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Illegal Pete's

Fast-casual Mexican restaurant with full bar

Front Line Crew Member

Full-Time
$27.37 - $29.27/hr+ Tips
Entry
Wheat Ridge, CO, USA
In Person
Food Service & HospitalityDining, Bar & Counter Service

About the job

Requirements
  • Deliver excellent guest service.
  • Communicate effectively with guests and team members.
  • Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
  • Stand for long periods and reach, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Meet other physical requirements reasonably applicable in a standard kitchen or restaurant environment.
Responsibilities
  • Create an atmosphere that celebrates individuality and relaxed human connection.
  • Provide excellent customer service while maintaining food quality, cleanliness, and speed.
  • Work in various restaurant stations, which may include the hot line, cold line, bartender, and cashier stations.

About the company

Illegal Pete's operates as a fast-casual restaurant chain in Colorado and Arizona, serving Mission-style burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, nachos, and queso, with a full bar and local craft beers. Its food is prepared with responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients and is served in a counter-service format, with locations designed to foster a social, neighborhood atmosphere including live music, comedy shows, and other events. What sets Illegal Pete's apart is its community focus: it partners with local arts through initiatives like the Starving Artists program that offers free meals to touring musicians, runs a record label, and uses historic buildings for its stores while keeping full control without franchising. Employee welfare is emphasized through a living wage, health benefits, and a 401K. The company aims to be a local gathering place that blends good food, live arts, and community connection while growing in a manageable, community-centered way.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Denver, Colorado

Founded

1995

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Illegal Pete's added Taco Night in January 2025, its first menu change in 15 years.
  • By April 2026, the chain listed 14 locations, including Wheat Ridge and Boulder expansion.
  • Loyalty app V.I. Pete's and full bars support repeat visits and higher check sizes.

What critics are saying

  • The name still fuels boycott pressure; UA activists targeted Tucson in 2024.
  • Colorado Springs opened April 2024 after two-year delays, exposing execution fragility.
  • Limited scale outside Colorado leaves Arizona dependence and weak bargaining power versus Chipotle.

What makes Illegal Pete's unique

  • Pete Turner kept family-owned control since 1995, avoiding franchise dilution.
  • Illegal Pete's pairs Mission-style burritos with full bars and live-music events.
  • Historic building reuse and neighborhood programming create a locally rooted brand identity.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Remote Work Options
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Stock Options
  • Company Equity
  • Wellness Program
  • Mental Health Support
  • Gym Membership
  • Phone/Internet Stipend