Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
GeneralManager

Courtney Buchanan

Amity,OR

Summary

With a proven track record at Brookdale Assisted Living, I excel in kitchen management and meal preparation, blending hard skills like food safety with soft skills such as collaboration. My innovative menu planning and cost reduction strategies have consistently enhanced dining experiences, achieving near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Cook

Sapphire at Riverbend
10.2023 - 08.2024
  • Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Took over line positions in event of emergency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
  • Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
  • Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
  • Achieved high customer satisfaction ratings by promptly addressing concerns regarding menu items or food quality issues.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.
  • Coordinated with the front-of-house staff to ensure timely dish preparation and delivery for optimal guest experience.
  • Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
  • Streamlined prep work by organizing kitchen stations effectively and training junior staff on best practices for efficient workflow.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
  • Collaborated with fellow cooks to create unique culinary offerings that incorporated regional flavors and local ingredients.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.

Lead Pumper

Chevron
02.2020 - 08.2023
  • Coordinated with other departments to resolve issues quickly, minimizing disruptions in production output.
  • Reduced downtime by conducting regular maintenance and troubleshooting on pumping equipment.
  • Continuously updated knowledge on industry best practices, incorporating new techniques into daily operations as appropriate.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the pump station, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted production.
  • Conducted thorough safety audits to maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing on parts and services needed for pump maintenance activities.
  • Performed timely repairs on malfunctioning equipment, preventing unnecessary delays in production schedules.
  • Reported actual or potential environmental incidents immediately to supervisors to assist in minimizing harmful outcomes and quickly restoring order.
  • Performed cleaning, repair and maintenance activities to keep equipment functional and safe.

Lead Cook

Woodside Restaurant and Lounge
08.2019 - 02.2020
  • Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Took over line positions in event of emergency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
  • Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.

Lead Cook

Brookdale Senior Living
05.2019 - 11.2019
  • Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Took over line positions in event of emergency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
  • Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Collaborated with fellow cooks to create unique culinary offerings that incorporated regional flavors and local ingredients.

Lead Cook

Brookdale Assisted Living
09.2018 - 02.2019
  • Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Took over line positions in event of emergency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
  • Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
  • Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by creating more accurate prep sheets, standardized recipe files and product-rotation systems.
  • Delegated jobs within kitchen depending on restaurant traffic and employee skill.
  • Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.

Kitchen Rescue

Parkland Senior Living
02.2019 - 05.2019
  • Fostered positive relationships with teammates, creating an environment conducive to collective success and personal growth within the team dynamic.
  • Enhanced team performance by developing and implementing effective pitching strategies.
  • Contributed to team success with timely communication, strategic planning, and collaboration between pitchers and catchers.

Produce Clerk

Albertsons
07.2015 - 12.2017
  • Enhanced product quality by regularly inspecting, rotating, and culling fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Maintained safe, neat, and clean working environment and closely monitored for wet floors or other hazards.
  • Maintained a clean and organized produce section by promptly removing damaged or expired items, sanitizing surfaces, and restocking shelves.
  • Checked for outdated and overripe grocery items and removed from inventory.
  • Received and unloaded new items upon delivery and checked products for damage and order accuracy.
  • Used dollies and pallet jacks to unload and organize merchandise from delivery trucks.
  • Assisted customers with price checking fruits and vegetables and finding requested items in department.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by providing prompt and knowledgeable assistance in the produce department.
  • Provided exceptional customer service through active listening skills when addressing concerns or answering questions about specific products or preparation methods.
  • Kept tidy and organized area to comply with cleanliness standards.
  • Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by adhering to proper handling, storage, and temperature guidelines for all produce items.
  • Increased sales with attractive displays that showcased seasonal fruits, vegetables, and promotional items.
  • Enhanced departmental teamwork by fostering a positive work environment and maintaining open lines of communication with coworkers and management.

Lead Cook

Brookdale Assisted Living
11.2016 - 06.2017
  • Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
  • Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
  • Took over line positions in event of emergency.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
  • Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
  • Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.

Education

McMinnville High School
McMinnville, OR
02.1997

Skills

  • Meal Preparation
  • Kitchen Management
  • Food Safety
  • Kitchen Organization
  • Menu Planning
  • Crew training
  • Menu development
  • Food inventory management
  • Food presentation
  • Special diets
  • Ingredient Preparation
  • Large-scale food preparation
  • Cost Reduction
  • Ingredient Knowledge
  • Food Processing
  • Sanitation Practices
  • Work Delegation
  • Recipe creation
  • Staff Coordination
  • Cooking techniques
  • Emergency protocols
  • Kitchen Sanitation
  • Task Delegation
  • Knife safety
  • Shift leadership
  • Collaboration
  • Specialization nutrition
  • Food safety monitoring
  • Menu preparation
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Inventory Control
  • Cooking
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Food allergy understanding
  • Waste Reduction
  • Food spoilage prevention
  • Sanitation Standards
  • Order delivery practices
  • Grilling Techniques

Timeline

Lead Cook

Sapphire at Riverbend
10.2023 - 08.2024

Lead Pumper

Chevron
02.2020 - 08.2023

Lead Cook

Woodside Restaurant and Lounge
08.2019 - 02.2020

Lead Cook

Brookdale Senior Living
05.2019 - 11.2019

Kitchen Rescue

Parkland Senior Living
02.2019 - 05.2019

Lead Cook

Brookdale Assisted Living
09.2018 - 02.2019

Lead Cook

Brookdale Assisted Living
11.2016 - 06.2017

Produce Clerk

Albertsons
07.2015 - 12.2017

McMinnville High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Courtney Buchanan