Carlos Navarrete
Calera
Summary
Punctual professional experienced in following menus and recipes to prepare quality food. Polished in setting up and cleaning equipment for daily food preparation and helping manage supplies. Excellent multitasker recognized for supporting successful kitchen operations.
Open and positive communicator with calm and level-headed approach to managing routine needs and meeting special challenges.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook
Death Valley Resort
Death Valley Junction
08.2025 - 01.2026
- Prepared a variety of comfort food dishes using traditional recipes.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen environment for efficient operations.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during busy shifts.
- Prepared daily station mise en place for sauté and grill lines, reducing ticket delays during dinner service.
- Trained new line cooks on knife skills and pan techniques, improving line speed and consistency.
- Executed menu recipes for 150-seat restaurant during peak shifts, maintaining consistent portion sizes.
- Developed rotating weekly specials using seasonal produce that increased repeat customer orders.
- Managed inventory rotations and first-in, first-out method to minimize spoilage and food waste.
- Monitored food temperatures and hygiene checkpoints using HACCP principles, passing health inspections with no violations.
- Logged daily food usage and adjusted prep quantities to align purchasing with actual demand.
Cook
Mesa Verde
Mancos
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Prepared diverse meals using fresh ingredients in a high-volume kitchen.
- Managed food safety protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to coordinate meal service during peak hours.
- Developed new recipes to enhance menu offerings and guest satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking ingredient supplies and ordering stock.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
Team Lead
Walmart
Calera
01.2022 - 02.2025
- Led team to ensure efficient store operations and customer service.
- Trained new employees on company policies and procedures.
- Coordinated communication between departments to streamline workflows.
- Implemented best practices for merchandising and product placement.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally.
- Conducted regular team meetings to discuss goals and performance standards.
- Provided leadership and guidance to team members, ensuring that tasks were completed on time and to a high standard.
Cook
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Calera
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes, ensuring high quality and presentation standards
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate meal preparation and ensure timely service
- Ensured compliance with health codes and regulations during food handling, storage, and preparation stages
- Worked closely with the chef to develop innovative recipes that met specific dietary requirements
- Followed safety procedures and guidelines to maintain safe working environments
- Used equipment properly to avoid workplace hazards or injuries
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations, contributing to a well-organized work environment for increased productivity
- Resolved issues quickly to maintain productivity goals
- Performed routine quality checks on finished products, ensuring adherence to company standards before shipping out units
- Prepared and cooked menu items following standardized recipes and procedures.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking food supplies and ingredients.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
Production Worker
Prinova Nutrition
Franklin
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Operated production machinery to ensure efficient manufacturing processes.
- Monitored quality control standards throughout production lines.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a safe work environment.
- Conducted routine maintenance on equipment to prevent downtime.
- Ensured proper handling and storage of raw materials and finished products.
- Cleaned up work area at end of shift to maintain safe working environment.
- Followed safety protocols while operating machines and equipment.
Line Cook
Duke Hospital
Durham
09.2015 - 11.2020
- Prepared meals according to standardized recipes and dietary guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Collaborated with nutrition staff to accommodate special dietary needs of patients.
- Monitored food quality and presentation before serving to patients and staff.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
HVAC Helper
Environmental Air Systems
Raleigh
06.2017 - 05.2018
- Assisted technicians with HVAC system installations and repairs.
- Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot HVAC system issues.
- Cleared work areas and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
- Delivered materials to job sites efficiently and on schedule.
- Maintained tools and equipment for optimal performance and safety.
- Supported the assembly of HVAC components for various installations.
- Cleaned ducts, vents, fans, coils, blowers, and other components of the system.
- Assisted HVAC technicians with installation and repair of air conditioning systems.
Petsmart Associate
PetSmart
Raleigh
06.2016 - 06.2017
- Assisted customers with product selection and care advice for pets.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues to enhance shopping experience.
- Educated pet owners on product benefits and proper pet care techniques.
- Implemented promotional displays to highlight new products and sales events.
- Assisted customers with selecting items and answering questions about products.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise and ensured product displays were neat and orderly.
Kitchen Manager
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Montgomery
05.2008 - 03.2016
- Oversaw daily operations of a high-volume kitchen, ensuring efficient workflow and timely preparation of food
- Managed a team of 55 kitchen staff members, providing training, coaching, and performance evaluations
- Developed and implemented standardized recipes and portion control measures to maintain consistency in food quality and minimize waste
- Monitored inventory levels regularly to optimize ingredient ordering and reduce costs
- Created weekly schedules for kitchen staff based on projected business volume while optimizing labor costs
- Implemented safety protocols and ensured compliance with health regulations to maintain a clean and safe working environment
- Implemented a comprehensive training program for new hires that reduced onboarding time
- Collaborated closely with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth communication between the kitchen and dining areas during service hours
- Reduced food waste through effective production planning strategies which resulted in decrease in overall food costs
- Optimized workflow processes within the kitchen leading reducing average ticket times
- Managed food inventory, minimizing waste and optimizing cost efficiency
- Maintained a clean and organized work area, adhering to sanitation regulations
- Trained new cooks on proper cooking techniques, safety procedures, and menu items
- Managed kitchen operations and staff scheduling to ensure efficient service.
- Trained and mentored culinary team on food preparation techniques and safety standards.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels and quality control.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to align menu offerings with customer preferences.
- Collaborated with vendors to source high-quality ingredients for menu items.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
Assistant Kitchen Manager/Line Cook
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Mobile
04.2001 - 02.2008
- Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines
- Followed recipes accurately to ensure consistent quality and taste
- Managed food inventory and ordered supplies to maintain stock levels
- Adhered to portion control standards to minimize waste and control costs
- Efficiently unloaded incoming shipments, organized merchandise, and stocked shelves according to planograms
- Collaborated with the purchasing department to ensure timely replenishment of stock items
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the stockroom area, adhering to safety guidelines at all times
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding product availability or location within the store
- Supervised kitchen staff and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Trained new employees on kitchen procedures and equipment usage.
- Assisted in scheduling staff shifts to optimize kitchen workflow efficiency.
Education
High school diploma -
McGill toolen
Mobile, ALInformation Technology
Bishop State Community College
Mobile, ALSkills
- Cooking
- Kitchen Experience
- Food Safety
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Culinary Experience
- Team Management
- Food preparation
- Kitchen safety
- HACCP principles
- Inventory management
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Sanitation
- Fine dining
Certification
Driver's License
Languages
Spanish, Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Cook
Death Valley Resort
08.2025 - 01.2026
Cook
Mesa Verde
04.2025 - 08.2025
Cook
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
02.2022 - 05.2023
Team Lead
Walmart
01.2022 - 02.2025
Production Worker
Prinova Nutrition
04.2021 - 06.2021
HVAC Helper
Environmental Air Systems
06.2017 - 05.2018
Petsmart Associate
PetSmart
06.2016 - 06.2017
Line Cook
Duke Hospital
09.2015 - 11.2020
Kitchen Manager
Carrabba's Italian Grill
05.2008 - 03.2016
Assistant Kitchen Manager/Line Cook
Carrabba's Italian Grill
04.2001 - 02.2008
High school diploma -
McGill toolen
Information Technology
Bishop State Community College