Cook

11624 E, 11624 Washington Blvd, Whittier, CA 90606, USA

Posted Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Looking for an amazing career? Come join El Pollo Loco (that’s “Po-yo”, not Po-lo!). We’re not just cooking up chicken, we're grilling up opportunities! If you're ready to spice up your career and serve sizzling success with a side of salsa, you've come to the right place. Do you have the fire?” Apply today!

We offer eligible Employees the following Benefits/Perks:

• Competitive pay
• No late-night hours
• Meal Discounts
• Excellent career growth potential (we promote from within)
• Flexible Scheduling:
  Full-Time or Part-Time hours
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + Flexible Spending Account
• 401(K) Plan with match and immediate vesting (must be at least 21 to participate)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Discounts on theme parks, movie tickets, sports events, hotels and more...

* Eligibility is based on the number of average hours worked per week within a 12-month period.

The Grill Master (Cook) creates "Best in Class" guest experience at El Pollo Loco by preparing grilled and hot food items, following precise Company standards for preparation and presentation.

• Prepare, marinate, season, cook, stock and rotate chicken and other grilled proteins according to company standards.
• Receive orders, cut cooked chicken, and arrange proteins for proper presentation on the plate or in the applicable packaging apparatus.
• Monitor holding time for grilled proteins and take corrective actions when hold time expires or when product quality fails to meet company standards.
• Maintain and ensure that all cooked proteins are at proper serving temperature.
• Thaw and store all other raw proteins to projected needs.
• Inspect chicken and other raw proteins for acceptable quality standards prior to marinating or grilling.
• Clean and sanitize the entire work area including all equipment, tools, storage containers, grills and hoods.
• Maintain proper quality and quantity levels of whole chicken and other meats cooking throughout shift based on projections and actual business activity.
• Diligently follow all food safety, food rotation, and sanitation policies and procedures to maintain a safe/healthy environment.
• Assist on the hot and cold prep lines as needed.
• Continuously strive to meet or exceed customer expectations and satisfaction.
• Work collaboratively with restaurant team members and management to achieve operational goals, maintain a positive work environment, and uphold company standards.
• Assist in the training of new cooks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management to support restaurant operations.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Certifications

Obtain Food Handler Certification promptly upon hire, adhering to EPL policy and state regulations.

Education/

Work Experience:

One or more years of previous restaurant cooking experience is preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Willingness to participate in cross-training opportunities to develop skills in other areas of the restaurant as needed.
• Enthusiastic and positive demeanor, with a genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Demonstrated reliability and punctuality, with a commitment to meeting scheduled work shifts and assignments.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing procedures and protocols.
• Commitment to upholding company values and standards of excellence in customer service.

The physical demands described here are representative of those an…