Cindy Castaneda
Kingwood,TX
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional customer service skills honed at Landon Ridge. Proven ability to enhance guest engagement and optimize inventory management, ensuring compliance with food safety practices. Recognized for cultivating positive relationships with customers while maintaining cleanliness standards in fast-paced environments.
Experienced with managing tables and providing top-notch service to guests in fast-paced environments. Utilizes excellent communication skills to collaborate with team members and create welcoming atmosphere. Track record of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency, ensuring positive dining experience for all patrons.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Landon Ridge
Kingwood, TX
06.2025 - Current
- Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for all guests.
- Managed order accuracy and efficiency, coordinating with kitchen staff to fulfill requests promptly.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of dining area, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance workflow during peak hours, optimizing service delivery.
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items and specials, providing informed recommendations to customers.
- Trained new servers on standard operating procedures and customer service best practices.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
Deli Team Lead
Walmart
Kingwood, TX
01.2022 - 11.2024
- Supervised daily operations of deli department, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and customer service best practices.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock rotation and ordering processes.
- Implemented new display techniques to enhance product visibility and increase sales opportunities.
- Collaborated with management to develop promotional strategies that boosted customer engagement.
- Monitored employee performance, providing constructive feedback to improve team efficiency.
- Ensured accurate pricing and labeling of deli items, maintaining consistency across all products.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly, enhancing overall shopping experience in deli section.
- Led a team of deli associates, fostering teamwork and improving overall productivity levels.
- Negotiated with suppliers for better pricing options without compromising on quality standards.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces, promoting efficiency within the deli team operations.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations regarding food safety and sanitation practices.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, offering constructive feedback for continuous improvement opportunities.
- Trained new team members on proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures for a safer working environment.
- Monitored inventory levels closely to prevent stockouts while minimizing excess waste from expired products.
- Responded to telephone inquiries regarding available products and services and helped customers make appropriate choices.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
Personal Chef / Assistant
Liz Friedman
Los Angeles, CA
03.2012 - 11.2021
- Designed customized meal plans based on clients' dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Prepared and cooked meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients while ensuring high food quality standards.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain stock levels and minimize waste.
- Coordinated with clients for menu tastings and feedback sessions to refine offerings.
- Conducted regular kitchen clean-up routines to uphold sanitation standards and safety regulations.
- Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
- Prepared and served meals for small dinner parties and large events and complied with diet requests and special accommodations.
- Labeled food to include reheating and safe storage and handling instructions.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Received consistently positive feedback from clients for exceptional taste and presentation of prepared meals.
- Reduced food waste through effective menu planning, sourcing local ingredients, and utilizing seasonal produce.
- Designed and prepared all menu items for private home/office setting.
- Demonstrated flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes to menus or guest numbers while still delivering high-quality results.
- Conducted comprehensive nutritional analyses of dishes to accommodate clients'' specific health goals or dietary restrictions.
- Shopped at specialty grocery stores to obtain ingredients needed for food preparation.
- Met with client and discussed preferred meals, dietary restrictions and food allergies.
- Cleaned meal preparation areas and washed hands frequently to promote hygienic and sanitary practices.
Prep Cook
Cleo Mediterranean Restaurant
Hollywood, CA
02.2011 - 12.2011
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, marinating, and measuring for various menu items.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations to ensure efficient workflow.
- Assisted chefs in cooking and plating dishes to meet quality standards and presentation guidelines.
- Monitored inventory levels, restocked supplies, and minimized waste through proper portion control.
- Implemented best practices for food storage and labeling to comply with health regulations and safety standards.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Maintained clean, hygienic kitchen workspace by sweeping, mopping, and taking out trash.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace during busy shifts.
- Contributed to a positive work atmosphere through effective communication and teamwork among staff members.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Supported the success of daily operations by assisting chefs with ingredient prep work as needed.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
Salad Bar Attendant
Koo Koo Roo Chicken
West Hollywood, CA
01.2008 - 11.2010
- Prepared fresh salads and toppings, ensuring quality and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of salad bar to enhance customer experience.
- Assisted customers with selection and customization of salad options for dietary preferences.
- Monitored inventory levels and restocked items to ensure availability during peak hours.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients to maintain freshness and taste standards.
- Ensured freshness of offerings by regularly monitoring and replacing ingredients as necessary.
- Helped maintain a safe dining environment by adhering to proper food handling guidelines and protocols.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and well-stocked salad bar throughout the day.
- Increased customer loyalty with friendly service and attentiveness to dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Maintained positive relationships with customers, addressing any concerns or requests in a prompt manner.
- Minimized cross-contamination during preparation and stocking.
- Improved guest experience through exceptional attention to detail in presentation, taste, variety, and overall consistency of offerings at the salad bar.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely replenishment of popular items during busy shifts.
Server
IHOP
Los Angeles, CA
01.2006 - 06.2007
- Processed payments accurately while handling cash register transactions with attention to detail.
- Engaged with guests to gather feedback, contributing to continuous improvement in service quality.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Followed health and safety protocols crucial for maintaining safe and sanitary environments for customers and staff.
Education
High School Diploma -
Alexander Hamilton
Culver City, CASkills
- Strong work ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Safe food handling
- Cleanliness standards
- Food running
- Team collaboration
- Food safety practices
- Inventory management
- Task prioritization
- Multitasking and organization
- Guest engagement
Certification
Food Safety Manager Certificate
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Server
Landon Ridge
06.2025 - Current
Deli Team Lead
Walmart
01.2022 - 11.2024
Personal Chef / Assistant
Liz Friedman
03.2012 - 11.2021
Prep Cook
Cleo Mediterranean Restaurant
02.2011 - 12.2011
Salad Bar Attendant
Koo Koo Roo Chicken
01.2008 - 11.2010
Server
IHOP
01.2006 - 06.2007
High School Diploma -
Alexander Hamilton