Ben McDonald
Algonquin,IL
Summary
Ambitious, detail-orientated educated Cook with more than 5+ years in the Food Industry. Recently had a change in pursuant, and have directed my goals towards Marine Conservation and Biology Restoration. Am interested in working for companies that require basic qualifications, so I can advance my knowledge in real work experiences throughout this field.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Garde Manger Cook
Gigi's Wine Bar and Bistro
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Performed over 55+ hours a week to accommodate for prep and service hours
- Sold over 150+ fresh shucked oysters each day
- Gained experience in being extremely quality and organized driven
- Plated and sold over 30+ quality and detailed dishes each day
- Adapted quickly to different/new menu changes based on the chef's preference by weekly
Line Cook
Bleu Root
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Ran the line with 1 other Cook while sending out food for over 100+ tickets per night with majority Customer Satisfaction
- Helped brainstorm weekly Fish menu items, resulting in majority of them selling out each night
- Butchered and cleaned fish, beef, and chicken Primal Cuts while using 90% of all excess waste towards other dishes
- Became the Main Baker for catering orders and parties on/off site, while keeping food cost under 30% for each event
- I ran the line single-handedly on low employee nights while sending out multiple 18+ person tickets
Sous Chef
Black Bear Bistro
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Assisted in putting out 80+ dishes a night in 4-5 hours while keeping Customer Satisfaction a Positive
- Added 3+ dishes to the Menu that majority sold out each night after applying
- Helped the Chef keep a 4.5 - 5 Star rating on Google (Food Wise) for the 2 years I worked at the establishment
- Boosted Customer Satisfaction by helping the Chef brainstorm Unique weekly menu items
- Took over the Inventory and Ordering system to help keep fresh ingredients stocked for next service
- Helped prepare/cook 100% of all Dietary Orders by specializing new tools, pans, oils, etc…, towards the circumstance
Education
Associate of Science - Marine Biology
Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL05.2026
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive Elgin, IL 05.2025
Skills
- Food Plating and Presentation***
- Saucier Skills**
- Garde Manger Skills**
- Butchery Skills*
- Cost Reduction**
- Portion Control**
- Recipe Adaptation*
- Food Inventory***
- Google/Microsoft Applications***
- Detail Orientated Individual***
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- ServSafe Basset Certification
~Get to know Me~
Instagram: @benjitrav3ls
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mcdonald
Website: https://sites.google.com/student.elgin.edu/portfolio-ben-mcdonald/home
Timeline
Garde Manger Cook
Gigi's Wine Bar and Bistro
05.2024 - 08.2024
Line Cook
Bleu Root
08.2023 - 05.2024
Sous Chef
Black Bear Bistro
09.2021 - 08.2023
Associate of Science - Marine Biology
Elgin Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Elgin Community College
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- ServSafe Basset Certification
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