Derek Leonard
Urbana,IL
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with a proven track record at Taco Bell, adept in high-volume cooking and maintaining stringent food safety standards. Skilled in recipe-based cooking and effective team collaboration, consistently delivering dishes that enhance customer satisfaction. Excels in multitasking and organization, ensuring top-notch food presentation and quality with a calm demeanor.
Handles team needs with forward-thinking strategies and strong focus on daily requirements. Well-coordinated planner successful at coordinating schedules and workflows to meet business demands. Superior work ethic combined with resourceful and upbeat nature.
Reliable Shift Leader with 15 years in the culinary industry. Excellent motivational leader successfully communicates duties and tasks. Dedicated to providing highest standard of service and creating warm and welcoming environment for customers.
Hardworking Shift Leader gifted at reviewing team tasks to assure quality. Engaging and personable coach and employee trainer successful at maximizing team productivity. Consistently recognized for hard work, attention to detail and goal achievement.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Shift Leader
That Burger Joint
11.2023 - Current
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Prepared shift summary reports for supervisor and communicated regularly on goals and progress.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to keep location well stocked with necessary supplies.
- Completed cash and credit card transactions accurately using POS software.
- Managed shift operations, supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep business profitable and running smoothly.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Cook
Prairie Winds Assisted Living
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- 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.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Planned menus for different events, seasons and customer requests.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-pace assisted living environment.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
Cook
Taco Bell
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- 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.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
Cook
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- 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.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced hospital environment.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
Cook
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- 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.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
Cashier
Diamonds
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Handled cash with high accuracy and took care to check bills for fraud.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors, and resolving discrepancies.
- Conducted inventory counts by adding each item in stock and documenting in computer system.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
Education
GED -
Urbana Adult Education
Urbana, IL05-2008
Skills
- Ingredients measuring
- Surface cleaning
- Dish preparation
- Grilling
- Food safety oversight
- Food presentation
- Sanitation
- Order prioritization
- Recipe-based cooking
- Contamination prevention
- Cooking
- Frying
- Kitchen sanitation management
- Portion control
- Ingredient inspection
- Order delivery practices
- Food preparation
- Food spoilage prevention
- Dietary restriction support
- Attention to detail
- Sanitation practices
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Cleaning and organization
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Inventory management
- Problem-solving
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Multitasking and organization
- Special diets
- Ingredient selection
- Calm demeanor
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Food handler certification
- Team collaboration
- Recipe development
- Staff training
- Plate presentation
- Temperature control
- Hospitality service expertise
- Recipes and menu planning
- Menu planning
- Food plating
- Health and safety compliance
- Supply restocking
- Customer service
- Time management
- Plating and presentation
- Order verification
- Cooking techniques
- Stock management
- Food storage
- Food plating and presentation
- Knife skills
- Positive and professional
Timeline
Shift Leader
That Burger Joint
11.2023 - Current
Cook
Prairie Winds Assisted Living
04.2023 - 08.2023
Cook
Taco Bell
08.2022 - 04.2023
Cook
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
02.2022 - 06.2022
Cook
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
06.2021 - 07.2022
Cashier
Diamonds
07.2020 - 06.2021
GED -
Urbana Adult Education
Similar Profiles
VALERIE GRISSOMVALERIE GRISSOM
Cook, Server, and Cashier at Oberweis Dairy & That Burger JointCook, Server, and Cashier at Oberweis Dairy & That Burger Joint
Natalie RodriguezNatalie Rodriguez
Server at Kennys Burger JointServer at Kennys Burger Joint
Caleb CarterCaleb Carter
Store Manager at BGR The Burger Joint RestaurantStore Manager at BGR The Burger Joint Restaurant