maintain kitchen organization, follow safety standards, and work as part of a friendly team; bilingual English preferred, legal work status required; evenings/weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Experience as a restaurant cook or prep helper.
• Knowledge of authentic Mexican and Central American food preparation.
• Familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment.
• Basic understanding of English language.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Respectful, professional, and team-oriented attitude.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding, prompt, and courteous service.
• Work as a team member and assist coworkers as needed.
• Prepare and cook from scratch all menu items (guisados, soups, salsa, mole, rice, beans, etc.) consistently to Vallarta standards.
• Gather, wash, and prepare food ingredients.
• Communicate ingredients and supply needs to management.
• Transport products to coolers and storage areas.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow food safety, health code regulations, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices.
• Follow dress code policies, changing apron/smock as needed.
• Treat coworkers and customers respectfully at all times.
• Use equipment and tools safely, report equipment issues immediately.

Skills

Kitchen familiarity

Mexican & Central American cuisine

Team player

Basic English

Safety conscious

Job description

Cocinera FT

Store: Pasadena

Wage: $19.34 - $22.55

Type: Full-time

Join the Vallarta Supermarkets Family!

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we’re more than just a grocery store, we’re a vibrant part of the communities we serve. We’re seeking friendly, service-oriented individuals who take pride in delivering extraordinary customer experiences and thrive in a fast-paced, festive environment. If you’re passionate about fresh, quality baked goods and love making people smile, we’d love to meet you!

About the Role

The Cook prepares and cooks authentic Mexican and Central American dishes from scratch, including guisados, soups, salsas, mole, rice, and beans. This role also assists in gathering and prepping ingredients, maintains cleanliness in the kitchen, and ensures food safety and sanitation while providing excellent customer service.

What You’ll Do

• Provide outstanding, prompt, and courteous service.
• Work as a team member and assist coworkers as needed.
• Prepare and cook from scratch all menu items (guisados, soups, salsa, mole, rice, beans, etc.) consistently to Vallarta standards.
• Gather, wash, and prepare food ingredients.
• Communicate ingredients and supply needs, including inventory of prepared food, to management.
• Transport products to coolers and storage areas.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow food safety, health code regulations, personal hygiene, and sanitation practices.
• Follow dress code policies, changing apron/smock as needed.
• Treat coworkers and customers respectfully at all times.
• Use equipment and tools safely, report equipment issues immediately.
• Abide by company rules and Employee Handbook policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk constantly (6-8+ hours/day).
• Frequently bend neck/waist, squat, twist, and reach above/below shoulders.
• Frequent repetitive use of hands for grasping, power grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Lift and carry up to 25 lbs. frequently, up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Heaviest item: tray of cooked beans (30-35 lbs.), carried 25-50 feet.
• Exposure to extremes in temperature or humidity.
• No driving, heavy machinery, or work at heights required.

What We’re Looking For

• Knowledge of authentic Mexican and Central American food preparation.
• Familiarity with kitchen tools and equipment.
• Some experience as a restaurant cooks or prep helper.
• Basic understanding of English language.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced environment.
• Respectful, professional, and team-oriented attitude.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced Taqueria department with direct customer interaction.
• Exposure to perishable products, kitchen equipment, and changing conditions.
• Collaborative, team-focused workplace.
• Must be able to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

Full-Time Team Members

• Health medical plan: $25/week, plus free dental & vision.
• Free $25,000 Basic Life and AD&D Insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Access to legal services.

Part-Time & Full-Time Benefits

• Paid sick time.
• Premium pay for holidays.
• Scholarship opportunities.
• Savings marketplace & credit union membership.
• Recognition programs (birthdays, years of service, spirit days, etc.).

At Vallarta Supermarkets, we believe our culture drives execution. If you’re skilled, detail-oriented, and passionate about authentic cuisine, we invite you to apply today to join our team as a Cook!

Explore Exciting Job Opportunities

We offer positions to match your lifestyle and career goals. Whether you’re seeking part-time or full-time, Vallarta Supermarkets provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace with real opportunities for growth.

Vallarta Supermarkets is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and diversity. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives and will consider all qualified applicants for employment in accordance with all state, local, and federal laws. Vallarta Supermarkets participates in the E-Verify program.