Damian Shimsky
Reading,PA
Summary
High-performing Chef offering 20+ years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive team.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Paradise By The Slice
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
- Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Contributed to menu planning and development, incorporating seasonal ingredients for optimal freshness and taste.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
Head Chef
Shirley's Cafe And Tequila Bar
08.2019 - 06.2023
- Elevated restaurant''s reputation by consistently creating high-quality, innovative dishes and maintaining top-notch presentation standards.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff scheduling and proper inventory management.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Collaborated with front-of-house team to ensure seamless service during high-volume periods, resulting in increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Created unique daily specials that attracted repeat clientele and generated positive word-of-mouth referrals for the restaurant.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to obtain quality recipe ingredients while adhering to company budgets.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
Sous Chef
Pike Cafe
11.2016 - 08.2019
- Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
Education
Reading Senior High School
Reading, PASkills
- Inventory Management
- Ingredient Inspection
- Food Safety
- Food Presentation
- Server Communication
- Kitchen Operations
- Professional Attitude
- Menu Planning
- Knife Skills
- Soup preparation
- ServeSafe Manager
Certification
- ServSafe
Additional Information
I have lived in Biloxi, MS and Tampa, FL, as well as State College, PA.
I am a living Organ Donor
Timeline
Line Cook
Paradise By The Slice
06.2023 - 11.2023
Head Chef
Shirley's Cafe And Tequila Bar
08.2019 - 06.2023
Sous Chef
Pike Cafe
11.2016 - 08.2019
Reading Senior High School