Derek Kowalski
Maplewood,MN
Summary
Resourceful Line Cook excels in high-pressure environments, effectively managing high-volume orders with a focus on task prioritization. Demonstrates proficiency in diverse cooking techniques and cuisines, with the ability to customize dishes on demand. Known for maintaining organized and safe work areas while ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Dependable team player committed to enhancing kitchen operations and contributing to overall success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
First Line Cook
St Johns Hospital and Clinics
Maplewood, MN
07.2025 - Current
- Prepared meals in accordance with hospital dietary guidelines and patient requirements.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Operated kitchen appliances, including ovens, grills, and fryers, adhering to safety protocols.
- Followed strict food safety measures during meal preparation and cooking processes.
- Documented temperature readings for HACCP compliance to ensure food safety standards.
- Ensured proper food storage at correct temperatures to prevent spoilage.
- Adhered to portion control guidelines set by management to maintain consistency.
- Resolved operational issues swiftly to ensure smooth kitchen operations during service hours.
Line Cook
328 Grill
St Paul Park, MN
08.2023 - Current
- Maximized safety by adhering to sanitation practices and preventing cross-contamination.
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items and special dishes efficiently.
- Produced high-quality food with excellent presentation within target timeframes.
- Replenished food line ingredients promptly to meet demand during shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations throughout all shifts.
- Assisted in training new staff on cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Adapted quickly to high volume of food orders while covering kitchen needs.
- Filled in for absent team members, ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
Cook
Corporate Chefs Elior
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Picker
Pepsi
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Recorded pulled items with high accuracy, including product serial numbers and quantities.
- Maintained warehouse cleanliness by sweeping, mopping, and collecting trash.
- Wrapped orders prior to loading onto trucks for delivery.
- Achieved personal and team goals through efficient walking and careful adherence to location directions.
- Minimized errors by accurately interpreting work tickets during merchandise pulling.
Sous Chef
Cabin 61
White Bear Lake, Minnesota
07.2021 - 02.2023
- Promoted healthy dining options, aligning with diner preferences and business standards.
- Mentored apprentice chefs in diverse cooking methods and best practices.
- Assisted head chef in developing innovative menu items and recipes.
- Implemented seasonal menu ideas for special events to enhance customer experience.
- Ensured consistent food quality through regular tastings and seasoning adjustments.
- Managed inventory by ordering supplies and rotating stock to reduce waste.
- Maintained sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to cleaning procedures.
- Verified line quality through inspections and tests, correcting deficiencies promptly.
Delivery Driver
Minnesota Ice
Saint Paul, Minnesota
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Consistently met deadlines while driving autonomously in fast-paced conditions.
- Adhered to state and federal laws, ensuring safe driving in all conditions.
- Secured loads within vehicle for optimal weight distribution.
- Maintained delivery vehicle by regular cleaning to uphold professional standards.
- Loaded packages with care to prevent damage and injuries.
- Inspected vehicle pre- and post-trip to identify maintenance needs.
- Organized vehicle interior for a professional appearance during customer interactions.
Sous Chef
Burgers and Bottles
Eagan, Minnesota
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Prepared ingredients through chopping, mixing, and measuring per recipe specifications.
- Oversaw all kitchen management aspects as acting head chef during absence.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of dishes during service hours.
- Managed inventory by ordering supplies and rotating stock to reduce waste.
- Implemented innovative cooking techniques and equipment to enhance kitchen efficiency.
- Estimated daily production needs, communicating requirements to kitchen personnel.
- Exceeded performance and budget goals while achieving team objectives.
- Prepared and cooked a variety of foods for regular service and special events.
Picker
Total Tool
05.2017 - 02.2018
- Recorded pulled items with high accuracy, including product serial numbers and quantities.
- Exceeded personal and team goals by walking quickly, minimizing mistakes, and correctly following location directions.
- Avoided errors by accurately reading work tickets and pulling merchandise.
- Swept, mopped, and collected trash to maintain warehouse cleanliness.
- Supported order fulfillment objectives by memorizing specific inventory locations of high-demand SKUs.
- Maintained accurate records of completed orders.
- Received, sorted and stored incoming inventory in correct bin locations.
- Fulfilled orders using pick lists, order management software and RF scanners.
Line Cook
Manitou Grill
02.2017 - 07.2017
- Produced excellent food quality and presentation within target timeframes.
- Worked quickly and flexibly to keep up with high volume of food orders per shift.
- Collaborated easily with mixture of personalities in high pressure environment.
- Followed proper sanitation practices to maximize safety and prevent cross-contamination.
- Complied with up-to-date portion standards, quality standards and kitchen methods.
- Produced consistent results by memorizing recipes, portion sizes, and plating techniques.
- Maintained open communication with other kitchen staff for efficient workflow.
Line Cook
McDonald's
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Worked quickly and flexibly to keep up with high volume of food orders per shift.
- Restocked and prepared stations to support kitchen operations.
- Produced excellent food quality and presentation within target timeframes.
- Carried out orders to meet demand in fast-paced environment.
- Minimized waste by adhering to kitchen procedure.
- Cleaned spills and disposed of leftover food for orderly food stations.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen area regularly.
Education
Diploma - Culinary Arts and Management
Auguste Escoffier
Boulder, CO08.2025
High School -
White Bear Lake Area High School
White Bear Lake04.2016
Skills
- Kitchen operations management
- Food preparation and presentation
- Inventory control
- Logistics and loading
- Palletizing and scanning
- Order fulfillment
- Forklift operation
- Station supervision
- Menu knowledge
- Customer service excellence
- Staff training and development
- Food safety practices
- Menu design
- Culinary skills
- Time management strategies
- Sanitation standards
- Knife proficiency
- Portion control techniques
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
First Line Cook
St Johns Hospital and Clinics
07.2025 - Current
Cook
Corporate Chefs Elior
01.2025 - 06.2025
Line Cook
328 Grill
08.2023 - Current
Picker
Pepsi
05.2023 - 08.2023
Sous Chef
Cabin 61
07.2021 - 02.2023
Delivery Driver
Minnesota Ice
04.2021 - 07.2021
Sous Chef
Burgers and Bottles
03.2018 - 03.2020
Picker
Total Tool
05.2017 - 02.2018
Line Cook
Manitou Grill
02.2017 - 07.2017
Line Cook
McDonald's
04.2015 - 02.2017
Diploma - Culinary Arts and Management
Auguste Escoffier
High School -
White Bear Lake Area High School