Amy Figueroa
Mundelein,IL
Summary
Adept at leading pastry and dietary teams, I significantly enhanced bakery sales and patient meal satisfaction at Twin Orchard Country Club and Meadows Sheltered Care, respectively. Leveraging skills in sanitation protocols, team management, and creativity, I excelled in recipe innovation and allergen-aware menu development, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
Experienced with creating intricate and appealing pastries that delight and impress. Utilizes extensive knowledge in flavor profiles and presentation techniques to craft exceptional desserts. Track record of leading pastry teams to success through effective management and innovative culinary practices.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Pastry Chef
Twin Orchard Country Club
03.2014 - Current
- Monitored baking ingredient stocks and replenished items to maintain sufficient quantities for pastry production.
- Managed daily operations of the pastry department, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high quality standards.
- Maintained pastry-making equipment in good working order and replaced machinery when required to meet quality standards.
- Coordinated with event planners to design custom dessert tables that aligned with client themes and preferences, resulting in memorable experiences for attendees.
- Increased bakery sales by introducing seasonal and trending dessert options.
- Fostered a culture of teamwork within the pastry department, promoting collaboration among staff members towards shared goals.
- Maintained safe and sanitary kitchen conditions by enforcing strict adherence to food safety guidelines.
- Collaborated with culinary team to develop well-balanced and complementary dessert menus for various events.
- Contributed to menu development, incorporating diverse flavor profiles that catered to varying dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Optimized ingredient utilization by creatively repurposing surplus items into unique dessert offerings or specials.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing pastry designs.
- Developed customized wedding cake designs, resulting in increased bookings for special events.
- Cultivated strong vendor relationships to ensure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Improved overall dining experience with creative plated desserts that delighted guests'' senses.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
- Produced allergy-friendly gluten-, dairy- and egg-free variations of classic recipes.
- Oversaw purchasing, storage, and use of kitchen supplies.
- Personalized creations for holidays, weddings, graduations, and personal events.
- Mentored junior pastry chefs, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting professional growth.
Store Baker/ Pastry Chef
Whole Foods Market Inc
12.2012 - 03.2014
- Produced consistently high-quality baked goods for customers.
- Complied with health and safety codes to protect staff and customers.
- Operated and maintained bakery equipment, including ovens and mixers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently producing high-quality baked goods and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks and maintain smooth running of bakery.
- Ensured product freshness by implementing proper storage techniques and regularly rotating stock.
- Managed customer service operations, including taking orders and resolving complaints.
- Provided excellent customer service, answering questions about products and offering personalized recommendations based on individual preferences.
Certified Dietary Manager
Meadows Sheltered Care
05.2005 - 12.2012
- Coordinated with vendors to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, maintaining strong relationships for long-term partnerships.
- Achieved budgetary goals through effective cost control measures, including bulk purchasing and negotiating vendor contracts.
- Led the development of special event menus for holidays or themed days at the facility, promoting variety in meal offerings.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and adjusting purchasing practices accordingly.
- Monitored staff performance through evaluations and feedback sessions, addressing any areas needing improvement proactively.
- Optimized kitchen efficiency for better meal preparation and delivery, ensuring timely service to patients.
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to provide expertise on patient nutritional care, supporting holistic treatment approaches.
- Managed a team of dietary aides, providing ongoing coaching and support to ensure high-quality meal services for patients.
- Partnered with dietitians in assessing patients' needs for therapeutic diets upon admission or during their stay at the facility.
- Frameworked monthly menus based on seasonal ingredients availability while adhering to nutritional guidelines.
- Enhanced food safety standards by implementing strict hygiene protocols and conducting regular staff training sessions.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying current on industry best practices and adapting procedures accordingly.
- Fostered a positive work environment that encouraged teamwork, creativity, and open communication among staff members.
- Successfully resolved patient concerns or complaints related to meals or service quality by taking prompt corrective actions when needed.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary And Pastry Arts
The Cooking And Hospitality Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL12-2000
Skills
- Sanitation protocols
- Team Management
- Nutritional knowledge
- Allergen awareness
- Recipe creation
- Pastry preparation
- Creativity and Innovation
- Catering expertise
- Restaurant Experience
Timeline
Head Pastry Chef
Twin Orchard Country Club
03.2014 - Current
Store Baker/ Pastry Chef
Whole Foods Market Inc
12.2012 - 03.2014
Certified Dietary Manager
Meadows Sheltered Care
05.2005 - 12.2012
Associate of Arts - Culinary And Pastry Arts
The Cooking And Hospitality Institute of Chicago
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