Andrew Hargrove
Montgomery
Summary
Dedicated to following safe working procedures and maintaining good housekeeping standards. Talented Cook with experience in the food industry seeking a position in a fast-growing company with aggressive sales targets. Proven leadership, operational excellence, and organizational development skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the food business.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Certified Trainer
Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Q
Prattville, AL
09.2025 - Current
- Developed and delivered engaging training programs for staff to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
- Assessed employee performance and provided constructive feedback to foster skill development and career growth.
- Collaborated with management to identify training needs and create tailored programs that align with business objectives.
- Implemented new onboarding procedures, streamlining training processes for new hires, resulting in quicker acclimation.
- Monitored training outcomes and adjusted content based on participant feedback to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Meat Cutter/PitMaster
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
Prattville, AL
02.2025 - Current
- Provided custom cuts.
- Accurately followed customer specifications.
- Applied knowledge of aging methods and flavor profiles.
- Ensured full team understanding of best practices.
- Provided specialty cuts.
- Minimized waste.
- Allowed for precise, uniform cuts.
- Ensured adherence to food handling procedures.
- Maintained top-tier quality.
- Increased floor efficiency.
Caterer
Bad to the Bone BBQ
Montgomery, AL
01.2011 - Current
- Created catering menus with ethnic food options to meet the needs of a diverse clientele.
- Created a variety of appetizer, entree, and dessert options to allow for the creation of customized menus.
- Provided catering services to customers by filling orders, communicating requests to kitchen staff, and asking about customer satisfaction on a regular basis.
- Moved meal and beverage trays from the kitchen and bar to the tables of guests.
- Rented equipment and did physical labor for clients.
- Set up and disassembled food service stations, equipment, and furniture according to contract specifications.
- Offered vegetarian versions of frequently ordered entrees to appeal to health-conscious customers.
School Cook
Resurrection Catholic School
Montgomery, AL
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Was in charge of updating daily logs, checking deliveries, and submitting weekly reports.
- Had an excellent attendance record and was always on time for work.
- Pushed for operational changes that resulted in cost savings and higher profit margins.
- Prepared and served over [90] nutritious meals every day.
- Devised menus that adhered to established health guidelines and budget constraints.
- Kept the kitchen clean and orderly by moving stock between storage and the station and sanitizing surfaces.
- Followed code dating procedures and complied with all legal requirements for product labeling and packaging.
- Measured, mixed, and prepared raw materials according to company specifications and recipes.
- Kept spoilage to a minimum by generating turn movement and maintaining monthly inventory.
- Made bread, rolls, cookies, cupcakes, pie crusts, and other baked goods by rolling, cutting, and shaping dough.
Associate Manager
Sonic Drive-In
Montgomery, AL
11.2021 - 10.2024
- Assigned daily employee tasks and kept track of their progress.
- Maintained a safe working environment by following safety procedures, policies, and regulations.
- Was in charge of hiring, training, and managing all kitchen staff, as well as employee development, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Evaluated employee behaviors, skills, and knowledge, and provided hands-on training and mentoring to those who needed it on a regular basis.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Trenholm State Technical College Culinary Arts Program
Montgomery, AL12.2025
High School - undefined
G.W. Carver High School
Montgomery, AL01.2023
High School - undefined
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Montgomery, AL01.2021
Skills
- Retail merchandising experience
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food presentation
- Grilling techniques
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Attention to detail
- Positive and friendly
- Merchandising
- Stocking
- Daily workflows
- Natural leader
- Food safety and sanitation
- Quick learner
- Customer service
- Team building expert
- Coaching techniques
- Public speaking
- Training needs analysis
- Food quality
- Kitchen management
Accomplishments
- Graduated High school(2023)
- Community Service/ Salvation Army Soup Kitchen
- Graduated College (2026)
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Fundamentals Cook CFC
- Culinary Arts Culinarian Certification
Timeline
Certified Trainer
Jim N Nicks Bar-B-Q
09.2025 - Current
Meat Cutter/PitMaster
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
02.2025 - Current
School Cook
Resurrection Catholic School
10.2023 - 05.2025
Associate Manager
Sonic Drive-In
11.2021 - 10.2024
Caterer
Bad to the Bone BBQ
01.2011 - Current
High School - undefined
G.W. Carver High School
High School - undefined
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Trenholm State Technical College Culinary Arts Program
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Chef and Pit Master with well-rounded culinary experience across diverse kitchen environments. Skilled in a broad range of cooking techniques including grilling, smoking, sautéing, roasting, braising, baking, and sauce development. Strong background in flavor profiling, knife skills, meat and seafood fabrication, plating, and menu execution. Known for maintaining high food quality, food safety standards, and efficiency in fast-paced kitchens while delivering exceptional dining experiences.