Daniel Quezada
Round Lake,IL
Summary
Reliable general worker with expertise in manual labor and equipment operation. Committed to maintaining a clean and organized workspace while ensuring safety protocols. Effective communicator with a strong work ethic, ready to support team objectives and contribute to organizational success.
Overview
2
2
Languages
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Compass Group USA
Evanston, Illinois
06.2020 - Current
- Lead culinary team in menu development and execution for diverse dining services.
- Directed kitchen staff in food preparation and presentation to ensure high-quality standards were met.
- Trained and mentored staff in cooking techniques and kitchen best practices.
- Coordinated special events and catering services, enhancing client satisfaction and increasing repeat business.
- Collaborated with vendors to source local and sustainable food products.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to uphold safety standards and reinforce proper food handling techniques.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations by implementing proper sanitation procedures.
- Executed ordering process for kitchen supplies and ingredients, ensuring timely delivery and optimal inventory levels.
- Planned weekly production schedules to maximize efficiency while minimizing waste.
- Provided guidance and support for Sous Chefs during peak service hours.
- Inspected equipment regularly to maintain safe working conditions in the kitchen.
Executive Sous Chef
Westminster Presbyterian Homes/ Unidine Compass
EVANSTON
02.2018 - 06.2020
- Guided kitchen staff in food preparation planning to foster team mindset, ensuring client dietary needs were met and dish flavor profiles balanced.
- Prepared seasonal menus using local ingredients and dietary considerations.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Trained new chefs on culinary techniques and kitchen equipment usage.
- Coordinated with management to enhance kitchen operations and streamline workflow efficiency.
- Partnered with management to optimize kitchen operations, improving overall workflow efficiency.
- Conducted inventory management to maintain stock levels and minimize waste.
- Aided Executive Chef in developing innovative recipes and preserving classic favorites.
Supervising Lead Cook
Northwestern Dining/ Sodexo & Compass
EVANSTON
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Supervised kitchen staff and coordinated daily meal preparation activities.
- Lead launch of new station within Sodexo, managing inventory and orders to support account growth post-Compass takeover.
- Developed menus in collaboration with nutrition teams and culinary standards.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during food handling.
Lead Cook
Northwestern Catering/ Sodexo
EVANSTON
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Supervised four cooks, coordinating order preparation, plating, and delivery while upholding safety and hygiene standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff during meal preparation and service.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
- Developed menus in collaboration with nutritional guidelines and client preferences.
Line Cook and Bus Boy
Dixie Kitchen
EVANSTON
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Cooked menu items consistently following restaurant standards to maintain quality.
- Collaborated with teammates to prepare dishes efficiently, contributing to high customer satisfaction rates.
- Provided exceptional service to customers in busy restaurant, took pleasure in fast-paced work environment, practiced and strengthened food safety procedures.
Firefighter/Rescue Diver/Mountain Rescue Team
GUANAJUATO, MEXICO
01.2001 - 01.2011
- Vision to work quickly, with no margin for error; continual professional development; interpret protocols to meet daily needs; collaborate; meticulously attend to detail without losing site of the big picture
Education
GED -
Gunanajuato University
Guanajuato Gto. 09-2010
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Operations management
- Process optimization
- Kitchen equipment management
- Team leadership
- Talent development
- Staff development
- Scheduling efficiency
- Issue resolution
- Attention to detail
- Bilingual-Spanish/English
- Strong work ethic
Custom
- Meticulous
- Skill & Speed
- Personal Integrity
- Dedication to Craft
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Professional
Timeline
Executive Chef
Compass Group USA
06.2020 - Current
Executive Sous Chef
Westminster Presbyterian Homes/ Unidine Compass
02.2018 - 06.2020
Supervising Lead Cook
Northwestern Dining/ Sodexo & Compass
09.2017 - 09.2019
Lead Cook
Northwestern Catering/ Sodexo
01.2013 - 01.2017
Line Cook and Bus Boy
Dixie Kitchen
01.2011 - 01.2013
Firefighter/Rescue Diver/Mountain Rescue Team
01.2001 - 01.2011
GED -
Gunanajuato University