The Principal Taquero/a is a key leader within the

TACO NACO KC

back-of-house team. This position leads food preparation and service while ensuring every menu item is made accurately, consistently, and with care. The Principal Taquero/a works alongside the kitchen team, maintains a clean and safe workspace, and helps deliver the quality and hospitality our guests expect. This position reports to the General Manager and works closely with restaurant leadership to train, guide, and support the kitchen team. Key Responsibilities Culinary Execution Prepare and oversee menu items according to

TACO NACO KC

recipes, portions, and presentation standards. Lead assigned stations during preparation and service with accuracy, organization, and urgency. Maintain consistent food quality, flavor, temperature, and presentation. Coach taqueros and kitchen team members on proper techniques, recipes, and station execution. Food Safety & Cleanliness Follow and reinforce all food-safety, sanitation, and personal-hygiene standards. Keep workstations clean, stocked, and organized before, during, and after service. Ensure ingredients are properly handled, stored, labeled, dated, and rotated. Monitor temperatures and help complete required food-safety and cleaning logs. Teamwork & Kitchen Leadership Lead and support the back-of-house team to maintain an efficient service flow. Communicate clearly and proactively with managers and team members. Train, coach, and support new and current kitchen employees. Step into any station when needed to maintain speed, accuracy, and quality. Lead by example through reliability, teamwork, and respect. Operational Support Oversee preparation, restocking, station setup, and station breakdown. Ensure kitchen tools, equipment, and smallwares are used and maintained properly. Help enforce back-of-house systems, recipes, procedures, and daily checklists. Monitor ingredient levels and communicate preparation or inventory needs. Help ensure the kitchen is fully prepared before each service period. Skills & Qualifications At least three years of professional kitchen experience preferred. Previous leadership, training, or supervisory experience preferred. Ability to prepare and teach recipes, procedures, and quality standards consistently. Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization. Strong attention to detail and ability to work with urgency during busy service. Ability to lead and motivate a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen. Dependable attendance and availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Taquería or Mexican-kitchen experience preferred but not required. Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required. Physical Expectations Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks. Ability to work around heat, humidity, cold storage, cooking equipment, and common food allergens, with or without reasonable accommodation. Adequate vision, hearing, and manual dexterity to safely prepare food and operate kitchen equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.

TACO NACO KC

is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every team member has the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, performance, and business needs without discrimination prohibited by applicable law.