Taco Works-Prep

Wing Snob; Wheeling Township (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay

Flexible scheduling

Free/discounted meals

Training & advancement

Team culture

Job summary

Taco Rico / Taco Works is seeking a reliable Kitchen Prep Person to support our kitchen team by washing, chopping, seasoning and assembling ingredients following our exact recipes and food safety standards. You will work with line cooks, stock walk-ins, help with packing, rotate stock using FIFO, and maintain cleanliness.

Morning and early shifts preferred; willingness to train is welcomed. Competitive hourly pay and flexible scheduling offered, plus meals during shifts and opportunities for

Qualifications

• Experience in fast-casual or prep kitchen environments is preferred but training is available.
• Basic food safety practices and willingness to obtain a Food Handler Certificate.
• Ability to follow written recipes and prep sheets accurately.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40–50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Wash, peel, slice, and chop fresh produce and proteins following precise recipes.
• Weigh, measure, and package prepared ingredients to standard specs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation.
• Assist with inventory, storage, and FIFO labeling.
• Coordinate with Line Cooks and Store Manager to prevent shortages.

Skills

Knife skills

Time management

Follow recipes

Food safety

Tools

Food processors

Slicers

Scales

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 making our items fresh daily. Great food starts with great prep work—and that’s where you come in!

Position Summary

We are seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Kitchen Prep Person to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for setting up our kitchen and line cooks for success each day. You will wash, chop, slice, season, and prepare ingredients—ranging from fresh vegetables and proteins to our famous salsas—following Taco Rico / Taco Works' exact recipes and food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Batch & Ingredient Preparation: Wash, peel, slice, and chop fresh produce, marinate meats, cook beans and rice, and mix proprietary Tex-Mex sauces and salsa bar items following precise recipes.
• Portion Control: Weigh, measure, and package prepped ingredients to standard specs to ensure consistency and minimize food waste.
• Kitchen & Workstation Sanitation: Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary station. Sanitize cutting boards, knives, food processors, and prep tools continuously throughout your shift.
• Inventory & Food Safety:
• Follow proper food rotation practices (FIFO – First In, First Out) and label/date all prepared items accurately.
• Store ingredients at proper safe temperatures in walk-in coolers and freezers.
• Receiving & Unpacking: Help unload delivery trucks, stock walk-in refrigerators, freezer units, and dry storage shelves, reporting low inventory or damaged goods to management.
• Team Communication: Communicate prep levels with the Line Cooks and Store Manager to prevent shortages during peak meal rush hours.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Previous prep cook or kitchen experience in a fast-casual or QSR environment is a plus, but we are happy to train candidates with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn!
• Food Safety: Basic knowledge of kitchen hygiene practices. A valid Food Handler Certificate (or willingness to obtain one upon hire) is required.
• Skills:
• Proficient knife-handling skills and comfort using standard kitchen tools/machinery (food processors, slicers, scales).
• Ability to follow written recipes and prep sheets accurately.
• Strong time-management skills to complete daily prep lists efficiently.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for long periods, perform repetitive hand/arm movements, lift up to 40–50 lbs regularly, and work in cooler environments (walk-in refrigerators).
• Availability: Morning and early shift availability is highly preferred, including weekends and holidays as needed.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive hourly pay [Insert Hourly Rate, e.g., $14 - $17/hr]
• Flexible scheduling (Full-Time and Part-Time options)
• Free / Discounted shift meals
• Hands-on training and advancement opportunities (Prep Cook $\rightarrow$ Line Cook $\rightarrow$ Kitchen Supervisor)
• Positive, supportive team 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.