Ailsa Carlig

At Grounded, I learned the importance of having a tight-knit group of coworkers, communication and how to work in a faster-paced, smaller kitchen than I ever have. I also learned about the ins and outs of working for a small, family-owned business that is rapidly growing. I have had lots of customer interaction here, working with dietary needs, preferences, and specifications, as this is partially a plant-based kitchen and coffee bar. There is so much preparation done here all throughout the day, so I am consistently checking inventory and preparing items from scratch, including all sauces, dressings, queso, and more. Another important aspect of the kitchen here is maintaining the temperature of the wood-fired oven, properly, evenly cooking pizzas, and roasting vegetables. I have also now been trained on opening procedures, such as prepping and baking bagels, and setting up the kitchen for the day.

• Cooked and plated dishes according to restaurant standards.
• Washed, chopped, measured, and prepared all menu items, predominantly from scratch.
• Assisted in menu planning to enhance seasonal offerings and customer preferences.
• Prepared a variety of dishes following standardized recipes and guidelines.
• Operated kitchen equipment, such as the wood-fired oven, with care and precision.
• Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
• Trained new staff on kitchen procedures and food safety protocols.
• Experimented with new cooking techniques to improve dish presentation and flavor.
• Engaged with customers to gather feedback on menu items for future adjustments.
• Provided instruction on the use of various kitchen equipment such as ovens, mixers, blenders.
• Monitored kitchen staff performance and provided guidance when necessary.
• Evaluated quality of products received from suppliers prior to being used in meal preparation.
• Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
• Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
• Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
• Organized food storage areas to ensure freshness and compliance with safety regulations.
• Maintained cleanliness of kitchen tools, utensils, and workstations throughout shifts.
• Followed recipes closely to maintain consistency in flavors and presentations.
• Effectively collaborated with team members to streamline food prep processes during busy hours.
• Coordinated daily schedules and lists to ensure an efficient workflow among staff.
• Monitored workflow processes and identified areas of improvement.
• Fostered a positive work environment by recognizing individual achievements.
• Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.

I started here as a server, then a trainer, and was soon asked to become a shift lead. I dealt with banking, closing the store, expediting, pouring drinks, and being in charge when the managers were gone. I also took shifts as a cook at least three times a week and got my start here learning about how to prep, be on the line, make pizzas, salads, pastas, and paninis. This was a wonderful learning experience, where I met lots of great people. It really expanded my knowledge of all things in the kitchen, began my love of making pizzas, and taught me about how a business like this runs.

• Supervised daily operations and ensured adherence to safety protocols.
• Trained new team members on equipment use and operational procedures.
• Monitored inventory levels and assisted with restocking supplies.
• Resolved customer concerns promptly to enhance service quality.
• Implemented best practices to improve workflow efficiency during shifts.
• Performed opening and closing procedures such as setting alarm systems, counting money.
• Provided guidance and support to other team members as needed.
• Maintained store appearance by cleaning, stocking shelves, and ensuring merchandise was properly displayed.
• Handled cash register transactions accurately while providing excellent customer service.
• Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations and workflow.
• Performed opening and closing kitchen supervisory tasks with proficient adherence to checklists.

For my first job, I was a crew member at Dairy Queen. I primarily worked at the front counter and was in charge of making the Blizzards, drinks, and food. I learned here how to keep the establishment very clean, and to deliver the best customer service that you can. This job taught me about having a good work ethic and time management. Also as this was during COVID, I learned a lot about communication with customers and how to work through minor conflicts with calmness and understanding.

• Prepared and assembled food orders efficiently for customers.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining and kitchen areas.
• Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow during peak hours.
• Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
• Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
• Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.

Here at JCPenney, I learned a lot about retail and what it takes to operate such a big store. I found it easy to chat with customers and make their shopping experience as good as possible. I also love to design and organize, so that was a great outlet by setting up displays and organizing clothes.

• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the work area.
• Folded clothes and kept all products organized.
• Assist customers in finding the perfect products that meet their needs and preferences, ensuring a positive shopping experience at J.C. Penney.
• Stocked shelves and ensured proper product placement for visibility.
• Handled cash transactions accurately at the register.
• Communicated effectively with other staff members about customer needs.
• Engaged customers to promote credit card products and services.
• Assisted in processing credit card applications and verifying customer information.
• Assist in processing returns and exchanges, ensuring that customers are satisfied with their purchases.
• Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.

At Dion's, I began as a crew member during the day, making food, prepping, serving customers, tending to the register, and drive-through. I later started working in the early mornings, prepping huge amounts of cheese, sauce, and lemon. I really enjoyed contributing to how the restaurant ran for the rest of the day, and getting it all set off to a great start. I learned a lot about a fast-paced environment, what it’s like for an establishment to be consistently very busy, and how to deal with that calmly and smoothly.

• Prepared ingredients and ensured freshness for daily menu items.
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• Assisted in inventory management by tracking food supplies and restocking as needed.
• Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and workstations throughout shifts.
• Coordinated with team members to ensure timely meal service during busy hours.
• Followed safety procedures for food handling and sanitation to prevent contamination.
• Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
• Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
• Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
• Handled cash, credit, and digital payments with attention to detail.
• Greeted customers and provided friendly customer service.
• Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner.