Charles Cano
Summary
Expert Chef de Cuisine with exceptional skills in managing staff of 13, ordering and controlling inventory, scheduling and menu development. Advanced grilling and knife capabilities. Sound knowledge of all cooking equipment and techniques. Consistently maintains food and labor costs under allowed budget. Enthusiastic and driven candidate with proven experience in fast-paced restaurant settings. Committed to providing friendly and professional service to customers to maintain consistent revenue.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server/Bartender
Chuy's Tex-Mex Restaurant
2023.11 - Current
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behavior.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Processed orders and sent to kitchen employees for preparation.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations while serving spirits.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
FOH Manager
Chili's Bar And Grill Restaurant
2020.07 - 2023.06
- Emphasized guest satisfaction during departmental meetings and focused on continuous improvement.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Coordinated special events such as weddings or corporate functions, ensuring flawless execution from planning to completion stages.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for better pricing negotiations, resulting in cost savings for the restaurant.
- Developed and implemented marketing initiatives to increase sales and revenue.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient front-of-house operations and staff management techniques.
- Adhered to safe work practices, food safety regulations, and corporate guidelines.
- Collaborated with back-of-house teams to deliver seamless dining experiences and high-quality service standards.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Elevated team performance with regular training sessions, addressing areas of improvement and promoting best practices.
Bartender
Chili's Bar And Grill Restaurant
2014.06 - 2020.02
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Assisted with inventorying beverage stock and bar supplies.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to develop creative food pairings that complemented beverage offerings.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Recruited and trained new bartenders and barbacks to help maintain talented team.
Chef De Cuisine
Cochineal
2008.07 - 2013.11
- Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and exceptional dining experiences for all customers.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Regularly reviewed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement or adjustments to menu offerings based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering their growth and development within the team.
- Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Judson High School
Converse, TXHigh School Diploma -
Marfa High School
Marfa, TX05.2007
Skills
- Reliable and Responsible
- Inventory Management
- Food safety understanding
- Food Preparation and Safety
- Daily specials memorization
- Delegating Work
- Restaurant Operations
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Staff Scheduling
- Kitchen Management
- Butchery skills
Certification
- The United States Department of Labor: Office of Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship (April 8,2022)
- Completion of Chili's RISE program for Managers (12/14/22-12/14/22)
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; Seller Training Certification; TABC approved Seller Training Program (expiration date:11/16/25)
- ServSafe Certification: Food production Manager Certification Examination (Certificate Number:20165849, Exam Number:10748) (1/21/21-1/21/26)
Timeline
Server/Bartender
Chuy's Tex-Mex Restaurant
2023.11 - Current
FOH Manager
Chili's Bar And Grill Restaurant
2020.07 - 2023.06
Bartender
Chili's Bar And Grill Restaurant
2014.06 - 2020.02
Chef De Cuisine
Cochineal
2008.07 - 2013.11
High School Diploma -
Judson High School
High School Diploma -
Marfa High School
- The United States Department of Labor: Office of Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship (April 8,2022)
- Completion of Chili's RISE program for Managers (12/14/22-12/14/22)
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission; Seller Training Certification; TABC approved Seller Training Program (expiration date:11/16/25)
- ServSafe Certification: Food production Manager Certification Examination (Certificate Number:20165849, Exam Number:10748) (1/21/21-1/21/26)
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