Dewanna Bonds
Jackson,TN
Summary
Dynamic Culinary Specialist with a proven track record at Olive Garden, enhancing kitchen efficiency through staff cross-training and mentorship. Expert in food preparation and inventory management, significantly reducing waste while upholding stringent quality standards. Adept at guest interaction, ensuring exceptional dining experiences and fostering team collaboration.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Culinary Specialist
Olive Garden Restaurant
1067 Vann Drive Jackson Tn 38301
01.2021 - Current
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Conducted regular safety checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime due to repairs or replacements.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Reduced food waste through efficient inventory management and proper rotation of ingredients.
- Upheld the highest standards of quality control throughout all stages of food production from ingredient sourcing to final plating.
- Developed menus and meal plans which met personnel needs, utilizing available supplies and within budget restrictions.
Service Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
05.2014 - 11.2018
- Resolved customer complaints in professional and timely manner.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and offer available solutions.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
- Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
- Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
- Met with customers to discuss service needs and develop effective and practical solutions.
- Analyzed service reports to identify areas of improvement.
Line Cook
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
Jackson, TN
03.1993 - 04.2014
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jackson Central Merry
Jackson, TNSkills
- Dining facility management
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Guest interaction
- Kitchen organization
- Cooking methods
- Estimating and ordering inventory
- Food preparation
- Food and beverage operations
- Knife skills
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 20 staff members.
- Achieved effective outcome helping .crew members
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Documented and resolved food issues which led to great results
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe or National Restaurant Association.
Timeline
Culinary Specialist
Olive Garden Restaurant
01.2021 - Current
Service Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
05.2014 - 11.2018
Line Cook
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
03.1993 - 04.2014
High School Diploma -
Jackson Central Merry