About Us
SOCALO is a modern Mexican restaurant by chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, rooted in vibrant flavors, sustainable ingredients, and Southern California sensibility. We celebrate the culture and cuisine of Mexico through a relaxed, neighborhood dining experience. As part of Mundo Hospitality Group, Socalo continues the legacy of Border Grill while paving its own path with seasonally driven menus, coastal influences, and a strong sense of community.
Position Overview
The Executive Chef oversees daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution, exceptional food quality, and smooth service. This is a leadership role for a hands-on chef with a strong sense of flavor, organization, and team mentorship. The ideal candidate is passionate about Mexican cuisine, thrives in a busy environment, and can balance creativity with operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily kitchen operations, maintaining the highest culinary and sanitation standards.
- Collaborate with ownership and the Culinary Director on menu development, seasonal specials, and event menus.
- Oversee prep, production, and service to ensure consistency across all dayparts.
- Manage food and labor costs, inventory control, and recipe compliance.
- Train, mentor, and develop sous chefs, line cooks, and prep staff.
- Ensure all health, and safety protocols are followed at all times.
- Conduct regular line checks, taste panels, and station reviews.
- Coordinate with the front-of-house management team to maintain smooth communication and guest satisfaction.
- Support special events, private dining, and off-site activations as needed.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of culinary leadership experience, preferably in upscale casual or high-volume Mexican/Latin concepts.
- Strong understanding of kitchen systems, prep flow, and production organization.
- Working knowledge of food costing, inventory, scheduling, and labor management systems.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for long periods, and work nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Current ServSafe certification required.
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Quarterly bonus
- Dining discounts
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Career growth opportunities within
The job description above outlines key responsibilities but is not all-inclusive. Team members may be assigned additional duties as required by management in accordance with company policies and operational needs.
Mundo Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
