Jacob Lawson
Canton,GA
Summary
Skilled Chef with a proven track record at Houck's Grill, enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional culinary creations and strict adherence to food safety. Expert in kitchen management and recipe development, I excel in fostering teamwork and creativity. Achieved significant reductions in food waste, demonstrating strong attention to detail and inventory management skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Houck's Grill
01.2014 - 03.2020
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Production/BOH Supervisor
The Honey Baked Ham Company
09.2002 - 02.2015
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and adjusting ordering practices accordingly.
- Fostered a positive work environment, effectively managing BOH staff and promoting open communication among team members.
- Maintained high-quality food standards through regular inspection of ingredients and proper storage methods.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating pricing agreements for supplies while ensuring the timely delivery of products.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for BOH staff, providing constructive feedback to support professional development.
- Ensured timely completion of tasks by creating daily schedules for BOH staff and delegating responsibilities as needed.
- Made sure that holiday schedules precisely adhered to production time lines.
Culinary Team / AKM
Good Ol' Days Irish Pub
08.2006 - 11.2014
- Oversaw quality control processes in the kitchen, ensuring accurate execution of recipes and adherence to presentation standards.
- Inspired creativity among team members by fostering a collaborative atmosphere and encouraging experimentation with new recipes.
- Introduced seasonal menu specials that appealed to diverse palates while showcasing local produce availability.
- Collaborated with management to establish strategic goals and improve overall restaurant performance.
- Reduced food waste through careful inventory management, meal planning, and efficient use of ingredients.
- Ensured food safety compliance by strictly adhering to sanitation guidelines and regularly maintaining a clean working environment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality culinary creations and consistently meeting dietary requirements.
- Developed innovative menu items to attract new customers while retaining the loyalty of existing clientele.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency, implementing time-saving techniques and optimizing workflows.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
- Maintained safety and cleanliness of culinary team and work area as directed by governing regulations.
Executive Sous Chef
Coca-Cola
10.2010 - 10.2013
- Assisted in the development of new recipes, keeping up-to-date with industry trends and guests'' preferences.
- Collaborated with the culinary team on special events, providing exceptional dining experiences for guests.
- Quality control.
- Catering production.
- Increased customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional dishes, resulting in positive reviews.
- Assisted Executive Chef in cost analysis and budget management, optimizing profitability without compromising quality.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations while maintaining a well-organized workspace for optimal efficiency.
Education
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen management
- Food presentation
- Meal preparation
- Attention to detail
- Kitchen operations
- Ingredient knowledge
- Verbal and written communication
- Sauce preparation
- Food plating and presentation
- Sanitation guidelines
- Food pairing
- Plating techniques
- Recipe creation
- Inventory management
- Workflow optimization
- Sanitation practices
- Portion and cost control
- Banquets and catering
- Menu development
- Recipe development
- Menu planning
Accomplishments
- Awarded Forsyth County in 2014 for Menu construction / Most diverse and creative menu.
- Awarded Best Wings. Blazin' asian Wing sauce. Taste of Forsyth 2013.
- Awarded Atlanta's Golden Spatula Award 2017 for 5 consecutive 100 food scores during tenure.
- Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
- Prepared 15 meals, including appetizers and desserts, for high-volume catering event under my own employ for private events.
Certification
Serve Safe Certified
Timeline
Chef
Houck's Grill
01.2014 - 03.2020
Executive Sous Chef
Coca-Cola
10.2010 - 10.2013
Culinary Team / AKM
Good Ol' Days Irish Pub
08.2006 - 11.2014
Production/BOH Supervisor
The Honey Baked Ham Company
09.2002 - 02.2015
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Keller Graduate School of Management