Dierdre Lawler
Fairfield,California
Summary
Accomplished Chef/Owner at Three D Catering, adept in kitchen management and meal preparation, enhanced food quality through innovative menu development. Excelled in fostering a positive team environment, significantly reducing turnover rates at Backdoor Bistro. Mastered food safety and sanitation, ensuring compliance with health guidelines, and skillfully met diverse dietary needs, driving customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef/Owner
Three D Catering
02.2015 - 08.2023
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
Front of House Manager
Backdoor Bistro
07.2013 - 02.2016
- Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.
- Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly and ensuring a positive dining experience.
- Acted as the main point of contact for guest inquiries, addressing concerns promptly and professionally while maintaining a positive rapport with clientele.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedure, s as well as proper food handling techniques which resulted in reduced turnover rates.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
- Reduced wait times for customers by optimizing seating arrangements and implementing effective table management practices.
Education
Associates - Journalism
Chabot Community College
Hayward, CAHigh School Diploma - College Prepatory
Moreau Catholic
Hayward, CA06.1985
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Knife Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Kitchen Management
- Food presentation
- Meal Preparation
- Kitchen Operations
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Recipes and menu planning
- Hospitality service expertise
Timeline
Chef/Owner
Three D Catering
02.2015 - 08.2023
Front of House Manager
Backdoor Bistro
07.2013 - 02.2016
Associates - Journalism
Chabot Community College
High School Diploma - College Prepatory
Moreau Catholic