Culinary Specialist

Company Overview:

Chili's is dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences through a diverse menu including Big Mouth burgers, smoked ribs, sizzling fajitas, and handcrafted beverages. Culinary Specialists play a vital role in ensuring food quality, maintaining kitchen efficiency, and upholding safety and hygiene standards. Chili's fosters a culture of teamwork, learning, and growth.

Job Summary:

The Culinary Specialist is responsible for preparing a wide variety of cooked meals while providing excellent service to both customers and team members. Proficiency across multiple cooking stationsincluding frying, griddling, pantry duties, and egg preparationis essential. Effective communication of order schedules, potential delays, and kitchen-related matters with managers and servers is critical. Additionally, the role requires maintaining cleanliness standards, following food safety regulations, and supporting seamless kitchen operations. This is a non-exempt position reporting to management.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Prepare soups, meats, vegetables, and desserts by following recipes and cooking specifications for seasoning, cooking, tasting, cutting, and presentation
• Maintain consistency and uphold quality standards through food sampling, adherence to standardized menus, and accurate forecasting of food quantities
• Maintain detailed production records and procure essential supplies and cooking tools
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols in accordance with HACCP standards, ensuring a clean and hygienic workspace
• Operate kitchen appliances and tools, including slicers, mixers, grills, fryers, and ovens
• Measure, mix, rinse, peel, chop, and finely prepare ingredients accurately during meal preparation
• Monitor inventory levels, organize items by expiration dates, and rotate stock to maintain freshness and quality
• Demonstrate reliability, teamwork, and collaboration while supporting colleagues and kitchen operations
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail, quality, and safety
• Lift and transport up to 40 pounds, with the flexibility to bend, twist, and stand for extended periods
• Interact positively with customers and team members, fostering an inclusive and professional environment
• Maintain personal hygiene and comply with all safety protocols, including frequent handwashing and proper handling of cleaning solutions

Necessary Credentials and Competencies:

• Previous experience in food preparation and knowledge of HACCP regulations are essential
• Minimum of one year of relevant culinary experience, preferably in a high-volume casual dining environment
• Proficiency in a wide range of culinary techniques, including soup-making, sautéing, broiling, frying, and pantry management
• Ability to understand, execute, and communicate instructions, protocols, and menu options effectively

About Chili's:

Chili's is committed to providing exceptional dining experiences while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. The company values teamwork, professional growth, and diversity, and provides opportunities for career advancement within a positive and engaging culture.

FAQ's:

Q) Does Chili’s hire for casual dining service models?

A) Yes, roles support sit-down casual dining service.

Q) Are menu knowledge assessments part of training?

A) Yes, employees must learn extensive menu details.

Q) Are bar and dining roles distinct?

A) Yes, bartenders and servers have separate responsibilities.

Q) Are closing duties part of many roles?

A) Yes, staff may handle end-of-day cleaning and prep.

Q) Does Chili’s operate under corporate standards?

A) Yes, procedures are standardized across locations.