Caden Sparks
Princeton,KY
Summary
Collaborative culinary professional with experience in cooking and management within the restaurant industry. Committed to enhancing kitchen productivity and fostering team connections to deliver high-quality dining experiences. Focused on creating a positive environment that encourages staff engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
The Joint BBQ Wings & More
Eddyville, Kentucky
09.2022 - Current
- Managed kitchen operations for BBQ wings service and daily food prep.
- Supervised line cooks during rush periods and organized station assignments.
- Monitored food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness across kitchen work areas.
- Inspected food quality before plating and service to guests.
- Communicated with front-of-house staff on orders, specials, and shortages.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
- Performed weekly inventories of food items stored in refrigerators or freezers.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
- Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
- Ordered ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
- Inspected equipment regularly to identify necessary repairs or replacements.
- Coordinated inventory checks for sauces, meats, sides, and kitchen supplies.
- Trained staff on recipe standards, portion control, and prep procedures.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and deposited restaurant's earnings at bank.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Assisted staff by serving food and beverages or bussing tables.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Analyzed financial data including sales reports, budgeting information and cost analysis reports to make operational decisions.
Store Associate
Food Giant
Eddyville, KY
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Stocked Food Giant grocery shelves with fresh merchandise and organized displays.
- Assisted Food Giant customers with product location, pricing, and store questions.
- Rotated Food Giant inventory to remove expired products and maintain freshness.
- Operated Food Giant cash register and processed sales, returns, and payments.
- Adhered to Food Giant store policies, safety standards, and customer service practices.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills at all times.
- Engaged positively with each customer, providing professional, and polite support for sales and service needs.
- Performed daily opening and closing procedures for store operation.
Food Service Worker
Venture River Family Water Park
Eddyville, KY
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Prepared concession food and drinks for Venture River Family Water Park guests.
- Operated cash registers and processed guest payments accurately.
- Restocked coolers, condiments, and service supplies throughout food stands.
- Cleaned counters, tables, and kitchen areas to maintain sanitation standards.
- Assisted guests with menu choices and special requests.
- Followed food safety regulations pertaining to sanitation, food handling and storage.
- Served meals to customers in a friendly and courteous manner.
- Operated cash register to process cash, check, and credit card transactions.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up workstations with necessary supplies.
- Performed variety of duties related to food service.
- Cleaned kitchen areas, equipment and utensils.
- Maintained order and cleanliness of work areas to conform with health codes.
- Followed staff performance and service standards to deliver consistent and positive customer experiences.
- Greeted customers upon arrival in the dining area.
- Maintained professional demeanor during interactions with customers and co-workers.
- Acquired new skills to support team and further accommodate customer needs.
- Received food orders from individuals and explained offerings.
- Utilized point-of-sale systems for taking orders from customers.
- Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items.
- Assembled and served meals according to specific guest requirements.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
Education
Bachelor of Environmental Science - Environmental Health
Murray State University
Murray, KY 08.2024 - 05.2025
Lyon County High School
Eddyville, KySkills
- Staff management
- Team leadership
- Staff supervision
- Team supervision
- Budget analysis
- Performance monitoring
- Process improvement
- Quality assurance
- Policy and procedure enforcement
- POS systems
- Cash handling
- Customer service
- Clear communication
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Time management
Affiliations
- I now often make trips away from home for various activities, such as indulging in the arts or experiencing nature when possible.
Timeline
Bachelor of Environmental Science - Environmental Health
Murray State University
08.2024 - 05.2025
Kitchen Manager
The Joint BBQ Wings & More
09.2022 - Current
Store Associate
Food Giant
07.2022 - 09.2022
Food Service Worker
Venture River Family Water Park
05.2021 - 07.2022
Lyon County High School