Prep Cook

Asada Cantina; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 27,552; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible scheduling

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

A vibrant Mexican-style restaurant is seeking a Cook in San Clemente, California. This role involves preparing a variety of food products, ensuring excellent food quality, and maintaining a clean working environment. The ideal candidate will possess strong knife handling skills and excellent communication abilities. Candidates must have a current food handler's card and be ready for physical demands. The position offers compensation of $19.00 - $20.00 per hour along with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Excellent knife handling and safe food handling procedures.
• Ability to read and understand recipe preparations.
• Commitment to maintain food quality and high standards.

Responsibilities

• Cook and prepare food products including meats, poultry, and vegetables.
• Monitor proper food temperatures and maintain clean cooking area.
• Prepare menu recipes in a timely manner, prioritizing the cook’s line.

Skills

Restaurant experience

Knife handling skills

Communication skills

Education

Current food handler’s card

California workplace harassment training

Job description

Qualifications & Skills

Restaurant experience desirable. Excellent knife handling skills and safe food handling procedures. Must be able to read and understand recipes preparation and have excellent communication skills.

Summary of Position

Cook and prepare food products including meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, sauces, breads and other food products using a variety of equipment and utensils safely. Monitor proper food temperature, rotate and store food in a proper manner. Maintain a clean, sanitary cooking area. Have a great sense of urgency to assist the cooks' line when needed during peak hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensures excellent food preparation and food quality.
• Prepares a variety of meats, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
• Follows recipes, including following standard portion control, cooking methods and quality standards, according to our standards and specifications.
• Ensure menu recipes are prepared in a timely manner, making sure to prioritize what is needed on the cook’s line first.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation area.
• Promptly reports equipment and food quality problems to the management team.
• Informs the KM team immediately of product shortages.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Supervisors.
• Follows all other REUNIONKITCHEN+DRINK policies and procedures.
• Acts as a team player, recognizing and helping any fellow worker (dishwasher, cook, host, SA’s, manager, etc.) that needs help.
• Accepts direction from management, leads Team members.
• Prepare for every shift with a positive attitude, high morale, commitment and appropriate uniform.
• Remains flexible in daily schedule changes depending on the needs of the restaurant.

Physical Demands and Requirements

• Lifting and carrying of items not to exceed 50 lbs.
• Extensive and prolonged walking, standing, bending, and reaching required.
• Occasional sitting and twisting required.
• Grasping and fine manipulation using hands required.
• Ability to work up to 8‑10 hours per day.

Other Requirements

• Must have a current food handler’s card or any required by law in the given state.
• Must complete California workplace harassment training and/or any additional training required by law.
• Must maintain consistent food quality and high standards.

Compensation

$19.00 - $20.00 per hour.

Location and Overview

Asada Cantina + Kitchen is a vibrant restaurant concept that brings the essence of Mexican‑style cuisine to life for lunch and dinner in San Clemente, California. The beautifully designed interiors create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal with family and friends. Our open kitchen allows guests to witness the culinary passion and care that goes into each dish, making every visit a memorable experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary to ensure our restaurant team feels valued and rewarded.
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• True focus on work‑life balance with flexible scheduling.
• Opportunities for growth within a fast‑growing restaurant company.