David Pilger
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Walt Disney World, specializing in menu development and exceptional customer service. Achieved significant reductions in kitchen expenses while enhancing food quality. Demonstrates strong leadership and organizational skills to boost team productivity and ensure strict compliance with food safety standards. Committed to creating memorable dining experiences for guests.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Sous Chef
Walt Disney World
Lake Buena Vista, FL
05.2022 - Current
- Accurately taking orders from guests with food allergies, medical, dietary, and religious restrictions, as well as preparing their meals
- Maintained high standards of food quality and hygiene, receiving commendation from the head chef
- Oversee the production, execution, and delivery of all food service stations, and ensuring cast members are following proper protocols
- Assisted in revising the menu for better cost efficiency, leading to a 5% reduction in kitchen expenses
- Contributed to a positive work environment by maintaining open communication with team members.
- Assisted in the development of new recipes, keeping up-to-date with industry trends and guests'' preferences.
Cafe Manager
Catch-y Catering
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
07.2021 - 05.2022
- Provided essential support to culinary teams by sourcing ingredients, plating dishes, and assisting with food preparation, ensuring smooth event operations
- Successfully managed 20 major events with 100 attendees each, demonstrating exceptional organizational and logistical skills
- Implemented strategies to reduce event costs by 10% through effective resource allocation and strategic vendor negotiations
- Consistently exceeded client expectations by delivering personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and creating memorable event experiences
- Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
- Delivered excellent customer service experiences by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
Wayne, NJ
02.2020 - 07.2021
- Conducted comprehensive analyses of sales, reports, and labor data to identify trends, optimize department performance, and inform strategic decisions
- Successfully managed and led the Prepared Foods department in the absence of the team leader, ensuring efficient operations and meeting department goals
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative product layouts and merchandising displays that enhanced customer appeal and increased sales
- Overseeing the production and execution of food for all venues within the department
- Developed and implemented efficient schedules and production lists to optimize team productivity, while fostering a positive and supportive work environment
- Served as a liaison between upper management and team members, effectively communicating organizational expectations while advocating for associate needs when necessary.
- Monitored associate performance metrics closely, identifying areas for targeted coaching or training interventions as needed.
Sous Chef
Catch-y Catering
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ
01.2014 - 02.2020
- Effectively communicated with various departments to ensure seamless coordination and guest satisfaction for multiple special events
- Maintained a strong client focus by understanding and addressing their expectations, while upholding the reputation of Catch-y Catering
- Managed all administrative tasks meticulously, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures
- Successfully handled additional responsibilities as assigned by management, demonstrating versatility and adaptability
Line Cook/Special Event Cook
Arcola Country Club
Paramus, NJ
05.2012 - 02.2014
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
Fellow, The Market Place/Summer Catering
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI
12.2009 - 02.2012
- Networked and built strong presence with peers to facilitate professional relationships.
- Collaborated with team to optimize workflow and achieve objectives.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities while managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
- Contributed to research activities by providing specialist input based on professional expertise, practice, experience, and qualifications.
- Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
- Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting debate case.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
Education
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI05.2010
Bachelor's Degree - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI02.2012
Skills
- Exceptional Customer Service
- Knife Skills
- Time Management
- Food presentation
- Organizational Abilities
- Sanitation practices
- Managerial Skills
- Leadership Skills
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Ingredient selection
- Culinary trends
Websites
Accomplishments
- Dean's List from 2008-2011
- GPA is 3.5
Timeline
Assistant Sous Chef
Walt Disney World
05.2022 - Current
Cafe Manager
Catch-y Catering
07.2021 - 05.2022
Prepared Foods Associate Team Leader
Whole Foods Market
02.2020 - 07.2021
Sous Chef
Catch-y Catering
01.2014 - 02.2020
Line Cook/Special Event Cook
Arcola Country Club
05.2012 - 02.2014
Fellow, The Market Place/Summer Catering
Johnson & Wales University
12.2009 - 02.2012
Bachelor's Degree - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University