PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING
Do not apply for this position unless you have previous line cook experience in a full-service restaurant, can work in a fast-paced kitchen, and are prepared to meet high standards for food quality, speed, cleanliness, consistency, teamwork, and accountability every shift.
Line Cook
Hiring Location: Downey
Employment Type: Part Time / Full Time
Compensation: $20.50 to $24.50 per hour DOE
This is not an entry-level kitchen position.
This is also not a position for someone whose only experience is QSR, fast food, counter service, or a basic prep-only environment.
Full-service restaurant line cook experience is required. No exceptions.
We are looking for an experienced, high-level Line Cook who understands urgency, station responsibility, ticket timing, food quality, cleanliness, and kitchen teamwork.
This position is for someone who takes pride in their station, works clean, moves fast, follows standards, and can perform under pressure without bringing a negative attitude to the kitchen.
About Mariscos Choix
Mariscos Choix is built on high standards, consistency, accountability, and pride in execution.
Our kitchen team plays a major role in the success of the restaurant. Every plate must be prepared with care, speed, accuracy, and consistency. The guest may not see the kitchen, but they experience the kitchen through food quality, timing, and presentation.
What This Role Truly Requires
As a Line Cook, you are responsible for preparing menu items according to Mariscos Choix standards while maintaining speed, cleanliness, organization, and consistency during service.
You must be able to set up your station properly, stay stocked, follow recipes, communicate with the team, handle high-volume periods, and keep your area clean throughout the shift.
We are not looking for someone who only performs well when it is slow. We are not looking for someone who needs constant reminders, argues with direction, cuts corners, or loses focus during busy service.
We are looking for a serious cook who respects the kitchen, respects the team, and takes pride in every plate.
Non Negotiable Expectations
Please apply only if you meet all of the following:
Full-service restaurant line cook experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen
Strong sense of urgency
Clean and organized work habits
Ability to follow recipes and restaurant standards
Ability to maintain consistency during high-volume service
Strong communication with cooks, prep, dish, expo, and managers
Positive and professional attitude
Team-first mentality
Reliability and accountability
Willingness to be held to a high standard every shift
This Position Is Not a Fit For Someone Who
Has only QSR, fast food, counter service, or prep-only experience
Has no full-service restaurant line cook experience
Moves slowly or lacks urgency
Cannot handle pressure during busy service
Cuts corners on quality, cleanliness, or food safety
Does not follow recipes or standards
Needs constant reminders to stay focused
Has a negative attitude in the kitchen
Does not communicate well with the team
Disappears during service
Does not take punctuality seriously
Only wants to do the minimum required
Does not want to be held accountable
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and cook menu items according to Mariscos Choix recipes, portions, and presentation standards
Set up, stock, and maintain assigned station before and during service
Work quickly and accurately during high-volume periods
Follow ticket timing and prioritize orders properly
Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation on every plate
Follow proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and labeling procedures
Keep station clean, organized, and stocked throughout the shift
Communicate clearly with cooks, prep, dish, expo, and managers
Assist with prep, restocking, cleaning, and closing duties as needed
Support the kitchen team without needing to be asked repeatedly
Complete manager directions in a respectful, timely, and accurate manner
Qualifications
Previous full-service restaurant line cook experience is required
QSR-only experience does not meet the requirement for this position
High-volume restaurant experience preferred
Seafood experience preferred
Must be able to work quickly, cleanly, and accurately under pressure
Must be able to follow recipes, portions, plating standards, and food safety procedures
Must be able to communicate clearly with coworkers and managers
Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time
Must be able to lift, bend, reach, stoop, and carry kitchen items as needed
Must be dependable, respectful, professional, and accountable
Must have or be able to obtain any required food handler certification
Why Join Mariscos Choix
Structured kitchen environment with clear standards
Opportunity to grow within the company
Employee discounts
Strong team environment with high expectations
A kitchen culture focused on quality, consistency, cleanliness, and accountability
Growth Opportunity
Team members who consistently demonstrate strong performance, reliability, cleanliness, speed, teamwork, and accountability may be considered for future advancement opportunities.
Advancement is not automatic. It is based on performance, consistency, professionalism, leadership potential, and the ability to uphold Mariscos Choix standards every shift.
Final Note
Anyone can stand on a line. Not everyone can be a strong Line Cook.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in food quality, speed, cleanliness, consistency, and teamwork. If you have real full-service restaurant line cook experience, can handle pressure, and want to be part of a kitchen that holds itself to a higher standard, we want to hear from you.
How to Apply
Submit your resume through Indeed.
Only experienced, reliable, high-standard Line Cook candidates with full-service restaurant experience will be considered.
Mariscos Choix is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are based on qualifications and the ability to perform the responsibilities of the role.
Pay: $20.50 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid training
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- Our kitchen does not lower standards during busy shifts. In your own words, explain how you maintain quality and consistency when volume increases.
- We do not tolerate toxic behavior or negative attitudes. Give an example of how you have contributed to a positive team culture in a past kitchen.
- We promote and increase pay based on performance, not tenure. What does “raising the bar” mean to you in a kitchen environment.
- This role requires strong attendance and punctuality. Describe your approach to reliability and how you handle schedule commitments.
- After reading this posting, what about our expectations and culture stands out to you, and why do you believe you are a good fit.
Language:
- Spanish (Required)
- English (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
