DesJohn Payne
Fort Worth
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with a proven track record at Harry & Izzy's, excelling in menu planning and staff training. Expert in inventory management and food safety, I have streamlined kitchen processes, enhancing guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Adept at resolving customer concerns, I foster a collaborative team environment to achieve exceptional results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Harry & Izzy's
Indianapolis
01.2020 - 08.2024
- Directed staff in restaurant kitchen and field to maintain department objectives, standards, guidelines and budget.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service promptly and professionally.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Streamlined kitchen processes to shorten wait times and serve additional guests.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel.
Prep Cook
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Indianapolis
02.2019 - 01.2020
- Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
- Followed recipes to prepare meals according to customer specifications.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service.
- Adhered strictly to safety regulations while handling sharp knives or operating machinery.
- Checked freshness of food and ingredients prior to use.
- Measured and weighed food items to comply with portion requirements.
Package Sorter
Superior Medal
Indianapolis
05.2016 - 01.2019
- Weighed parcels, calculating costs based on type, total weight and final destination.
- Logged packaging activities and filed reports in company databases.
- Determined shipping methods, routes or rates for materials to be shipped.
- Repackaged damaged goods when required prior to shipping out again.
- Organized packages according to size and weight specifications.
- Collaborated with other team members while working towards common goals and objectives.
Groundskeeper
Warren Harbor
Indianapolis
04.2013 - 05.2016
- Transported mulch, soil and sand using shovel and rake.
- Inspected lawns for weeds, pests, or other signs of damage.
- Pruned trees and bushes to improve visibility and shape.
- Winterized irrigation systems and restarted systems in spring.
- Coordinated with external contractors for specialized maintenance projects.
- Operated a variety of power and hand tools in the maintenance of green spaces.
- Trimmed flowers and cleaned flower beds.
Education
GED -
Youth Works
Indianapolis, IN04-2012
Skills
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Inventory management
- Staff training
- Customer service
- Recipe development
- Team leadership
Timeline
Sous Chef
Harry & Izzy's
01.2020 - 08.2024
Prep Cook
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
02.2019 - 01.2020
Package Sorter
Superior Medal
05.2016 - 01.2019
Groundskeeper
Warren Harbor
04.2013 - 05.2016
GED -
Youth Works
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