Chile and Agave Mexican Grill
St. Catherines, Ontario
Employer: Chile and Agave Mexican Grill
Job Title: First Cook
NOC/TEER: 63200 – Cook (TEER 3)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Terms of Employment: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours of Work: Minimum 30 hours per week
Wage: $36.00 per hour
Number of Positions: 3
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Position
Chile and Agave Mexican Grill is seeking three (3) experienced First Cooks with extensive knowledge of authentic Mexican cuisine to support our growing restaurant operations. The successful candidates will be responsible for preparing traditional Mexican dishes while ensuring consistency, quality control, inventory management, and effective kitchen supervision.
This position requires highly skilled culinary professionals capable of preparing authentic Mexican recipes, coordinating kitchen workflow, training staff, and maintaining efficient food production during peak service periods.
Language
- English required
- Spanish is considered a strong asset
Education
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
Experience
- Minimum five (5) years of experience as a cook in a commercial restaurant environment
- Proven experience preparing authentic Mexican cuisine is mandatory
- Experience supervising kitchen staff and coordinating food preparation activities
- Experience maintaining food quality standards and inventory control systems
Job Duties
The successful candidates will perform some or all of the following duties:
- Prepare and cook complete meals and specialty Mexican dishes according to established recipes and restaurant standards
- Prepare authentic Mexican cuisine, including Birria, Carnitas, Al Pastor, Tinga, Cochinita Pibil, and Pacific Coast seafood specialties such as Ceviches, Aguachiles, and Mexican-style seafood cocktails
- Prepare traditional salsas from scratch using dried and fresh chilies, authentic marinades, and regional Mexican sauces
- Demonstrate advanced butchery skills by processing whole cuts of beef and pork; fabricating meats for Carne Asada, Al Pastor, Cecina, and other traditional dishes; and marinating, seasoning, and preparing proteins according to authentic Mexican recipes and standards
- Ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, portion control, and overall quality
- Coordinate and supervise kitchen helpers and food preparation staff
- Assist with scheduling kitchen staff and assigning daily duties
- Oversee kitchen operations during service periods
- Monitor food quality, freshness, and compliance with food safety regulations
- Maintain inventory records and monitor stock levels of food, spices, specialty ingredients, and kitchen supplies
- Estimate food requirements and assist in controlling food costs and minimizing waste
- Assist with menu planning and the development of authentic Mexican dishes and seasonal features
- Train kitchen staff on food preparation techniques, recipes, sanitation standards, and kitchen procedures
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment
- Assist with ordering supplies and coordinating deliveries from food suppliers
Work Environment
- Fast-paced restaurant environment
- Repetitive tasks requiring attention to detail
- Standing for extended periods
- Ability to work under pressure during busy service periods
- Physically demanding environment requiring lifting, carrying, and multitasking
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Strong understanding of authentic Mexican ingredients, spices, sauces, and cooking techniques
- Knowledge of traditional and regional Mexican cuisine
- Leadership and team supervision skills
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities
- Ability to maintain quality standards in a high-volume kitchen environment
- Experience with food cost control, inventory management, and waste reduction
- Ability to train and mentor junior kitchen staff
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to food safety, sanitation, and customer satisfaction
Asset Qualifications
Preference may be given to candidates who possess:
- Experience working in a Mexican restaurant
- Knowledge of regional Mexican culinary traditions
- Experience preparing fresh salsas, marinades, traditional sauces, and specialty Mexican dishes from scratch
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their résumé to:
? chileandagave.hiring@gmail.com
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
