Work Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteLocation: Seattle, WA, US
Open to relocation: Yes
Cristian Gandarilla
Seattle,WA
Work Preference
Summary
Detail-oriented Food Service Professional experienced in food preparation and handling within busy establishments. Delivered exceptional service through strong communication, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to food safety. Versatile and bilingual, excelling in multitasking and customer service.
Overview
9
9
years of post-secondary education
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook/Operations Team Leader
Charley’s cheesesteak & wings
Melrose Park, Illinois
08.2026 - Current
- Prepared and cooked menu items to fulfill customer demand and adhere to quality standards.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Implemented food preparation techniques to enhance flavor and presentation of dishes.
- Collaborated with team members to optimize kitchen operations during peak hours.
- Executed opening and closing operations to consistently meet quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations following health and safety guidelines.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
Head Cook/ Closing Manager
Terrace Grill Inc
Chicago, IL
01.2011 - Current
- Manage a team of 8 kitchen members in a fast-paced work environment
- Cooked all orders during shift, ensuring high customer satisfaction
- Handled customer complaints effectively while overseeing kitchen operations
- Hands-on experience with planning menus and ordering ingredients/inventory
- Ensured compliance with food safety and sanitation standards daily.
- Compiled weekly and monthly cost reports to monitor and manage expenses
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation.
Kitchen Supervisor
Chartwells Compass Group
Chicago, IL
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
- Ordered supplies and managed inventory to ensure uninterrupted kitchen operations.
- Trained new employees on kitchen procedures and safety protocols effectively.
- Monitored food quality standards during preparation and service to ensure consistency.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Collaborated with management to create menu items based on customer preferences, enhancing dining experience.
- Engaged staff in discussions about daily objectives and safety measures to foster teamwork and accountability.
Truck Driver
Jáuregui Logistics
Chicago, USA
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Delivered over 20,000 lbs daily overnight.
- Delivered 20,000 lbs of goods daily overnight, ensuring timely arrivals.
- Worked 8-12 hours daily, Monday-Saturday, maintaining consistent delivery schedules.
- Experienced with a pallet jack and using straps to address safety issues to successfully deliver the product.
- Executed deliveries for Jáuregui Logistics using efficient route planning.
- Secured DOT certification to comply with transportation regulations. to ensure compliance with transportation regulations..
- Processed and organized invoices for accurate record-keeping.
- Received and sorted merchandise for effective inventory management. for inventory management.
- Operated GPS / apps for accurate routing
Cook/Kitchen Manager
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
04.2018 - 01.2020
- Prepared food items according to prescribed recipes (lots of experience in this)
- Identified and trained with 30 BOH employees for growth and advancement
- Trained 30 BOH employees on skills and procedures to support career advancement
- Coordinated catering services for diverse events to meet client expectations for Fooda to meet client needs and off-premise events
- Supported inventory management by receiving shipments and rotating produce for freshness.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Prepared diverse dishes in a fast-paced café environment.
- Adhered to safety and sanitation standards in food preparation.
Cook/Shift Leader
Zoup
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Coordinated employee efforts during rush hour shifts to maximize service efficiency
- Monitored customer feedback to ensure satisfaction standards were consistently met
- Maintained accurate inventory records for efficient stock management and dealt with opening and closing duties
- Supported Zoup! locations remotely and onsite to enhance operational consistency
Team Lead
Honey Baked Ham
11.2016 - 02.2017
- Executed preparation and glazing of ham and turkey to enhance presentation and flavor freshly ham and turkey
- Organized and delivered catering orders, meeting customer expectations for quality and timeliness
- Led a team of 15 members during peak hours and holiday seasons
- Coordinated organization of catering orders to ensure timely delivery. and delivery of catering orders to meet client expectations catering orders
- Oversaw unloading of shipments and managed production paperwork to maintain operational flow
Kitchen Team Member/Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
10.2015 - 02.2016
- Collaborated with team members in a confined workspace to manage tasks efficiently.
- Completed closing duties while supporting team members during peak times.
- Navigated fast-paced environment, assisting teammates in limited workspace.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance team dynamics. by developing streamlined processes for work efficiency.
Education
Associates in Arts - Accounting And Finance
John A. Logan College
Carbondale, IL 03.2014 - 12.2019
High School Diploma -
Gordon H Hubbard High School
Chicago, IL 07.2010 - 07.2013
Skills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen operations
- Food safety
- Food safety compliance
- Food safety management
- Menu planning
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Customer satisfaction
- Workplace organization
- Hospitality and service industry background
Timeline
Cook/Operations Team Leader
Charley’s cheesesteak & wings
08.2026 - Current
Kitchen Supervisor
Chartwells Compass Group
08.2023 - 08.2025
Truck Driver
Jáuregui Logistics
10.2022 - 04.2023
Cook/Kitchen Manager
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba
04.2018 - 01.2020
Cook/Shift Leader
Zoup
03.2017 - 03.2018
Team Lead
Honey Baked Ham
11.2016 - 02.2017
Kitchen Team Member/Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
10.2015 - 02.2016
Associates in Arts - Accounting And Finance
John A. Logan College
03.2014 - 12.2019
Head Cook/ Closing Manager
Terrace Grill Inc
01.2011 - Current
High School Diploma -
Gordon H Hubbard High School
07.2010 - 07.2013