Candace Parks
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dynamic Cook Shift Leader with extensive experience at Newrest, excelling in kitchen management and team leadership. Proven ability to enhance food quality and presentation while implementing waste reduction strategies. Skilled in multitasking and maintaining high sanitation standards, fostering a collaborative environment that boosts team performance and customer satisfaction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook Shift Leader
Newrest
Atlanta, GA
09.2022 - Current
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety and hygiene standards.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Coordinated meal preparation schedules to optimize workflow and efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels, placing orders to maintain stock of essential supplies.
- Implemented recipes and cooking techniques to enhance food quality and presentation.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates and address operational challenges.
- Evaluated kitchen performance metrics, identifying areas for process improvement and cost reduction.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
Cook's Assistant
LSG Sky Chefs
Atlanta, GA
07.2019 - 09.2022
- Assisted chefs in meal preparation, ensuring adherence to recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and organization, supporting compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, following proper usage guidelines to enhance productivity.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food production processes, improving workflow efficiency.
- Trained new hires on kitchen procedures and safety protocols, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Implemented best practices for food storage and handling, reducing waste and maintaining quality standards.
- Supported menu development by providing feedback on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Assisted with portion control measures to maintain consistency in serving sizes across all menu items.
- Participated in weekly meetings with management to address concerns or suggestions for improving workflow within the kitchen environment.
- Contributed to increased menu variety by suggesting new dishes based on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Assisted the cook in efficiently meeting dietary needs and restrictions of customers by preparing customized dishes.
- Facilitated teamwork among kitchen staff members through clear communication regarding tasks at hand or upcoming needs throughout shifts.
- Kept an organized kitchen workspace by properly disposing of trash, recycling materials, and breaking down boxes efficiently.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by assisting in food preparation and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Managed time effectively under pressure while completing multiple tasks simultaneously such as chopping vegetables, cooking side dishes, and washing dishes.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
Atlanta, GA
01.2016 - 07.2019
- Prepared diverse menu items following established recipes and dietary guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, maintaining cleanliness and organization.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food prep processes and improve service efficiency.
- Trained new staff on food safety practices and kitchen procedures.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
Education
GED - General Studies
Job Corps
Morganfield, KY04.1998
Skills
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen organization
- Food storage
- Food preparation
- Quality control
- Multitasking and organization
- Knife skills
- Kitchen management
- Sanitation procedures
- Food presentation
- Sauce making
- Waste reduction
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
Certification
SERVSAFE
Timeline
Cook Shift Leader
Newrest
09.2022 - Current
Cook's Assistant
LSG Sky Chefs
07.2019 - 09.2022
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
01.2016 - 07.2019
GED - General Studies
Job Corps