Carlos Esquilin
Lakeland
Summary
Culinary professional with extensive experience at Olive Garden, specializing in staff training and food safety management. Demonstrated ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and maintain quality control while promoting effective team communication. Skilled in inventory management and ingredient preparation to uphold high standards in fast-paced environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Prep Cook
Olive Garden
Lakeland
2024.10 - Current
- Trained new cooks on recipes, techniques, and kitchen protocols to ensure consistent food quality.
- Trained new employees in proper food handling techniques and safety protocols.
- Verified adherence to recipes and portion serving guidelines, maintaining food quality and minimizing waste.
- Assisted cooks in preparing large orders for special events, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction.
- Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff regarding order timing and requests.
- Received food and supplies in proper storage areas.
Lead Prep Cook
Fuzzy Taco Shop
Tampa Temple Terrace
2021.04 - 2023.10
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared ingredients and menu items according to established recipes and standards.
- Trained new team members on food preparation techniques and kitchen equipment usage.
- Ensured clean, hygienic kitchen workspace through regular sweeping, mopping, and trash removal.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the kitchen workspace during operations.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Organized and restocked restaurant pantry by receiving shipments and placing items on designated shelves.
- Oversaw inventory levels to maintain fresh supplies and reduce waste.
Kitchen Manager
Missions BBQ
2017.08 - 2021.04
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Performed daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to ensure compliance with food storage, labeling, and cleaning standards.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Monitored and reordered food stock and dry goods to sustain optimal supply levels.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Collaborated with catering staff to provide timely food services for special events and functions.
Kitchen Supervisor
Florida Southern College
2013.08 - 2017.05
- Ensured quality control by monitoring food preparation, production, and plating processes.
- Controlled food costs and managed inventory.
- Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste.
- Disciplined and motivated staff to meet challenging objectives in fast-paced culinary environments.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Tracked kitchen performance metrics to identify improvement opportunities and enhance overall efficiency.
Education
GED -
Walt Whitman High School
Huntington Station, NYSkills
- Food preparation standards
- Menu planning
- Staff training
- Ingredient preparation
- Quality control
- Staff training
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Ingredient preparation
Languages
English and Spanish
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Lead Prep Cook
Olive Garden
2024.10 - Current
Lead Prep Cook
Fuzzy Taco Shop
2021.04 - 2023.10
Kitchen Manager
Missions BBQ
2017.08 - 2021.04
Kitchen Supervisor
Florida Southern College
2013.08 - 2017.05
GED -
Walt Whitman High School