David lewis
Columbus
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in kitchen operations. Skilled in inventory management, staff training, and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment. Committed to delivering exceptional customer service and efficient meal coordination.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
cook
Sodexo Dining
columbus
07.2008 - Current
- Prepared diverse menu items according to standardized recipes and guidelines.
- Managed food inventory to ensure freshness and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely while adhering to operational procedures.
- Assisted in training new cooks on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Implemented portion control measures to minimize waste and maintain quality standards.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Followed health regulations and sanitation practices for food handling and storage.
- Coordinated meal service during peak hours to ensure timely delivery of dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
- Trained, managed and guided kitchen staff to improve overall performance, service quality and productivity.
- Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
- Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered additional supplies.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Verified completed orders for accuracy in quantity and quality before service.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
Lead Cook
AVI Foodsystems
Columbus
02.2007 - 06.2008
- Supervised kitchen staff and coordinated daily meal preparation activities.
- Developed and implemented menu items based on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Ensured compliance with food safety standards and sanitation regulations in the kitchen.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
- Trained new cooks on cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and safety procedures.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Completed workstation set up and break down, properly disposing of leftover food.
- Resolved conflicts among team members to maintain a positive work environment.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Implemented food quality specifications through menu planning, plate presentation, and quality checks.
- Inventoried kitchen sections and refilled supplies.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies of customers.
cook
Aramark
Columbus
03.2001 - 02.2006
- Prepared diverse menu items according to standardized recipes and guidelines.
- Managed food inventory to ensure freshness and compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
- Assisted in training new cooks on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely while adhering to operational procedures.
- Implemented portion control measures to minimize waste and maintain quality standards.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
Education
High School Diploma -
Marion Franklin High School
Columbus Ohio02-1989
Skills
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Equipment operation
- Sanitation standards
- Kitchen safety
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Training and mentoring
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
Timeline
cook
Sodexo Dining
07.2008 - Current
Lead Cook
AVI Foodsystems
02.2007 - 06.2008
cook
Aramark
03.2001 - 02.2006
High School Diploma -
Marion Franklin High School