Mad Taco Sous Chef

Workstream; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401k matching

Dining discounts

Paid vacation

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Career coaching & advancement

Job summary

Mad Taco in Bowling Green, KY is seeking a Sous Chef to lead a fast-paced kitchen with a high-performance team. You’ll guide, coach, and mentor hourly staff while upholding Mad Taco standards and driving great guest experiences.

In this role, you’ll collaborate with front-of-house and bar crews, maintain food safety and quality, and help manage events to keep the kitchen energized and efficient.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years running the kitchen show (culinary management).
• Culinary arts degree? Cool, but not a dealbreaker.
• Serious cooking skills—bring the heat!
• Experience training and mentoring hourly team members.
• Flexible with nights, weekends, and holidays—no sweat

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and ensure high standards.
• Train and mentor staff to execute Mad Taco standards.
• Collaborate with FOH and bar teams to deliver great guest experiences.
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness across the kitchen.
• Support events and catering when needed.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Culinary management

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Team mentoring

Education

Culinary arts degree

Job description

The Big Picture

At Mad Taco, we don’t just "serve food"—we curate an escape. We’re looking for Sous 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.

Ready to Bring the Heat?

Skip the stiff cover letter. Tell us about the best meal you’ve ever cooked or why you’re the person we need to lead this line.

The Vibe

Think of our Sous Chefs as kitchen MVPs—running the show with mad leadership skills. You’ll guide, coach, and hype up your crew, making sure every plate looks fire and every bite delivers that signature Mad Taco flavor and quality.

Epic Guest Experience

• Obsessed with guests? Us too. You’ll live and breathe Mad Taco standards, making sure every dish slaps and looks Instagram-worthy.
• Keep the kitchen humming—smooth, fast, and flawless service is the name of the game.
• Lead from the front. Show off your passion and set the energy level high every shift.

Squad Leadership

• Build a kitchen dream team—boosting morale, collaboration, and skill levels. Everyone wins.
• Train and mentor the crew to crush recipes, portions, and quality every time.
• Help us find and welcome new talent who vibe with the Mad Taco spirit.
• You get people—lead with empathy and make sure the whole squad feels valued.
• Juggle schedules like a pro, balancing what the kitchen needs and keeping your crew happy.
• Celebrate the wins, shout out all-stars, and help everyone level up with real feedback.

Boss Mode: Operations

• Keep it 100—uphold Mad Taco’s legendary standards with every service, every shift.
• Hit your goals, launch new rollouts, and always look to one-up the kitchen’s game.
• Work hand-in-hand with the FOH and bar crews to serve up awesome food and drinks every time.
• Stay sharp on food safety, organization, and cleanliness—the essentials for that pro kitchen shine.
• Order, track, and manage inventory like a kitchen ninja—keep the line tight and costs in check.
• Keep an eye on kitchen gear—report what needs fixing before it’s a problem.
• Jump in to support special events and catering—because variety keeps things interesting.

What Makes You a Standout

• You’ve got hustle—never back down from a challenge and always aim for greatness.
• You’re a communication pro—transparent, motivating, and always keeping the crew on the same page.
• You’re a quick thinker and decision-maker—solving problems with style and calm.
• You bring fresh ideas and positive vibes—always looking to level up the team and guest experience.
• As a Sous Chef, you’re a culinary all-star and culture builder. Get ready to help make Mad Taco the place everyone wants to work and dine.

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.

What You Bring to the Line

We’re looking for a pro who can balance a sharp knife with a sharp mind.

Got the Chops? Here’s what you need

• 1-3 years running the kitchen show (culinary management)
• Culinary arts degree? Cool, but not a dealbreaker
• Serious cooking skills—bring the heat!
• Experience training and mentoring hourly team members
• Ninja-level attention to detail and problem-solving
• Flexible with nights, weekends, and holidays—no sweat

Physical Skills

• Bring high energy and good vibes to every shift
• Be ready to be on your feet and moving for long stretches
• Can lift and move up to 50 lbs—because the hustle is real
• Comfortable working in a kitchen—so heat (and cold) don’t phase you

Work schedule

• Weekend availability
• Holidays
• Day shift
• Night shift
• 8 hour shift
• 10 hour shift

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid training
• Profit sharing

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.

If you’re tired of the "chain" life and want to build something that actually tastes like home—pull up a chair.