Alexander Nelson
Richland,MO
Summary
Adept at enhancing kitchen efficiency and food quality, I significantly reduced food waste at Martone's Italian Restaurant. My expertise in dough preparation and oven operation, coupled with strong inventory management skills, ensures optimal stock levels and minimal waste. Recognized for fostering teamwork and maintaining high sanitation standards, I consistently deliver exceptional culinary experiences. Preparing delicious, handmade pizzas from raw materials, ensuring a fully cooked and delicious product that not only tastes great but looks great.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pizza Cook / Kitchen Manager
Martone's Italian Restaurant
12.2023 - 02.2025
- Reduced food waste by efficiently managing ingredients inventory and rotating stock as needed.
- Cooked assembled pizzas in oven, removed when done, allowed to cool, cut and boxed completed orders.
- Followed strict food safety guidelines to maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen, reducing the risk of health code violations.
- Handled high-volume orders during peak times with accuracy and speed while maintaining attention to detail for each pizza creation.
- Maintained a clean and safe working station.
- Worked a brick oven, feeding wood for the fire to maintain the appropriate or desired temperature for pizza cooking, garlic bread, and stuffed mushrooms.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customers, answering any questions and providing information on the food that is created.
- Placing store orders for the restaurant, containing all food essentials and cleaning supplies needed to stock the restaurant each week, eliminating as much waste as possible and maintaining the correct amount of stock for the week.
- Maintained healthy relationships and contact with our resource suppliers, such as the wood supplier for the fire oven, the ingredients and cleaning supplies vendor, and the garbage disposal people for the city.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency and dish garnishing.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely to protect team members from harm and equipment from damage.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a clean and organized workspace, promoting a positive work environment.
- Prepared fresh dough and other pre-made items, following store recipes to mix ingredients, allowing for sufficient rising or cooking and placing in cooler for storage until needed.
- Assisted coworkers during busy periods by multitasking between various stations when necessary, reinforcing teamwork within the establishment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing high-quality pizza and maintaining timely service.
- Managed time effectively during shifts to prioritize tasks and complete them within designated timelines, minimizing downtime in the kitchen.
- Unloaded delivery truck to place food items and ingredients in designated space.
- Ensured consistency in dough preparation according to company recipe standards, resulting in uniform crust texture across all pizzas served.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Promoted an atmosphere of positivity and professionalism through maintaining high personal standards of cleanliness, punctuality, and work ethic.
- Followed order specifications to select proper crust and topping ingredients, assembling full pizzas following company measurement standards.
- Trained new staff members on proper pizza preparation techniques and kitchen procedures, ensuring consistent quality across the team.
- Shared information with customers about menu items, preparation methods, and ingredients.
- Provided excellent customer service through friendly interactions and addressing any concerns promptly, fostering repeat business.
- Communicated menu item information and offered suggestions to promote featured products.
- Participated in routine equipment maintenance checks and deep cleaning tasks to uphold optimal functionality within the kitchen.
- Maintained adequate ingredient levels throughout shifts by restocking supplies as necessary, preventing delays in order fulfillment.
- Stocked front-of-house materials.
- Used pizza cutter to slice pizzas according to size and customer specifications.
- Coached new workers on store policies, pizza making, and dough preparation.
- Rolled and shaped dough to correct sizes and shapes based on orders to fit in oven and cook evenly.
- Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
- Monitored pizzas throughout cooking process to deliver correct doneness and prevent burning or undercooking.
- Tracked inventory of ingredients and supplies to keep kitchen well stocked and meet product and service demands.
- Wiped down counters and food prep stations using bleach and clean cloths.
- Topped pizzas with right ingredients based on orders utilizing recipe-directed amounts and distribution methods.
- Learned and memorized menu items and specials to provide accurate and up-to-date information to kitchen staff.
- Handled customer complaints professionally to prevent negative reviews or loss of business.
- Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
- Operated grills, fryers and ovens to cook food items.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Learned new menu offerings and options easily to assist customers with selecting items.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Used kitchen equipment safely and reduced risk of injuries and burns.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training initiatives.
- Optimized food presentation and plating techniques, elevating overall dining experience.
Cashier / Stocker
Dollar General
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Contributed to store success by maintaining high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility.
- Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
Pizza Maker / Fry Cook / Dishwasher
Pizza Hut
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Topped pizzas with right ingredients based on orders utilizing recipe-directed amounts and distribution methods.
- Learned and memorized menu items and specials to provide accurate and up-to-date information to kitchen staff.
- Developed strong time management skills by juggling multiple orders during peak hours without compromising quality.
- Monitored and maintained clean working areas and cooking surfaces.
- Used pizza cutter to slice pizzas according to size and customer specifications.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for efficient pizza making, ensuring optimal productivity.
- Followed food safety and sanitation guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote customer health and safety.
- Maintained pizza-making and kitchen equipment to keep items in good working condition and kitchen operating smoothly.
- Wiped down counters and food prep stations using bleach and clean cloths.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen operations and maintain timely order fulfillment.
Fry Cook / Deli Employee / Stocker
Market Basket
05.2021 - 11.2021
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers or griddles.
- Cleaned, stocked, and restocked workstations and display cases.
- Enhanced food quality by ensuring proper cooking times and temperatures for various fried foods.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Contributed to a positive team environment, collaborating with fellow cooks and staff members.
- Operated fryers and grills by pouring oil and placing food items on surface to fry or grill.
- Stored food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent cross-contamination and spoilage.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective time management and multitasking skills.
- Tested temperatures of food at specified intervals by using food thermometers.
- Cleaned and maintained fryers and grills to keep appliances in working condition.
- Stayed informed of daily menu to help coordinate cooking times.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety standards, ensuring proper handling and storage of ingredients.
- Marinated food items according to provided instructions and recipes.
- Supported the overall efficiency of the kitchen by assisting other cooks when needed during busy periods.
- Reduced food waste, closely monitoring product usage and inventory levels.
- Reduced cooking oil costs by implementing efficient frying techniques.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, ensuring sanitary cooking environment.
- Boosted team morale, fostering positive and productive kitchen atmosphere.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, utensils and equipment.
- Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
- Reduced customer waiting by batch cooking popular items during rush times.
Education
High School Diploma -
Natchitoches Central High School
Natchitoches03-2011
Skills
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Safe food handling
- Promotional support
- Quality control
- Food presentation
- Sauce making
- Kitchen organization
- Spoilage prevention
- Knife skills
- Portion control
- Dough preparation
- Pizza baking
- Food safety oversight
- Oven operation
- Order taking and processing
- Attention to detail
- Inventory management
- Food safety
- ServSafe certification - 5 year certification
Accomplishments
- Increased team productivity by implementing key process improvements.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Promoted to kitchen manager within four months of employment.
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Timeline
Pizza Cook / Kitchen Manager
Martone's Italian Restaurant
12.2023 - 02.2025
Cashier / Stocker
Dollar General
09.2022 - 04.2023
Pizza Maker / Fry Cook / Dishwasher
Pizza Hut
02.2022 - 07.2022
Fry Cook / Deli Employee / Stocker
Market Basket
05.2021 - 11.2021
High School Diploma -
Natchitoches Central High School