Caribbean-themed restaurant chain Pollo Tropical creates jobs regularly through employee turnover and expansion. Brand popularity consistently brings in new customers and raises the demand for entry-level workers. The fast-casual chain operates locations in North, South, and Central America.
Facts About Working at Pollo Tropical
Hiring Age: 17 years old (How old do you have to be to work at Pollo Tropical?)
Available Positions: Waiter/Waitress, Host/Hostess, Cook, Prep Cook, Dishwasher, Assistant Manager, Manager, Overnight Custodian, Catering Supervisor, Kitchen Prep Person, Cashier, Grill Person, Food Line Expediter, Caterer, General Manager
Printable Application: No. Search Job Openings or visit official site.
Pollo Tropical Employment Prospects
Founded in 1988, Pollo Tropical continues to serve as a source of meaningful employment for job seekers. Entry-level candidates regularly achieve hire with the company. The chain recruits workers with positive attitudes and passion for good food and quality service. Seasoned employment hopefuls with restaurant industry backgrounds often qualify for lucrative management work, while skilled professionals frequently seek marketing, administrative, and human resources positions at company headquarters in Miami, FL.
A subsidiary of the Fiesta Restaurant Company, Pollo Tropical maintains Caribbean-inspired eateries on an international scale. Job seekers in U.S. states like Georgia, Texas, and Florida and countries such as Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Honduras may find restaurant work with the chain. Jobs for both entry-level candidates and experienced career hunters prove readily accessible at most locations. As of 2015, the company managed well over 100 corporate-owned and franchised restaurants.
Pollo Tropical Jobs and Salary Options
Job seekers usually must stand 18 years of age or older to apply for work with Pollo Tropical. Positions include part-time and full-time work opportunities alike. Flexible schedules, meal discounts, and advancement opportunities draw employment hopefuls to submit hiring forms to the chain for the following jobs:
Team Member
- Team members perform the essential food preparation and customer service duties in each restaurant.
- Though most team members receive a specific position assignment, such as cashier, dishwasher, or line cook, job duties often overlap, and associates regularly need to switch roles or aid in other areas.
- Consequently, employee responsibilities cover a wide spectrum of potential tasks.
- Everyday duties for most workers often include providing assistance to patrons, maintaining the cleanliness of work areas, and ensuring the safety, sanitation, and efficiency of the food preparation process.
- Team member jobs make ideal employment opportunities for entry-level candidates, regardless of experience.
- However, applicants with high school diplomas or GED equivalents, culinary training, or prior work history in restaurants may gain favor during the hiring process.
- Tenure and superior job performance may lead to pay raises for workers; however, team members primarily start out earning minimum wage.
Management
- Under the direction of restaurant managers, assistant managers and team leaders oversee operations in the eatery and supervise subordinate team members.
- Duties include interviewing and hiring new staff members, carrying out opening and closing procedures, and assisting with food preparation and customer service responsibilities during busy or understaffed shifts.
- Candidates typically need previous management experience to obtain jobs.
- However, the company sometimes promotes from within.
- Team leaders earn approximately $10.00 per hour, on average.
- Assistant managers make about $38,000 per year, while annual salary options for restaurant managers hover around $50,000.
Tips For Applying
Employment hopefuls should maintain open or flexible availabilities to best fulfill company needs. During interviews, demonstrate strong communication skills, interest in Caribbean culture, willingness to learn about company policies, and general knowledge of the restaurant industry. Candidates seeking jobs beyond entry-level work should also prepare resumes and cover letters to present to hiring managers. Such documents highlight individual qualifications and provide further background on applicants to help employers make informed hiring decisions. Job hopefuls may apply online or in person for most positions.
Application Status
Staffing managers typically contact potential employees within a week of receiving applications. However, some candidates report taking over a month to complete the hiring process. Following up on applications through telephone calls or restaurant visits remain effective methods of showing interest in employment. Whether calling or visiting, always wait until the manager gets time away from pressing duties before speaking with the hiring official.
Benefits of Working at Pollo Tropical
Pollo Tropical offers a wide variety of job benefits to qualified associates. The restaurant chain grants paid training, free or discounted employee meals, and flexible scheduling options to most workers. Managers and other eligible associates may also receive allotted personal days and paid time off. Dental, vision, and medical insurance packages help cover employee healthcare needs, while 401(k) retirement plans and tuition reimbursement programs stand available, as well.
Further Details on Pollo Tropical
Parent company Fiesta Restaurant Group emphasizes authentic ethnic cuisine in fast-casual dining settings. The business balances reasonable prices with high-quality food and attentive service. In addition to Pollo Tropical, the company owns and operates Taco Cabana, a restaurant brand specializing in freshly cooked Mexican fare. Maintaining over 300 restaurants between the two brands, the corporation trades on the NASDAQ under the heading FRGI.
