Taco Works- Cook

Taco Rico/Taco Works; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Flexible scheduling (FT & PT)

Free / discounted shift meals

Hands-on training and promotion paths

Friendly, team-oriented culture

Job summary

Taco Rico / Taco Works is seeking a energetic Line Cook to join our kitchen team. You will prepare Tex-Mex items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas and fajitas following brand recipes and safety standards.

Responsibilities include on-line cooking, maintaining quality and portion control, keeping stations clean, stocking supplies, and collaborating with team members to ensure fast, accurate service during peak hours.

Qualifications

• Experience as Line Cook, Prep Cook or Kitchen Team Member in fast-casual/QSR preferred, but training possible.
• Knowledge of basic food safety practices and a Food Handler Certificate (or willing to obtain one).
• Basic knife skills and comfort with kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, prep machinery).
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and follow recipes precisely.

Responsibilities

• Food preparation: chop, slice, marinate, grill and prep salsa bar items per recipes.
• Line cooking: fulfill orders quickly on grill, fryer and assembly stations while maintaining presentation and portion standards.
• Ensure freshness and quality of all menu items.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and sanitize prep areas, equipment and utensils.
• Assist with stock, FIFO, receiving shipments, and reporting shortages.
• Collaborate with cashiers and shift leaders to ensure fast, smooth service.

Skills

Knife skills

Pressure handling

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Tools

Grills

Fryers

Prep machinery

Job description

About Taco Rico / Taco Works

Since 1992, Taco Rico / Taco Works has been serving award-winning southwest and Tex-Mex cuisine. Known for our fresh ingredients, signature recipes, dedicated salsa bar, and fast, friendly service, we pride ourselves on delivering delicious meals made from scratch daily. We are growing quickly and looking for dependable, hard-working Line Cooks to join our team!

Position Summary

We are seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Line Cook to join our kitchen team. In this role, you will prepare high-quality Tex-Mex items—including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, enchiladas, and signature sides—following established brand recipes and food safety standards. You will play a vital role in keeping our kitchen running smoothly, efficiently, and cleanly during peak service hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Food Preparation: Prepare fresh ingredients daily (chopping, slicing, marinating meats, grilling, and prepping salsa bar items) following exact recipe guidelines.
• Line Cooking: Execute customer orders quickly and accurately on the line (grill, fryer, assembly station) while maintaining presentation and portion standards.
• Quality & Freshness: Ensure all food items meet Taco Rico / Taco Works quality standards for freshness, taste, and temperature.
• Kitchen Cleanliness & Sanitation: Clean and sanitize food prep areas, equipment, and utensils throughout the shift. Follow proper health code standards, food storage guidelines, and labeling procedures.
• Stock & Inventory: Restock cooking stations before and during peak hours. Assist with receiving shipments, storing inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out), and reporting shortages.
• Teamwork: Work closely with cashiers, shift leaders, and fellow kitchen staff to ensure rapid ticket times and a seamless guest experience.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Prior experience as a Line Cook, Prep Cook, or Kitchen Team Member in a Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) or Fast-Casual environment preferred, but we are willing to train candidates with a strong work ethic!
• Food Safety: Knowledge of basic food safety practices. A valid Food Handler Certificate (or willingness to obtain one upon hire) is required.
• Skills:
• Basic knife skills and comfort working with kitchen equipment (grills, fryers, prep machinery).
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow recipes accurately.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, lift up to 40-50 lbs, and work in a high-temperature kitchen environment.
• Availability: Flexible schedule, including availability for day, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly pay [Insert Hourly Rate, e.g., $15 - $18/hr] + tips (if applicable)
• Flexible scheduling (Full-Time and Part-Time options)
• Free / Discounted shift meals
• Hands-on training and clear pathways for promotion (Shift Supervisor, Kitchen Manager)
• Friendly, team-oriented work culture.

WELCOME

Since our inception in 1992, Taco Rico / Taco Works has refined the recipes of our remarkable menu to perfection The flavors of southwest cuisine is proven with the many awards we've won throughout the years Taco Rico is now expanding through franchising in the state of Florida , and outside the state of Florida under the brand name \Taco Works\.
Taco Works and Taco Rico are one in the same providing same recipes, same menus, same support, and the same founders Taco Rico /Taco Works offers more than tacos. Our menu encompasses all the staples of Tex-Mex cuisine, including burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, salads, a variety of lunch & dinner specials, a dedicated salsa bar, and vegan alternatives.
At Taco Rico/Taco Works there's a meal for everyone in the family. We strive to be quick convenient, and above all, delicious.