Line Cook/Prep Cook

ALMA Fajitas & Ritas is hiring dependable, hardworking Cooks who take pride in preparing quality food, maintaining a clean kitchen, and working as part of a team. Our cooks are responsible for preparing menu items accurately, safely, and efficiently while maintaining ALMA’s standards for quality, consistency, presentation, and food safety.

Schedule: Night shift: Tuesday -Sunday from 4p-close.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to ALMA recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Operate assigned stations and equipment, including the grill, griddle, fryer, steam line, cold line, and microwaves.
• Complete daily food preparation, including chopping, portioning, measuring, trimming meats, preparing proteins, and stocking the line.
• Read kitchen tickets carefully and accurately follow modifications, substitutions, allergies, and special requests.
• Manage multiple orders during busy periods while maintaining speed, accuracy, and food quality.
• Monitor cooking times, temperatures, portions, and presentation before food leaves the kitchen.
• Keep assigned stations fully stocked, clean, sanitized, and organized throughout the shift.
• Properly label, date, rotate, cool, package, and store food in walk-in coolers, reach-in coolers, freezers, and other storage areas.
• Follow FIFO procedures, recipes, and portion-control standards to maintain consistency and reduce food waste.
• Complete assigned opening, closing, daily, weekly, and deep-cleaning responsibilities.
• Communicate product shortages, 86'd items, ticket delays, food-quality concerns, and other kitchen updates to the Lead or Manager.
• Work closely with other cooks and front-of-house employees so orders are completed correctly and on time.
• Follow all food-safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, dress-code, and workplace-safety requirements.
• Assist other stations and complete additional prep, cleaning, or kitchen projects during downtime.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who demonstrates urgency, teamwork, accountability, consistency, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The ideal candidate can stay organized during busy periods, follow instructions and recipes, accept coaching, communicate effectively, and take initiative without needing to be constantly directed.

Restaurant or kitchen experience is preferred, but a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to ALMA's standards are equally important.

Physical & Work Requirements

This position requires working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, standing for extended periods, working around hot equipment and cooking surfaces, and safely performing the lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and repetitive tasks normally associated with restaurant food preparation.

Food Safety & Illness Reporting

Employees are expected to follow all food-safety requirements and immediately notify management of illness symptoms that could affect food safety, including symptoms that begin before arriving for a scheduled shift.

At ALMA, every cook plays an important role in the guest experience. Great food starts with a prepared station, consistent execution, a clean kitchen, and a team that takes ownership.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 38.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Experience:

• Kitchen stations: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Houston, TX 77008 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person