About Company
El Charro Café stands as a cherished culinary institution, recognized as America’s Oldest Family-Run Mexican Restaurant continuously operated by the same family since 1922. Located in the heart of historic downtown Tucson, El Charro is celebrated for pioneering authentic Northern Mexico-Sonoran style cuisine. Our vibrant atmosphere, rich heritage, and commitment to fresh, quality ingredients have made us a beloved landmark and a cornerstone of Tucson’s gastronomic scene. We pride ourselves on a tradition of culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and a welcoming environment that feels like home to both our guests and our dedicated team. Joining El Charro means becoming part of a legacy, contributing to a vibrant culture, and mastering the art of truly authentic Sonoran flavors, all while upholding a century-long commitment to community and culinary innovation.
Job Description
El Charro Café is actively seeking passionate and skilled Restaurant Cooks to join our esteemed culinary team in Tucson, Arizona. This is a unique opportunity for talented individuals, including immediate foreign hires, eager to immerse themselves in a rich culinary tradition. As a Restaurant Cook, you will be instrumental in preparing our renowned authentic Sonoran dishes, upholding the highest standards of taste, quality, and presentation that El Charro is famous for. You will work in a dynamic, fast-paced kitchen environment, collaborating with a dedicated team to deliver an unforgettable dining experience to our patrons. We are looking for individuals who possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a commitment to food safety, and a genuine love for creating delicious food. While previous experience with Mexican or Sonoran cuisine is a plus, we value enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and the ability to thrive under pressure. We encourage international candidates with the appropriate legal work status or those seeking sponsorship pathways to apply, as we are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce. Your contribution will be vital in continuing El Charro’s century-long legacy of culinary excellence and ensuring every dish tells a story of tradition and flavor.
Key Responsibilities
- Precisely follow El Charro Café's recipes and plating instructions to ensure consistency and quality of all dishes.
- Prepare and cook various menu items, including but not limited to, carne seca, enchiladas, burritos, and other Sonoran specialties, accurately and efficiently.
- Manage and maintain your assigned station, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and adherence to all health and safety regulations at all times, including proper food storage and waste disposal.
- Monitor food levels and communicate needs to maintain appropriate stock, minimizing waste and ensuring timely service during peak hours.
- Perform routine inventory checks for ingredients and assist with receiving and storing food deliveries correctly according to FIFO principles.
- Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, reporting any malfunctions or necessary repairs promptly.
- Collaborate effectively with fellow kitchen staff, expeditors, and front-of-house team members to ensure smooth service flow and guest satisfaction.
- Adhere strictly to all food handling, sanitation, and hygiene standards set by the restaurant and local health authorities, ensuring a safe dining environment.
- Assist with general kitchen duties, including washing dishes, cleaning work surfaces, sweeping, and mopping as needed to maintain overall kitchen cleanliness.
- Contribute to a positive and respectful work environment, fostering teamwork, professional growth, and mutual support among colleagues.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (2+ years) as a Cook in a fast-paced restaurant or kitchen setting, demonstrating culinary proficiency.
- Demonstrated knowledge of various cooking methods (e.g., grilling, sautéing, frying), ingredients, equipment, and kitchen procedures.
- Excellent knife skills and a comprehensive understanding of proper food handling techniques and cross-contamination prevention.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and maintain a high standard of quality and consistency.
- Strong attention to detail, precision in following recipes, and a commitment to cleanliness and organization in a busy environment.
- Team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working harmoniously with diverse kitchen and front-of-house staff.
- Understanding of and strict adherence to food safety and sanitation regulations (e.g., HACCP, ServSafe principles).
- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), and perform repetitive tasks in a hot kitchen environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary degree or relevant certification from an accredited culinary institution or apprenticeship program.
- Previous experience preparing authentic Mexican or Sonoran cuisine, with a deep understanding of regional flavors and techniques.
- Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is highly advantageous for communication within our diverse team and with some clientele.
- Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet the demands of the restaurant industry.
- A proactive attitude, a strong passion for culinary arts, continuous learning, and a desire to innovate within traditional frameworks.
- Knowledge of inventory management and cost control principles in a kitchen setting.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wages, commensurate with experience and skills.
- Opportunities for career advancement and professional growth within a historic and expanding restaurant group.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options for eligible full-time employees.
- Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay to ensure work-life balance.
- Generous employee discounts on delicious El Charro Café meals and merchandise.
- A supportive, team-oriented work environment that values tradition, innovation, and employee well-being.
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your culinary skills.
- The chance to work with fresh, high-quality ingredients and contribute to a legendary culinary legacy.
- A stable and respected employer deeply rooted in the Tucson community for over 100 years.
How to Apply
If you are a dedicated and enthusiastic cook looking to bring your talents to a legendary culinary institution, we invite you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to the El Charro Café family.