Cook

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount on food

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Schedule

Paid vacation

401(K) plan with match

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in McKinney, Texas is looking for a Grill Master to prepare fire-grilled chicken and create an exceptional guest experience. Responsibilities include cooking and presenting food according to company standards, ensuring quality and cleanliness in the work area, and maintaining proper serving temperatures. Candidates should obtain Food Handler Certification upon hire. This role offers competitive pay, flexible hours, and potential for career growth with various benefits such as medical insurance and employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire.
• Previous experience in customer service or food service is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook chicken and other grilled proteins.
• Monitor holding times for grilled proteins.
• Clean and sanitize the entire work area.

Skills

Customer service

Food preparation

Teamwork

Education

Food Handler Certification

Job description

At El Pollo Loco, we don’t just serve fire‑grilled chicken — we serve careers that bring the heat. As a Grill Master, you’re not just cooking chicken; you’re igniting the El Pollo Loco experience. You’ll bring your passion, ideas, and energy to every order, following our flame‑grilled standards to serve craveable flavors and unforgettable guest moments.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Grill Master (Cook) creates “Best in Class” guest experience at El Pollo Loco by preparing grilled and hot food items, 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 proper presentation on the plate or in the applicable packaging apparatus.
• Monitor holding time for grilled proteins and take corrective actions when hold time expires or when product quality fails to meet company standards.
• Maintain and ensure that all cooked proteins are at proper serving temperature.
• Inspect chicken and other raw proteins for acceptable quality standards prior to marinating or grilling.
• Clean and sanitize the entire work area including all equipment, tools, storage containers, grills and hoods.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Certifications

Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire, adhering to EPL policy and state regulations.

Education/Work Experience

Previous experience in customer service or food service is preferred but not required.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive pay
• No overnight hours
• Employee discount on food
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Flexible Schedule: Full-Time or Part-Time hours
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts, Legal Insurance, and Pet Insurance
• 401(K) plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more…
• Eligibility for these benefits is based on the number of average hours worked per week within a 12-month period.
• Eligibility begins after completing at least 12 months of employment averaging 33 hours of work per week.

Why work for us?

We pride ourselves on a culture that values creativity, teamwork, and growth opportunities. Our employees are our secret ingredient, and we provide a place where you can express, develop, and belong while enjoying a healthy balance of work and life.