Daniel Dagostino
Westbury,NY
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Cook
Whitsons Culinary Group
, New York
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant laws and regulations regarding food safety.
- Implemented cost-control measures to maintain budgetary guidelines.
- Oversaw food preparation processes to ensure that orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
- Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.
- Assessed performance levels of subordinate cooks through regular reviews and feedback sessions.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
- Ordered and maintained inventory of kitchen supplies and food materials.
- Resolved conflicts between employees in a timely manner while enforcing established policies.
- Scheduled kitchen staff shifts and managed workload distribution.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator each day to verify proper functioning.
- Ensured compliance with health safety regulations while preparing meals and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Analyzed forecast sheets and production plans to prepare ingredients for daily menu.
- Assisted Sous Chef with training and development of culinary staff.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Monitored and reported food and labor costs and waste, consistently saving establishment funds.
- Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
- Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
- Modified existing recipes and created new recipes to meet changing nutritional content needs.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Provided guidance during meal rushes in order to maintain an organized workflow within the kitchen area.
- Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
- Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
- Coordinated with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of fresh ingredients.
- Trained new kitchen staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Optimized kitchen processes to increase efficiency and reduce order preparation times.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service promptly and professionally.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Developed and executed menu items, maintaining consistency with restaurant's culinary standards.
- Maintained accurate records of food costs, consumption, and wastage.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new recipes and update existing ones in order to improve the overall dining experience.
- Stood in for other members of kitchen staff.
- Operated variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients.
- Experimented with new recipes and ingredients to refresh menu offerings.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Assessed staff performance and provided constructive feedback and training.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Served as lead cook, guiding and assisting training of less experienced cooks.
Lead Kitchen Supervisor
Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
, New York
08.2014 - 08.2022
- Tracked employee attendance records including vacation time requests and shift swaps.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while ensuring satisfaction was achieved.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Managed sanitation processes throughout the kitchen area to maintain a safe environment for staff members and customers alike.
- Maintained detailed records of all financial transactions related to the kitchen operation.
- Trained workers in food preparation, money handling, and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
- Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
- Responded promptly to any emergency situations that may arise in the kitchen area.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Developed weekly schedules for kitchen personnel to ensure efficient coverage during peak hours.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Assisted in creating weekly specials designed to increase sales volume while minimizing costs.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and quality control standards.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Used proper cleaning supplies and methods to disinfect counters where raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs had been prepared.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Oversaw personnel scheduling to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Queensborough Community College
Oakland Gardens, NYSkills
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Cost control
- Recipe modification
- Team leadership
Timeline
Lead Cook
Whitsons Culinary Group
08.2022 - 01.2025
Lead Kitchen Supervisor
Doherty Enterprises-Applebees
08.2014 - 08.2022
Some College (No Degree) -
Queensborough Community College