Join Our Team as a Lead Cook

Opportunities in California, Texas & Arizona

Are you ready to be the backbone of our kitchen? At Luna Grill, we’re looking for Lead Cooks to oversee production, coach the team, and ensure seamless kitchen operations while upholding our quality and consistency. Step up and lead with expertise and energy.

Locations & Pay (compensation varies by region and market)

California – LA • Orange County • San Diego • Inland Empire
$17.00–$21.00/hr (up to $23.00/hr with tips)

Texas – Dallas/Fort Worth
$13.00–$16.00/hr (up to $19.00/hr with tips)

Arizona – Mesa
$18.00–$20.00/hr (up to $23.00/hr with tips)

Why You’ll Love Luna Grill

We’re not your typical restaurant gig — we’re a people-first brand with real food and real opportunities.

Flexible Scheduling for work-life balance
Career Growth Opportunities – we promote from within!
Tip Pool Participation – all team members share in the tips
Free Healthy Shift Meal
Referral Bonus Program
Recognition & Rewards for performance and teamwork
Luna Grill Employee Discounts and more!
A people-first culture where teamwork, respect, and hospitality come first

What You’ll Do

As a Luna Grill Lead Cook, you’ll be leading BOH operations during assigned shifts while ensuring food quality, safety, accuracy, and speed of service. This position combines hands-on cooking with shift leadership responsibilities such as training team members, monitoring food safety logs, coordinating station assignments, and maintaining compliance with Luna Grill standards.

Prepare, cook, and plate menu items according to Luna Grill recipes and portion standards
Operate grills, fryers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
Maintain food quality, safety, and sanitation standards always
Set up, organize, and maintain a clean workstation throughout the shift
Support the kitchen team with prep, stocking, and closing duties
Direct and assist team members during shifts to ensure smooth operations
Communicate effectively with leadership and teammates to keep service running efficiently

Assist with dishwashing, kitchen maintenance and other tasks as needed

What we’re looking for:

1+ years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume or fast-casual environment required
Strong understanding of food prep, portion control, and recipe consistency
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation best practices
Positive, dependable team player who thrives under pressure
Must be 18 years or older
Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation
Reliable, professional, and able to communicate clearly
Able to work productively with minimal supervision
High School Diploma or GED preferred
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Who We Are

We’re Lunatics — devoted to maintaining high standards through culture, teamwork, and training.
At Luna Grill, people are our #1 priority. We believe in cultivating talent, leading by example, and creating REAL experiences for both our guests and our team members.

Come grow with us — and help turn every meal into a moment worth remembering.

Luna Grill participates in E-Verify for all positions.

E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the eligibility of new employees to work in the United States. E-Verify checks information provided on an employee’s Form I-9 electronically against records contained in DHS and SSA databases.

Luna Grill is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment to our team members, job applicants, the guests we serve, and the communities we call home. Luna Grill also has a longstanding policy of providing a work environment that respects the dignity and worth of each individual and is free from all forms of discrimination, including harassment, because of race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site