DAVID LIPKA
Lawton,MI
Summary
Highly Skilled Executive Sous Chef known for high productivity and efficiency in a fast pased work environment. Possess specialized skills in menu development, kitchen team leadership, and inventory management. Excel in time management, problem-solving, and communication, ensuring seamless kitchen operations and superior dining experiences. Noteworthy impact includes elevating restaurant reputation through culinary excellence and consistently meeting high standard of food safety and quality.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Sous Chef
Bird Dog llc
Mattawan, MI
08.2022 - Current
- Worked on all stations: sauté, prep, fryer, grill/flattop, salad; and managed the kitchen staff team, assigning tasks for various stages of food production.
- Assessed inventory levels and placed orders to replenish goods before supplies depleted. Ordering from Sysco, Crisp Country Acres, Fortune Fish, Van Eerdan, and Carmella.
- Deep cleaning, including pulling out shelves and power washing the walk-in, pulling the line, and deep cleaning the entire restaurant from top to bottom.
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Opened and Closed The kitchen on a daily basis Working 55-70 Hours Per Week
Head Chef
Presidential Brewing Co.
Portage, MI
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Planned and prepared food product orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques
- Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies.
- Developed recipes and menus to meet consumer demand and align with culinary trends.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Assisted restaurant owners with pricing by providing ingredient costs and portioning information.
- Streamlined kitchen processes to shorten wait times and serve additional guests.
Sauté Cook & Manager
D.coy Ducks LLC
Lawton, MI
04.2019 - 03.2021
- Operated all kitchen equipment safely and in accordance with OSHA regulations
- Helped restaurant maintain compliance with strict adherence to health code requirements
- Memorized recipes and cooked meals to meet all required nutrition and portion specifications
- Stored food in designated containers and rotated inventory to reduce spoilage,
- Responsible for placing food orders through Van Eerden & Gordon Foods as well as other local venders and farms
- Communicated with kitchen crew members to delegate tasks and responsibilities
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment including walk-in refrigerators
- Made soups & sauces
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen surfaces and equipment to prevent cross-contamination, in alignment with safe food handling guidelines.
Sauté Cook
Dish Washer, Buds Food & Drink
Schoolcraft, MI
06.2015 - 03.2019
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment including walk-in refrigerators
- Prioritized orders to maintain efficiency and synchronize timely delivery of guest orders
- Covered kitchen needs by cross-training in different positions and filling in for absent team members
- Adhered to safety and sanitation requirements regarding food handling, storage, and preparation
- Measured and mixed ingredients to follow recipes as well as cooked items according to instructions
- Prepared ingredients and equipment for all kitchen stations to increase efficiency
- Prepared specialty foods, such as Vegan food and Falafel
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously
- Accommodated special requests, substitutions or adjustments to meet dietary restrictions.
Assistant Camp Counselor Volunteer
Camp Beechpoint of Allegan
Allegan, MI
09.2014 - 09.2016
- Kept all campers safe and happy by enforcing consistent camp policies.
- Organized, led, and promoted interest in recreational activities such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies
- Taught campers horse back riding and responsibilities associated with caring for horses.
- Maintained clear communication with other counselors, supervisors, parents and guardians, and staff members regarding camper progress and concerns.
- Assisted campers with daily activities such as sports, arts and crafts, swimming, and outdoor games.
Education
Highschool Diploma -
Otsego Highschool
05.2019
Some College (No Degree) -
Allegan County Area Technical & Education Center
Coursework in Business - Culinary
Culinary Baker College
In-person Testing Culinary Arts -
Online College
Skills
- Kitchen safety
- Sanitation
- Food safety
- Management
- Health code understanding
- Food preparation
- Plating
- Recipes and Menu Planning
- Kitchen Staff Coordination
- Customer Service
- Food Service Sanitation
- Budgeting
- Cooking
- Team Leadership
- Food Spoilage Prevention
References
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
Bird Dog llc
08.2022 - Current
Head Chef
Presidential Brewing Co.
05.2021 - 05.2022
Sauté Cook & Manager
D.coy Ducks LLC
04.2019 - 03.2021
Sauté Cook
Dish Washer, Buds Food & Drink
06.2015 - 03.2019
Assistant Camp Counselor Volunteer
Camp Beechpoint of Allegan
09.2014 - 09.2016
Highschool Diploma -
Otsego Highschool
Some College (No Degree) -
Allegan County Area Technical & Education Center
Coursework in Business - Culinary
Culinary Baker College
In-person Testing Culinary Arts -
Online College