Brian Lafrenz
Des Moines
Summary
Productive Kitchen Manager focused on high-quality, cost-effective ingredients and providing speedy, quality service. Customer-oriented leader with high level of stamina and excellent relationship-building capabilities. Versed in employee scheduling, inventory management and crew leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Caseys's General Stores
Des Moines
03.2024 - Current
- Managed daily kitchen operations ensuring smooth workflow and high standards.
- Trained new staff on food preparation and safety protocols.
- Oversaw inventory management and ordered supplies as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen.
- Monitored food quality and presentation before serving to customers.
- Enforced health regulations to maintain compliance with local food safety standards.
- Performed weekly inventories of food items stored in refrigerators or freezers.
- Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
- Inspected equipment regularly to identify necessary repairs or replacements.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a positive attitude towards guests at all times.
Food Runner
Exile Brewing Company
Des Moines
10.2021 - 03.2024
- Delivered food orders to tables promptly and accurately.
- Assisted servers by restocking supplies during busy shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness of dining areas and service stations.
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding order status.
- Supported front-of-house operations during peak hours efficiently.
- Monitored guest needs and ensured satisfaction throughout meals.
- Adhered to health and safety guidelines while serving food.
- Ensured that all orders were correct before leaving the kitchen area.
- Organized food orders and ensured accuracy of items served to customers.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas throughout shift including counter tops, floors, equipment.
- Assisted in training new staff members on restaurant operations and procedures.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries and requests for additional items or services.
Cook
Tursi's Latin King
Des Moines
10.2011 - 10.2021
- Maintained high cleanliness standards in food preparation and cooking areas.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline meal preparation processes.
- Trained new staff on kitchen operations and safety protocols.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently to support daily cooking tasks.
- Responded promptly to customer dietary requests and preferences during service.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
Education
GED -
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA07-2001
Skills
- Kitchen management
- Food safety regulations
- Inventory control
- Staff training
- Quality assurance
- Menu development
- Customer relationship management
- Cost control
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Sanitation
- Expediting orders
- Scheduling coordination
- Flexible schedule
- BOH operations
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Caseys's General Stores
03.2024 - Current
Food Runner
Exile Brewing Company
10.2021 - 03.2024
Cook
Tursi's Latin King
10.2011 - 10.2021
GED -
Des Moines Area Community College
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