Mad Taco Chef/Kitchen Manager

Workstream; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with matching

Paid vacation

Medical, dental, and vision

Career coaching

Job summary

Mad Taco in Bowling Green, KY is seeking an accomplished Chef to lead a high-energy kitchen and elevate guest satisfaction. You’ll guide a talented team, uphold culinary standards, and partner with leadership to drive operational excellence.

You are passionate about hospitality, safety, and consistent quality, ready to train and mentor staff, and thrive in a fast-paced, guest‑obsessed environment that blends creativity with precision.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Chef in a high-volume kitchen
• Obsessed with hospitality and guest experience
• Ability to lead and mentor a kitchen team
• Strong focus on safety, sanitation and quality control

Responsibilities

• Lead the Tribe and inspire the BOH, ensuring the back-of-house is the heartbeat of the restaurant
• Maintain standards and consistency so every tray and plate wows guests
• Oversee operations from P&Ls to prep lists, turning numbers into a thriving kitchen
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen talent to sustain growth and excellence
• Lead the pre-shift huddle, keep the team fueled, informed and ready for service

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Quality control

Job description

The Big Picture

At Mad Taco, we don’t just "serve food"—we curate an escape. We’re looking for Chefs who are obsessed with the details and ready to lead a kitchen that feels more like a high‑performance team than a workplace. If you live for the rush of a perfect service and believe that a taco can be a work of art, you’re in the right place.

The Mad Taco DNA

We don’t do boring "corporate values." We live by a code that keeps us at the top of our game:

• Own Your Craft: You don't just "plate" food; you present it. You take deep pride in every tray that leaves the window.
• No Ego, All Team: We’re a family. You lead with kindness, build trust, and realize that we win (or lose) together.
• Obsessively Excellent: "Good enough" isn't in your vocabulary. You hold the line on quality because our guests deserve the best version of us every time.
• Growth Mindset: You’re a work in progress—and you love it. You crave feedback because you know it’s the secret sauce to leveling up.
• Real Talk: No gatekeeping. You communicate openly, stay honest, and keep the energy clear and collaborative.
• The Vibe Check: You bring the heat to the kitchen and the warmth to the team. We work hard, but we make sure everyone leaves with a smile.

Why You’ll Love It Here

• A Culture of "Yes": We’re always looking for better ways to do things. Your voice actually matters.
• Fast-Paced, Never Dull: If you hate staring at the clock, this is your sanctuary.
• Growth Potential: We aren't just a restaurant; we’re a movement. We want to see you lead your own kitchen one day.

The Vibe

As Chef at Mad Taco, you aren't just "running a kitchen"—you’re the conductor of a high-energy symphony. You’re the guardian of the flavor, the mentor to the squad, and the reason our guests keep coming back for that one specific taco they can’t get anywhere else.

You live at the intersection of culinary art and operational flow.

Your Main Hustle

• Lead the Tribe: You don’t just manage; you inspire. You’re the culture-carrier, living our touchstones and making sure the back‑of‑house (BOH) is the heartbeat of the restaurant.
• Guard the Standard: Every tray that hits the window is your signature. You ensure every bite is a "wow" moment through relentless consistency and a sharp eye for detail.
• Master the Ops: From P&Ls to prep lists, you’ve got the business acumen to match your knife skills. You handle inventory and AVT like a pro, turning numbers into a thriving, profitable kitchen.
• Build the Future: You’re a talent scout and a coach. You recruit the best, train them to be even better, and foster a team where accountability meets high‑fives.
• The Pre‑Shift Hype: You lead the charge every day, ensuring the team is fueled up, informed, and ready to crush service.

What You Bring to the Table

• Culinary Soul: Deep knowledge of the recipes, the techniques, and the "why" behind the flavors.
• Owner Mindset: You treat the kitchen like it’s your own. You’re obsessed with safety, sanitation, and making sure the gear is always dialed in.
• Strategic Brain: You partner with the GM to optimize the flow, smash financial goals, and keep the "guest‑obsessed" engine humming.
• Calm in the Heat: When the board is full and the music is up, you’re the coolest person in the room.

Why Join the Mad Taco Fam?

We don’t do "corporate ladders"—we do rocket ships. If you want a place where your creativity is backed by solid systems and your growth is part of the plan, this is it.

The Goods: Perks, Benefits + Rewards

We know you work hard, so we make sure the payoff hits right. Here’s what’s in it for you:

• The Vibe: A high-energy workspace where the music is good and the people are better.
• The Bag: Competitive pay plus a 401k with matching to secure your future.
• Fuel Up: Major discounts when you’re dining at Mad Taco.
• Rest & Recharge: Paid vacation time because even captains need to touch grass.
• Wellness First: Medical, dental, and vision because we care about the whole human.
• Level Up: Career coaching, and advancement paths.

The Resume

• The Experience: You’ve spent 3+ years at the helm as a Chef in a high‑volume spot.
• The Vision: You’re obsessed with hospitality and creating "how did they do that?" moments for guests.
• The Coach: You have a track record of taking hourly teams and turning them into culinary rockstars.
• The Detail: You spot the smudge on the plate and the gap in the prep list from a mile away.
• The Grind: You’re down for the journey—evenings, weekends, and holidays are where the magic happens.

The Physicality

• The Hustle: You bring a high‑octane, positive energy to every single shift.
• The Stamina: You’re comfortable ruling the kitchen on your feet for the long haul.
• The Strength: You can lift and move up to 50 lbs without breaking your flow.

We aren’t just flipping tortillas. At Mad Taco, we’re bringing the soul of the Mexican streets to the heart of BG. Every taco is a tribute, every margarita is a masterpiece, and every guest is family. We cook with passion, we lead with love, and we celebrate the culture in everything we do.