Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Volunteer
References
Generic

Denise Merrick

Columbia,CA

Summary

Experienced Food & Beverage Supervisor and Chef with expertise in menu planning, recipe development, quality control, and staff development. Proven track record in mentoring team members and enhancing operational efficiency, leading to increased compliance and customer satisfaction. Dedicated to maintaining a productive kitchen environment while adhering to health regulations and meeting customer expectations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Food and Beverage Supervisor/ Chef

Dodge Ridge Mt. Resort
Pinecrest, California
06.2022 - 04.2025
  • Assisted kitchen staff with preparing meals during peak hours or when personnel shortages occurred.
  • Provided ongoing coaching and mentoring for employees in order to improve their job performance.
  • Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food storage, rotation, temperature controls and sanitation standards.
  • Investigated customer complaints promptly and took corrective action as needed.
  • Trained new hires in proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
  • Guided trainees to boost safety and inventory waste management to meet pre-established business thresholds for operation.
  • Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
  • Supervised team of employees, maintaining positive and productive atmosphere to enhance employee experience.
  • Prep anything needed, including chopped and diced vegetables and fruits, to stock the fridge ahead of busy periods.
  • Used proper cleaning supplies and methods to disinfect counters where raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs had been prepared.
  • Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
  • Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
  • Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
  • Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
  • Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
  • Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
  • Work the front line: fryer, grill, and pizza oven to cover staff's lunch breaks and/or call-outs.
  • Cover the back of the house for lunch breaks and/or call-outs.
  • Smoked ribs, tri-tip, and chicken.
  • Cover cashiers' lunch breaks and/or call-outs.

Head cook

Union Hill Inn
Sonora , CA
05.2017 - 12.2019
  • Assisted with menu planning and recipe development when necessary.
  • Trained new staff members in safe food handling procedures and knife skills.
  • Collaborated on menus for banquets and special events, as requested by management.
  • Followed recipes and procedures to prepare, season and cook food products.
  • Cut, chopped and sliced meat and produce to prepare for cooking.
  • Cleaned and sanitized work stations and equipment, complying with regulatory procedures.
  • Followed "first in, first out" rule with every food and beverage item, tossing outdated and expired food products.
  • Fostered a collaborative and respectful kitchen environment, promoting team cohesion.
  • Modified existing recipes and created new recipes to meet changing nutritional content needs.
  • Collaborated with management to design special dishes.
  • Kept kitchen, cooking utensils and storeroom clean and neat.
  • Operated variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients.

Chef for "Dinner in the Garden"

Columbia Nursery, Florist & Cafe
Sonora, Ca
05.2015 - 04.2018
  • Managed daily operations of the kitchen.
  • Checked quality of raw materials before use.
  • Food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing of dishes ensure that food is prepared in accordance with my recipes and presentation standards.
  • Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
  • Planned menus, ordered supplies.
  • Stored foods correctly using correct storage containers and labelling systems.
  • Collaborated with restaurant management to align kitchen operations with goals of establishment.
  • Selected, developed recipes, planned menus, prepped, cooked, garnished, and presented food.

California Oregon Regional Manager

OARS Whitewater Rafting Co.
Angles Camp , CA
04.2005 - 10.2006
  • Oversaw operations across three areas and six rivers, managing 20-30 guides efficiently.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive policies and procedures across multi-state area.
  • Conducted interviews to hire skilled and trainable team members for regional operations.
  • Taught swift-water rescue techniques to enhance staff preparedness.
  • Provided mentorship and coaching to promote teamwork among staff members.
  • Ensured compliance with employment laws and maintained river permit standards throughout region.
  • Managed inventory control, staffing, logistics, and customer service functions effectively.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with guides and managers to foster collaboration.
  • Guided, shopped for food, and drove as needed.
  • Equipment/boom truck driver for Tuolumne river operation

Education

Certified Chef/ Pastry Chef - Hospitality Management

Columbia Community College
Sonora, CA
05-2012

Skills

  • Food safety compliance
  • Inventory management
  • Menu planning
  • Staff training
  • Quality control
  • Customer complaint resolution
  • Recipe development
  • Kitchen operations
  • Table service
  • Adaptability

Certification

Certified Chef Pastry Chef 2012

Ca Food Handlers Card ex 2028

Affiliations

  • Bee keeper
  • whitewater raft guide
  • yoga
  • Camper
  • Ceramics

Volunteer

  • Catalyst - Chico Ca Hot line and safehouse for abused women

Answered phone  to give information to women

Met women and children to bring to safehouse

References

Letters of Recommendation avaliable on request

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