Damon Zalewski
Wisconsin Rapids
Summary
Dynamic and highly motivated culinary professional with extensive experience at Sand Valley, recognized for enhancing kitchen efficiency and reducing waste. Proven expertise in safe food handling and effective teamwork, contributing to high customer satisfaction through meticulous food preparation and innovative menu development. Committed to maintaining exceptional cleanliness and quality standards in fast-paced environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Prep Cook
Sand Valley LLC
02.2019 - Current
- Prepared ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring for efficient meal assembly
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen tools and workstations
- Assisted in food preparation following standardized recipes to ensure consistency
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, adhering to health and safety regulations
- Supported chefs during service by expediting orders and managing prep station workflow
- Participated in training new staff on food handling procedures and kitchen protocols
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes and improve kitchen efficiency
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and monitoring expiration dates.
- 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.
- Maintained optimal food quality by adhering to strict guidelines for food safety and sanitation.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Operated dishwasher and manually washed dishes to clean all chinaware, silverware, and cooking utensils.
- Collaborated with kitchen team, effectively communicating to streamline processes and optimize workflow.
- Stocked inventory efficiently, enabling seamless transition between meal services.
- Expedited food preparation for timely service by closely following chef''s instructions and prioritizing tasks.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Received shipments and placed items on proper shelves to restock and organize restaurant pantry.
- Cultivated a safe working environment by consistently wearing appropriate protective gear and practicing safe handling techniques during food preparation tasks.
- Provided support during peak business hours, ensuring smooth service flow while maintaining high-quality output.
- Prepared various types of cuisine, showcasing versatility and adaptability in the kitchen environment.
- Conserved resources by utilizing proper portion control techniques during meal preparation.
- Ensured customer satisfaction by paying close attention to dietary restrictions and special requests.
- Sharpened knife skills, resulting in precise cuts and reduced preparation time.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by preparing ingredients ahead of busy shifts.
- Accelerated dish preparation times, allowing for smoother kitchen operation.
- Fostered positive team atmosphere, aiding in training of new kitchen staff.
- Enhanced customer experience by contributing to creation of visually appealing dish presentations.
- Supported waste reduction initiatives, creatively repurposing leftover ingredients.
- Supported team to meet strict health and safety standards, resulting in zero violations during tenure.
- Maintained sharp and functional kitchen tools, directly impacting quality and speed of food preparation.
- Played key role in special events catering, ensuring high-quality food production under pressure.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, ensuring safe and hygienic work environment.
- Assisted in creating new menu items, leading to increase in customer interest and sales.
- Facilitated collaborative kitchen environment by supporting chefs with ad-hoc tasks during peak hours.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility and keen ability to learn new recipes.
- Reduced ingredient shortages, carefully managing inventory and signaling low stock items.
- Strengthened supplier relations by accurately tracking and reporting ingredient usage patterns.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely preparation of ingredients, speeding up overall service time.
- Streamlined meal prep process, cutting down food waste significantly.
- Optimized food prep sequence, significantly reducing customer wait times.
- Ensured consistent food quality by strictly following recipes and presentation standards.
- Contributed to menu development, incorporating seasonal ingredients for freshness and variety.
- Minimized cross-contamination risks by diligently organizing food storage and prep areas.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
Line Cook
Culvers Franchising System
07.2017 - 01.2018
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations to comply with health regulations.
- Assisted in training new staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
Line Cook
Culver's Restaurant
12.2015 - 07.2016
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring adequate stock of ingredients for daily operations.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced kitchen efficiency and reduced waste.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to quality standards and customer satisfaction.
- Developed new menu items based on seasonal ingredients and customer feedback, driving sales growth.
Education
High School Diploma -
River Cities High School
Wisconsin Rapids, WISkills
- Attention to detail
- Cleaning and organization
- Customer service
- Safe food handling
- Time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Efficient multitasking
- Following instructions
- Food handling
- Food preparation
- Cleanliness
- Quick-learning
- Highly motivated
- Dependable and reliable
- Kitchen organization
- Inventory stocking
- Food storage
- Preparation speed
- Team collaboration
- Active listener
- Sanitation practices
- Flexible schedule
- Basic cooking techniques
- Knife skills
- Chopping vegetables
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Workstation maintenance
- Stock rotation
- Measuring ingredients
- Equipment sanitation
- Cutting techniques
- Proper portioning
- Ingredient preparation
- Vegetable prep
- Food quality control
- Food spoilage prevention
- Meat cutting
- Menu memorization
- Interpersonal communication
- Kitchen operations
- Measurements and weights
Timeline
Prep Cook
Sand Valley LLC
02.2019 - Current
Line Cook
Culvers Franchising System
07.2017 - 01.2018
Line Cook
Culver's Restaurant
12.2015 - 07.2016
High School Diploma -
River Cities High School