Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
GeneralManager

Reena Pender

Hendersonville,TN

Summary

Adept at balancing high-volume tasks with exceptional quality, honed at Gaylord Opryland, I excel in food safety and production management, alongside strong multitasking abilities. My proactive approach has significantly enhanced kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction, showcasing my adaptability and commitment to excellence in both pastry and culinary. Joining and winning various competitions such as Iron Chef and Grilled Cheese Competitions during my traineeship at Gaylord Opryland. As well as Master of the Craft with the Theme of Sustainable Seafood, winning both Gaylord Opryland title and Master Of the Craft Regional South.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Pastry Cook III

Gaylord Opryland
04.2023 - Current
  • Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines during high volume periods.
  • Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to Chef’s instructions.
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
  • Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
  • Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
  • Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
  • Checking Cooler and freezer temperatures in everyday basis and ensuring HACCP books are signed and updated.

Prep Cook ( Stax, Paisano’s, Market Place )

Gaylord Opryland
09.2022 - 04.2023
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
  • Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
  • Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping and mopping.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace by sweeping, mopping and cleaning kitchen tools and boards in slow shift.
  • Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
  • Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
  • Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
  • Becoming a floater to provide support during peak business hours, ensuring smooth service flow while maintaining high-quality output.
  • Ensured customer satisfaction by paying close attention to dietary restrictions and special requests.
  • Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
  • Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.

Cook III Delta Island

Gaylord Opryland
04.2022 - 08.2022
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Assisted in inventory counting, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.

Customer Service Representative

RenJacob/ UPVC Glass Supply
10.2018 - 10.2019
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat.
  • Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
  • Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
  • Processed customer service orders promptly to increase customer satisfaction.

Cook II Trainee

Gaylord Opryland
08.2017 - 08.2017

( Fuse Bar, Findley’s Pub, Jack Daniel )

  • Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions related to kitchen duties and instructions.
  • Operated Fryer and Grills.
  • Maintaining a sharpened knife for easy use and ensuring the cutting of meats and vegetables are precise and ensuring proper usage to avoid cuts and accidents.
  • Checked food temperature regularly by using Food Thermometer to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
  • Wrapped up,properly labelled and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Assisted Executive Chef in preparation for food tasting of seasonal menu for Findley’s Pub.
  • Joined competition for more cultural culinary experience.

Assistant Event Coordinator

Max’s Restaurant
05.2015 - 01.2016
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Maintained accurate records of all event expenditures, ensuring budget compliance across multiple projects.
  • Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.

• Assisted in Events decoration as to what the customer requested and needs according to the party theme.

Education

Post Graduate - Culinary Arts, Bread And Pastry

Chef Logro’s Institute of Culinary And Kitchen Ser
GMA , Cavite Philippines
07.2017

Bachelor Of Science - Hotel And Restaurant Management

Batangas State University
Rizal Avenue, Main Campus I
04.2016

Skills

  • Food Safety
  • Production Management
  • Baking Operations
  • Food Plating
  • Cooking Techniques
  • Temperature Monitoring
  • Customer Service
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational Skills
  • Opening and closing duties
  • Adaptability
  • Knife Skills
  • Allergy awareness
  • Restaurant Experience
  • Attention to Detail
  • Reliable and Responsible
  • Time Management
  • Multitasking

Certification

Post Graduate Diploma In Cookery

Iron Chef Certificate

J1 Certificate

Bachelor’s of Science In Hotel and Restaurant Management

Master of The Craft Certificate

Timeline

Pastry Cook III

Gaylord Opryland
04.2023 - Current

Prep Cook ( Stax, Paisano’s, Market Place )

Gaylord Opryland
09.2022 - 04.2023

Cook III Delta Island

Gaylord Opryland
04.2022 - 08.2022

Customer Service Representative

RenJacob/ UPVC Glass Supply
10.2018 - 10.2019

Cook II Trainee

Gaylord Opryland
08.2017 - 08.2017

Assistant Event Coordinator

Max’s Restaurant
05.2015 - 01.2016

Post Graduate - Culinary Arts, Bread And Pastry

Chef Logro’s Institute of Culinary And Kitchen Ser

Bachelor Of Science - Hotel And Restaurant Management

Batangas State University
Reena Pender