Daniel Priest
Buckeye,AZ
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Denny’s, excelling in food preparation and kitchen organization. Proven ability to enhance customer satisfaction through culinary creativity and strong multitasking skills. Expertise in grilling and food safety, complemented by a commitment to training and mentoring staff for operational excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Denny’s
Goodyear,Az
07.2025 - Current
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to Denny's recipes and specifications.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations for efficient food preparation.
- Assisted with inventory management by tracking ingredient supplies and notifying managers of shortages.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Followed safety and sanitation guidelines to uphold health standards in food handling and storage.
- 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.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Kitchen Manager (KM)
Tailgaters
Goodyear, AZ
06.2023 - 07.2025
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and efficient service practices.
- Developed and implemented menu items, enhancing customer satisfaction and culinary creativity.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing food waste and optimizing supply costs.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
Grill Master
Tempo Bistro
Verrado, Az
02.2019 - 06.2023
- Supervised daily grill operations, ensuring food quality and safety standards were consistently met.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff on grilling techniques and best practices.
- Developed new menu items by experimenting with flavors and cooking methods to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage for grill station.
Cook
Cafe 25:35
Buckeye, AZ
03.2017 - 02.2019
- Adapted to various cooking techniques while preparing a diverse range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes.
- Provided support in training new staff on kitchen procedures and best practices for food preparation.
- Contributed to menu development discussions by suggesting seasonal ingredients based on availability and trends.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
Kitchen Manager
Tailgaters
Buckeye, AZ
04.2015 - 03.2017
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and protocols.
- Developed and implemented efficient inventory management systems to optimize ingredient usage.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on culinary techniques and best practices.
- Coordinated menu planning, aligning offerings with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Opened restaurant
Lead Meat Cutter
IGA (Butcher and the Farmer)
Buckeye, AZ
07.2005 - 04.2015
- Supervised daily meat cutting operations to ensure quality standards and maintain food safety compliance.
- Trained and mentored junior meat cutters, enhancing team skill sets and operational efficiency.
- Implemented inventory management practices to reduce waste and optimize product selection.
- Developed specialty cuts based on customer preferences, increasing customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Collaborated with procurement team to source high-quality meats, ensuring freshness and competitive pricing.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to uphold safety standards and minimize downtime.
- Collaborated with store management to develop strategies for reducing shrinkage and maximizing profits in the meat department.
Education
High School Diploma -
Diamond Bar High
Diamond Bar, CA06.1991
Skills
Customer service
Cooking
Cleaning and organization
Food handling
Food preparation
Multitasking and organization
Kitchen organization
Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
Frying
Cooking techniques
Knife skills
Food presentation
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Grilling
Food plating and presentation
Portion control
Food plating
Food handler certification
Grilling expertise
Sauce making
Ingredients measuring
Plating and presentation
Allergen awareness
Culinary creativity
New hire training
Nutrition awareness
Food spoilage prevention
Event catering
Event catering
Timeline
Cook
Denny’s
07.2025 - Current
Kitchen Manager (KM)
Tailgaters
06.2023 - 07.2025
Grill Master
Tempo Bistro
02.2019 - 06.2023
Cook
Cafe 25:35
03.2017 - 02.2019
Kitchen Manager
Tailgaters
04.2015 - 03.2017
Lead Meat Cutter
IGA (Butcher and the Farmer)
07.2005 - 04.2015
High School Diploma -
Diamond Bar High