Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Daniel Johnston

Watkins

Summary

Knowledgeable Sous Chef with solid track record in managing kitchen operations and enhancing menu offerings. Proven ability to lead culinary teams while maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation. Demonstrated expertise in streamlining kitchen processes and fostering collaborative work environment.

Many years of catering experience that has enabled personnel ,professional development and creativity in the kitchen.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sous Chef

Compass Group USA
10.2023 - Current
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • 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.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.

Pastry Chef

Daniel's of Paris
02.2021 - 10.2023
  • Oversaw purchasing, storage, and use of kitchen supplies.
  • Mentored junior staff members in pastry techniques, fostering a supportive work environment and increasing their skillsets.
  • Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
  • Personalized creations for holidays, weddings, graduations, and personal events.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines for special orders, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.

Head Chef

Goretti LLC
05.2015 - 03.2020
  • Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Created lasting relationships with local purveyors, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the foodservice industry.

Cook

Compass Group USA
02.2018 - 02.2019
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced [Type] environment.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.

Cook

Gourmet To Go Corp Catering
08.2013 - 07.2015
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.

Chef Apprentice

Sava Catering
03.2013 - 06.2013
  • Provided support during high-volume service periods, efficiently juggling multiple tasks without sacrificing quality or consistency.
  • Assisted in the creation of daily specials, utilizing seasonal ingredients for fresh, flavorful dishes.
  • Assisted with regular menu updates, refining dish offerings based on customer feedback and market trends.
  • Expanded culinary repertoire through continuous learning of new techniques and cuisines under the guidance of experienced chefs.
  • Supported head chef with catering events, providing exceptional service and unique culinary experiences for clients.

Cafeteria Cook

Jefferson County School District
07.2012 - 01.2013
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, adhering to all health and safety regulations for a safe work environment.
  • Trained new cafeteria employees on cooking techniques, recipes, and kitchen procedures for seamless integration into the team.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously during peak service hours to ensure timely delivery of meals without sacrificing quality.
  • Coordinated with other school staff members such as teachers and administrators to create special event menus and accommodate specific dietary needs for various functions.

Cooking Intern

DJ Catering
01.2009 - 01.2012
  • Supported timely meal service through effective communication with fellow interns and chefs.
  • Enhanced cooking techniques by assisting in the preparation of a diverse range of dishes.
  • Honed knife skills, becoming proficient at various cuts and techniques for efficient food prep.
  • Checked expiration dates, rotated food, and removed any items that were no longer usable.
  • Learned essential time-management strategies while working under pressure in fast-paced kitchen environments.

Education

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver, CO
08-2013

High School Diploma -

Our Lady Help of Christians Academy
Watkins, CO
06-2012

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Kitchen leadership
  • Food Safety
  • Inventory Management
  • Food presentation
  • Food Preparation

Accomplishments

  • Promoted to sous chef in only 10 months.

Certification

SeveSafe Manager Certificate

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Sous Chef

Compass Group USA
10.2023 - Current

Pastry Chef

Daniel's of Paris
02.2021 - 10.2023

Cook

Compass Group USA
02.2018 - 02.2019

Head Chef

Goretti LLC
05.2015 - 03.2020

Cook

Gourmet To Go Corp Catering
08.2013 - 07.2015

Chef Apprentice

Sava Catering
03.2013 - 06.2013

Cafeteria Cook

Jefferson County School District
07.2012 - 01.2013

Cooking Intern

DJ Catering
01.2009 - 01.2012

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Emily Griffith Technical College

High School Diploma -

Our Lady Help of Christians Academy
Daniel Johnston