Ava Dahl
Lexington,VA
Summary
Early-Career adaptable culinary and service professional with a background in sous chef, assistant manager, and catering roles. Strong in time management, sanitation, and staff coordination. Ready to support smooth operations and a positive guest experience.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
ZunZun Fine Dining Restaurant
Lexington, VA
06.2025 - Current
- Trained new kitchen staff on station setup, knife skills, and sanitation procedures.
- Enforced HACCP and cleanliness standards across prep, storage, and cooking stations.
- Assisted executive chef with menu execution, recipe adherence, and special-diet accommodations.
- Streamlined closing procedures, organizing equipment, labeling products, and preparing kitchen for next shift.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Elevated dining experience by innovating seasonal menu items tailored to local tastes.
- Collaborated closely with head chef to develop recipes that significantly increased customer satisfaction.
Assistant Manager
Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe
Lexington, VA
03.2024 - Current
- Managed front-of-house operations, promoting smooth service and a consistent guest experience.
- Trained new team members on POS procedures, portion control, and customer service standards.
- Managed opening and closing routines, including cash reconciliation and store readiness checks.
- Resolved customer concerns promptly, maintaining satisfaction and service quality.
- Enforced food safety and cleanliness standards throughout service and preparation areas.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Facilitated clear communication between employees and upper management through regular meetings and updates.
Catering Staff Member
C.H.E.F.'s Catering Company
Lexington, VA
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Supervised event readiness by checking equipment, supplies, and presentation before guest arrival.
- Coordinated food setup, service flow, and breakdown for catered events with consistent attention to timing.
- Prepared serving stations, buffet displays, and beverage areas while maintaining sanitation standards.
- Communicated service needs with kitchen and event teams to resolve issues quickly during functions.
- Monitored food handling practices to support safe transport, holding, and service conditions.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
- Ensured timely food preparation and delivery for seamless event execution.
House and Pet Sitter
Self Employed
Lexington, VA
01.2020 - Current
- Cared for homes and pets, maintaining safe, clean environments during owner absences.
- Fed and walked pets, cleaning up after pets indoors and outdoors.
- Adapted quickly to varied home instructions, routines, and animal needs.
- Monitored property conditions, reporting maintenance issues and unusual activity promptly.
- Managed a variety of household tasks, including mail collection, plant care, trash removal, and light cleaning to maintain a clean living environment for clients' return.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing attentive and personalized house and pet sitting services.
- Built strong relationships with repeat customers based on trustworthiness professionalism exceptional attention detail.
- Collaborated closely with homeowners regarding specific requirements or requests pertaining to property maintenance or pet care management.
Babysitter
Self Employed
Lexington, VA
01.2020 - 05.2025
- Organized age-appropriate games, crafts, and educational activities to support engagement and development.
- Supervised children's daily activities, ensuring safe play, routines, and consistent behavioral guidance.
- Prepared meals and snacks according to parent instructions, dietary needs, and feeding schedules.
- Communicated clearly with parents regarding updates, concerns, and schedule changes.
- Maintained clean play areas, tidied toys, and handled light household cleanup after childcare tasks.
- Responded calmly to minor injuries, conflicts, and emergencies while following safety procedures.
- Managed bedtime routines, including bathing, dressing, and settling children for rest.
- Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
- Reassured children when upset providing emotional support and stability.
Education
High School Diploma -
Rockbridge County High School
Rockbridge, Va05.2027
Skills
- Culinary management
- Food safety
- Staff training and development
- Staff management and delegation
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Problem-solving
- Customer relations and service
- Time management
- Adaptability Under Pressure
- Strong work ethic
- Reliability
Accomplishments
- Promoted to assistant manager at age 15
- Servsafe Food Handler Certified
- Organized large clientele base in reservations more than 6 months out
- Mentored by 2 successful chefs
Timeline
Sous Chef
ZunZun Fine Dining Restaurant
06.2025 - Current
Catering Staff Member
C.H.E.F.'s Catering Company
08.2024 - 06.2025
Assistant Manager
Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe
03.2024 - Current
House and Pet Sitter
Self Employed
01.2020 - Current
Babysitter
Self Employed
01.2020 - 05.2025
High School Diploma -
Rockbridge County High School