Grill Master (Cook)
Content + Source + Freshness • 27 Feb 2026 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Moderate offer with focus on skill development in a supportive team atmosphere.
- Hourly wage: $13.50 - $15.50
- Options for full-time or part-time employment
- Opportunity to learn in a fast-paced kitchen
- Prior experience helpful but not required
Pros
- Entry-level cooking positions help build culinary skills
- Team-oriented environment promotes collaboration
- Solid hourly wage for starting cook roles
Cons
- Physically demanding tasks may deter some applicants
- Limited advancement opportunities for starting roles
- Pressure during peak meal times
Who it's for
Entry-level • On-site
Good fit
- Aspiring cooks eager to learn
- Team players looking to work in fast-paced environments
- Candidates seeking to build culinary skills
Not recommended for
- Those without interest in cooking or kitchen jobs
- Individuals looking for sedentary work
- Candidates unwilling to handle physical labor
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
Your path begins here at El Pollo Loco Start on your path towards a brighter future filled with growth and opportunity. Where we lift each other up, push each other further, and take part in something bigger than ourselves - supported by a team committed to you and your success. Take pride in preparing and grilling the “perfect pollo” that put us on the map. Our chicken is our pride and joy that has been served for over 30 years. Salary: $13.50 - $15.50 per hour Grill Master (Cook) is generally offered as full time or part time restaurant job.
Requirements/Responsibilities
Grill Master (Cook) Responsibilities and duties:
* Must follow company and local health department food handling procedures.
* Must comply with company safety protocols.
* Inspect chicken quality through the entire preparation and cook process. Product receiving, rotation, marinating and grilling.
* Follows chicken projections through the shift to maintain proper levels of cooked chicken products.
* Receives chicken orders, cooks and packages chicken that meets quality standards.
* Cleans and sanitizes the entire workstation including but not limited to equipment, tools, storage area.
* Assists in training new cooks.
* Regularly assists peers including but not limited to hot prep, expediter and burrito assembly personal.
* Periodically performs additional duties assigned by the supervisor.
Physical Requirements:
* Cook must have the ability to stand and walk for long durations.
* Cook must have the ability to repeatedly use hands to reach/handle/feel/grasp objects.
* Ability to occasionally stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl and may lift objects up to 40lbs.
* Ability to move up to 50lbs with assistance is required.
* Must be able to work under heavy stress/pressure during peak periods.
* Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold.
Qualification Standards:
* CA Food handler certificate is required.
* Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
* No experience is required, but restaurant cooking experience is preferred
* No education is required, high school diploma and equivalent is preferred.
* Must be able to observe products and use best judgement prior to presenting products to the guests to ensure a high level of food quality is maintained.
* Kitchen, time-management, and customer service skills are preferred.
Prior experience as a cook, grill cook, fry cook, prep cook, line cook, chef, or restaurant crew member, team member or other BOH part time restaurant jobs is not required but preferred.
