Taco Works-Prep

Taco Rico/Taco Works; Wheeling Township (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly pay

Flexible scheduling

Free/discounted meals

Training & advancement opportunities

Team-oriented culture

Job summary

Taco Rico / Taco Works is seeking a reliable Kitchen Prep Person to set up the kitchen and prep station for daily service. You will wash, chop, season and assemble ingredients following our recipes and safety standards, assisting line cooks to keep meals moving efficiently.

Day-to-day duties include batch prep, portioning, sanitation, FIFO, receiving deliveries, and coordinating with cooks and the store manager. Morning and weekend availability preferred.

Qualifications

• Previous prep cook or kitchen experience in fast-casual or QSR is a plus, but training offered.
• Valid Food Handler Certificate or willingness to obtain one on hire.
• Proficient knife-handling and ability to follow recipes precisely.
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 40–50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Wash, peel, slice, and chop fresh produce; marinate meats; cook beans and rice; mix sauces and salsa following precise recipes.
• Weigh, measure, and package prepped ingredients to standard specs to minimize waste.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary station; sanitize tools throughout shift.
• Follow FIFO and label/date all prepared items; store ingredients at safe temperatures.

Skills

Knife handling

Recipe following

Time management

Willingness to learn

Education

Food Handler Certificate

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.