Caleb Novotny
Freeport,IL
Summary
Experienced with preparing and cooking variety of dishes in fast-paced kitchen environment. Utilizes effective time management and multitasking skills to ensure efficient meal preparation. Knowledge of maintaining food safety standards and creating collaborative team atmosphere.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Store Manager
Aldi USA
Freeport, IL
11.2024 - 04.2026
- Assisted in managing daily store operations, ensuring efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and developed team members on product knowledge and customer service best practices.
- Implemented merchandising strategies to optimize product placement and enhance sales performance.
- Monitored inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers to maintain stock availability and reduce waste.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing inventory decisions and strategic planning efforts.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards, conducting regular audits to maintain a secure shopping environment.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
Kitchen/Bar Manager
Applebees
Freeport, IL
01.2023 - 11.2024
- Managed daily bar operations, ensuring staff adhered to service standards and protocols.
- Trained and mentored bartenders on cocktail preparation and customer service techniques.
- Oversaw inventory management, including ordering supplies and reducing waste effectively.
- Implemented promotional drink specials to increase customer engagement and sales volume.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations, minimizing risk of violations.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates, share best practices, and enhance team morale.
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
- Recruited, hired and trained staff on bar practices, customer service standards, and productivity strategies, providing 130% improvement over prior onboarding process.
General Manager
Dicellos Pizzeria
Belvidere, IL
07.2017 - 12.2022
- Led daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
- Managed inventory control, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing performance and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, improving profitability without sacrificing quality.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
Kitchen Manager
Caseys's General Stores
Warren, IL
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Led kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing waste.
- Oversaw scheduling and staffing, ensuring adequate coverage during peak hours.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, fostering professional growth among team members.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
Line Cook
Mulligans Bar & Grill
Lena, IL
12.2014 - 07.2015
- Prepared high-quality menu items consistently, adhering to established recipes and presentation standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing overall kitchen productivity.
- Assisted in menu development by providing feedback on customer preferences and seasonal ingredient availability.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and kitchen areas, ensuring adherence to sanitation guidelines at all times.
- Monitored food quality during service to ensure consistency and satisfaction for all customers served.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lena Winslow High School
Lena, ILSkills
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Inventory control
- Customer relations
- Store organization
- Time management
- Team building and leadership
- Store opening and closing
- Attention to detail
- Customer service management
- Staff supervision
- Stock management
- POS systems
- Hiring and training
- Employee scheduling
- Staff management
- Upselling and cross selling
- Pricing and markdowns
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Mentoring and coaching
- Goals and performance
- Loss prevention
- Strategic planning
- Relationship building and management
- Stock rotations
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Professional attitude
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Food preparation
- Food safety knowledge
- Food safety
- Cleanliness standards
- Kitchen sanitization
- Knife skills
- Kitchen station setup
- Kitchen sanitation
- Deep fryer operation
- Quality control
- Line management
- Grilling techniques
- Kitchen operations
- Kitchen organization
- Food safety standards
Certification
- Food Sanitation License - Through July 2026
- Food Handlers License - Through July 2027
- Basset License - Through July 2027
Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
Aldi USA
11.2024 - 04.2026
Kitchen/Bar Manager
Applebees
01.2023 - 11.2024
General Manager
Dicellos Pizzeria
07.2017 - 12.2022
Kitchen Manager
Caseys's General Stores
07.2016 - 07.2017
Line Cook
Mulligans Bar & Grill
12.2014 - 07.2015
High School Diploma -
Lena Winslow High School