Here you go:
Team Member – Cook & Prep Qdoba Mexican Eats
Position Overview As a Cook & Prep Team Member at Qdoba you are the engine behind every great meal that hits the line. You are responsible for cooking and preparing all proteins and hot items, managing cook times with precision, and ensuring the front of house line is never without what it needs. This role goes beyond just cooking — you are expected to communicate constantly with the front of house team, support your fellow prep members, execute catering orders to the highest standard, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously without letting quality slip. This is also a role with real growth potential for those who show up, work hard, and lead by example.
Responsibilities
Cooking & Line Production
- Cook all proteins and hot menu items including chicken, steak, and pork according to Qdoba's recipes, seasoning standards, and portioning specifications
- Manage all cook times precisely so the line is never waiting on the kitchen
- Monitor the front of house line proactively throughout the shift — identify low items yourself and respond immediately without being told
- Coordinate with the front of house team on timing so hot food hits the line fresh and ready at the right moment
- Taste all proteins before they go to the line — if it is not right, fix it before it reaches a guest
- Adjust production volume based on the pace of service — ramp up during rushes, manage waste during slow periods
Catering Production
- Execute all catering orders with the same quality standards as in-restaurant service — volume does not lower the bar
- Review catering orders at the start of the shift and plan cook times accordingly so everything is ready on time
- Portion, package, and label all catering items correctly according to order specifications
- Communicate catering order status to the shift lead or manager throughout prep so there are no surprises at pickup
Multi-Task Management
- Manage multiple proteins, cook times, and prep tasks simultaneously without losing track of any of them
- Prioritize tasks in real time based on what the line needs most urgently while keeping longer cook time items on track
- Maintain full awareness of everything happening in the kitchen at once — what is cooking, what is almost ready, and what needs to be started next
Supporting Fellow Team Members
- Actively assist other prep and kitchen team members when your station is caught up — a strong kitchen works as one unit
- Step in to help with prep tasks including portioning, seasoning, bagging, and organizing when capacity allows
- Share knowledge with newer team members and help them work through tasks correctly to build the whole team up
Communication with Front of House
- Maintain constant, clear, and proactive communication with the front of house team throughout the entire shift
- Notify the front of house team in advance when proteins are coming off the grill so they are ready to receive and the line stays stocked
- Respond immediately when the front of house communicates a need — they are your customer inside the restaurant
- Communicate any delays, shortages, or kitchen issues to the front of house and shift lead right away so guest expectations can be managed
Qdoba Food Safety Standards
- Monitor and log internal cooking temperatures for all proteins using a calibrated thermometer every cook cycle — chicken must reach 165°F, steak and pork 145°F with no exceptions
- Never move protein to the line or into storage that has not reached the correct safe internal temperature
- Maintain all hot holding temperatures at 135°F or above on the line and in holding equipment at all times
- Label all cooked and prepped proteins with the correct cook time, date, and use-by time before storing — nothing goes in the cooler unlabeled
- Follow strict cross-contamination protocols — dedicated cutting boards and utensils for each protein, gloves changed between raw proteins, and all surfaces sanitized between tasks
- Wash hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the shift without exception
- Pull any product that has exceeded its maximum hold time, log it as waste, and notify the shift lead
- Complete all required temperature logs, cook logs, and food safety checklists accurately every shift
- Notify the shift lead or manager immediately of any food safety concern or equipment issue — never work around a problem, escalate it
Kitchen Organization & Sanitation
- Keep your cook and prep station clean and organized throughout the entire shift
- Clean and sanitize all cooking equipment including grills, pans, and utensils regularly throughout the shift and thoroughly at close
- Complete all assigned end of shift cleaning duties including breaking down your station and mopping your area
- Maintain personal hygiene and uniform standards at all times
Growth & Advancement At Qdoba we promote from within. The Cook & Prep role is a direct pathway to Kitchen Lead, Shift Lead, and management positions for team members who demonstrate consistency, leadership, and a commitment to quality. We invest in people who show up ready to grow — if that is you, we will give you every opportunity to move up.
What We're Looking For
- Prior cooking experience in a fast casual or restaurant environment strongly preferred
- Ability to manage multiple cook times and priorities simultaneously without losing focus or quality
- Strong communication skills with both kitchen and front of house teammates
- Solid understanding of food safety standards including cooking temperatures, holding temperatures, and cross-contamination prevention — or a strong willingness to learn and apply them immediately
- Physical stamina to work in a hot kitchen environment for a full shift including lifting up to 50 pounds
- A team-first mindset — you support your fellow cooks and front of house, not just your own station
- Food handler certification required upon hire
Why Qdoba At Qdoba great food starts with great people. We offer competitive pay, flexible scheduling, meal benefits during your shift, a supportive team environment, and a real path to advancement for those who want to build a career with us — not just a job.
Pay: $16.50 - $19.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
