Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Devontai Leslie

New York,NY

Summary

With a proven track record at Aroma Espresso Bar, I excel in food safety and menu planning, ensuring high-quality standards. My leadership significantly enhanced kitchen efficiency and fostered teamwork, achieving near-perfect customer satisfaction. Skilled in food assembly and grilling techniques, I bring a dynamic blend of hard and soft skills to elevate culinary experiences.

Professional culinary leader prepared for this role with solid background in high-pressure kitchen environments. Known for exceptional skills in meal preparation, menu planning, and maintaining kitchen efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting seamlessly to changing needs. Renowned for reliability, culinary creativity, and rigorous adherence to food safety standards.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Line Cook

Sodexo USA
04.2023 - Current
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
  • Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.

Lead Sales Associate

Crate and Barrel
02.2021 - 04.2023
  • Handled cash register operations and customer transactions to process payments.
  • Resolved customer issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Processed and stocked merchandise in accordance with store standards.
  • Contributed towards improving overall store ambience by maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

Deli Cook

Compass Group Restaurant Associates
04.2018 - 02.2023
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace to ensure efficient production and adherence to food safety standards.
  • Reduced wait times for customers by quickly preparing made-to-order dishes without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Streamlined prep processes by creating an effective workflow that reduced preparation time without compromising product quality.
  • Trained new staff members on proper cooking techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols to maintain consistent performance levels across the team.

Salad Cook

Compass Group USA Flik Hospitality Group
04.2018 - 04.2023
  • Delivered outstanding customer service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally, resulting in satisfied patrons.
  • Streamlined order processing for increased efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
  • Exceeded customer expectations through timely preparation of take-out orders while maintaining high-quality presentation standards.

Second Cook

Compass Group USA Restaurant Associates
04.2018 - 02.2023
  • Contributed to positive team dynamics by effectively communicating with coworkers and supporting their needs during busy shifts.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation and cooking processes.
  • Adhered to strict dietary requirements for guests with allergies or restrictions, ensuring enjoyable dining experiences for all patrons.
  • Maintained excellent attendance record despite demanding work schedule and long hours.

Sous Chef

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
06.2016 - 06.2018
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.

Lead Line Cook

Gato
03.2016 - 03.2017
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
  • Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.

Kitchen Manager

Aroma Espresso Bar
06.2014 - 06.2016
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.

Chef De Tournant

The Frying Pan - Nyc
06.2014 - 10.2015
  • Followed recipes and presentation guidelines to assemble high-quality fare.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house management to optimize table turnover rates and streamline communication between kitchen and service staff during busy shifts.
  • Participated in local culinary events or competitions to showcase the restaurant''s offerings and build brand recognition within the community.
  • Trained, supervised and relieved chefs at variety of food preparation stations.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict safety standards and ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Captain D's Seafood
02.2007 - 06.2014
  • Managed daily kitchen operations, delegating tasks among staff members to optimize workflow and maintain high-quality standards.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing feedback promptly and implementing necessary adjustments to kitchen procedures.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.

Education

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Virginia College Career
Richmond VA
06-2012

High School Diploma -

George Wythe High School
Richmond VA
07-2008

Skills

  • Food safety knowledge
  • Food assembly
  • Grilling techniques
  • Menu planning

Timeline

Lead Line Cook

Sodexo USA
04.2023 - Current

Lead Sales Associate

Crate and Barrel
02.2021 - 04.2023

Deli Cook

Compass Group Restaurant Associates
04.2018 - 02.2023

Salad Cook

Compass Group USA Flik Hospitality Group
04.2018 - 04.2023

Second Cook

Compass Group USA Restaurant Associates
04.2018 - 02.2023

Sous Chef

Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
06.2016 - 06.2018

Lead Line Cook

Gato
03.2016 - 03.2017

Kitchen Manager

Aroma Espresso Bar
06.2014 - 06.2016

Chef De Tournant

The Frying Pan - Nyc
06.2014 - 10.2015

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Captain D's Seafood
02.2007 - 06.2014

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Virginia College Career

High School Diploma -

George Wythe High School
Devontai Leslie