Andre Lujan
1601 S. Mayland Ave. West Covina ,CA
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Levy Restaurants, excelling in team management and kitchen workflow optimization. Proven track record in mentoring staff and enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative and creative pivoting and quality assurance. Committed to health and safety compliance, intentional and efficient food preparation to achieve operational excellence.
Culinary professional with proven record of managing kitchen operations. Expertise in menu planning and staff training, fostering collaborative and results-driven environment. Recognized for adaptability and reliability in dynamic settings, with focus on quality and consistency.
Experienced with overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development to staff supervision. Track record of fostering team-oriented atmosphere while maintaining high culinary and sanitation standards.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Culinary Manager
Levy Restaurants
Rose Bowl
09.2023 - Current
- Coordinated inventory management processes to ensure optimal stock levels.
- Implemented efficient food preparation techniques to improve kitchen workflow.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Developed standard operating procedures to streamline kitchen processes and maintain consistency.
- Reduced food waste through effective inventory management and menu planning.
- Ensured consistent food presentation with attention to detail in plating techniques and garnishes.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative recipes that catered to diverse dietary preferences and needs.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining culinary processes and optimizing workstations.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a positive work environment and team-focused approach.
- Managed daily operations of the kitchen, delegating tasks effectively to optimize workflow.
- Monitored supply orders closely, ensuring sufficient stock without excessive surplus.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
Culinary Supervisor
Levy Restaurants
Dodger Stadium
03.2021 - 09.2023
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to food safety standards and protocols.
- Coordinated daily operations, optimizing workflow efficiency in high-volume settings.
- Implemented training programs for new employees, enhancing team performance and skill development.
- Developed menu items in collaboration with culinary team, elevating guest satisfaction and dining experience.
- Supported team to reach common goals.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely preparation and presentation of high-quality dishes.
- Encouraged open communication among team members, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that contributed to consistent improvement in performance metrics across the board.
- Provided exceptional customer service by accommodating special requests and dietary restrictions with creative solutions that delighted guests.
- Assisted in catering events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction from start to finish.
- Conducted pre-shift meetings to communicate daily goals and ensure smooth shift transitions between teams for continuous productivity.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues swiftly to maintain positive guest experiences despite setbacks.
- Effectively trained new hires on kitchen procedures, equipment usage, and safety protocols, ensuring they were well-prepared for success within the team.
- Developed innovative menu items with seasonal ingredients, increasing overall guest experience.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
- Maximized team productivity by expertly delegating tasks to kitchen staff.
- Stayed current with industry trends and innovations to boost competitiveness and customer appeal.
Cook 2
Levy Restaurants
Dodger Stadium
07.2015 - 03.2021
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and safety protocols.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels of ingredients.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver timely service during peak hours.
- Implemented efficient food preparation techniques to enhance kitchen workflow.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and seasonal offerings to meet customer preferences.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
- Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
- Implemented rotating menu concept, keeping dining experience fresh and engaging for regular customers.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Fostered culture of teamwork and communication within kitchen, leading to improved efficiency.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
- Suggested actionable improvements to streamline training procedures.
Education
Levy
Keys To The Future High School Diploma -
Los Altos High School
Hacienda Heights, CACulinary Arts
BPACE Culinary
Baldwin Park, CASkills
- Inventory management
- Food preparation techniques
- Health and safety compliance
- Standard operating procedures
- Menu planning
- Kitchen workflow optimization
- Task delegation
- Staff mentoring
- Catering coordination
- Quality assurance checks
- Customer service excellence
- Allergy awareness
- Critical thinking
Timeline
Assistant Culinary Manager
Levy Restaurants
09.2023 - Current
Culinary Supervisor
Levy Restaurants
03.2021 - 09.2023
Cook 2
Levy Restaurants
07.2015 - 03.2021
Levy
High School Diploma -
Los Altos High School
Culinary Arts
BPACE Culinary