Dominique LaMar
Portage,IN
Summary
Recent graduate with foundational knowledge in Culinary Arts and hands-on experience gained through academic projects and internships. Demonstrates strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time-management skills. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Energetic Chef with passion for food and commitment to providing customers with exceptional culinary experiences. Focuses on using fresh ingredients to create flavorful dishes appealing to different palates. Team player offers clear communication and problem-solving.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Miller’s Merry Manor
Portage, IN
11.2025 - Current
- Prepared diverse meals in accordance with dietary guidelines and resident preferences.
- Maintained high standards of kitchen sanitation and food safety compliance.
- Collaborated with dietary staff to plan nutritious menus for residents.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Streamlined food preparation processes to enhance efficiency during peak service times.
- Managed inventory control, ensuring availability of fresh ingredients while minimizing waste.
- Led kitchen team in implementing new recipes, fostering creativity and variety in meal offerings.
- Developed strong relationships with residents by accommodating special dietary needs and preferences.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
Shift Leader
Walgreens
Lake Station, IN
01.2022 - 06.2025
- Supervised team members to ensure adherence to operational standards and customer service excellence.
- Trained new staff on store policies, procedures, and best practices for efficient workflow.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely restocking of merchandise and minimizing stock discrepancies.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced overall store efficiency and reduced customer wait times.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, maintaining high satisfaction levels and loyalty.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment while ensuring all employees adhered to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Completed cash and credit card transactions accurately using POS software.
- Oversaw daily cash handling procedures, maintaining accurate records and minimizing discrepancies.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt and courteous service, addressing concerns immediately.
- Managed shift operations, supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep business profitable and running smoothly.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to keep location well stocked with necessary supplies.
- Boosted overall sales with effective upselling techniques and exceptional product knowledge.
- Assisted managers in setting goals for each department within the store and monitored progress toward those objectives regularly.
- Supported a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and addressing areas for potential growth, both individually and as a team.
Retail Cashier / Service Coordinator
Meijer
Merrillville, IN
05.2015 - 07.2020
- Managing a staff of service employees.
- Resolving customer issues and complaints.
- Greeting customers, collecting payments, returns, and customer inquiries.
- Counting of drawers and money change over.
- Professional telephone etiquette.
- Strong product knowledge and understanding of target customers.
- Ability to effectively manage company time and prioritize tasks.
- Basic math skills
- Excellent interpersonal communication.
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
J & C Xpress LLC
Portage, IN
08.2018 - 02.2019
- Handle all information in a confidential manner.
- Answer inbound calls/emails in a timely manner.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Skills.
- Receiving and sorting mail and packages.
- Managing digital and hard-copy filing systems.
- Greeting and welcoming guests and providing them with a positive first impression of the company.
- Directing guests and answering their questions.
- Notifying others employees of visitor arrivals.
Server / Lead Bartender
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Miami, FL
06.2012 - 12.2015
- Managing the team and ensuring they provide a pleasant customer experience.
- Interacting with customers, taking orders, and serving food / beverages.
- Assessing bar patrons needs and preferences and making recommendations.
- Trained new servers and familiarized new employees with company culture.
- Preparing alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages for the bar and restaurant patrons.
- Frequently assisting colleagues during rush periods.
- Promote teamwork while providing exceptional service and guest dining experiences.
- Ensured cleanliness of dining area throughout the day.
Licensed Barber
Just Cuts Barbershop
Lake Station, IN
05.2010 - 01.2012
- Cut, color, and style clients’ hair with precision and expertise.
- Review weekly inventory charts and record facility needs.
- Advise clients on proper hair treatment.
- Cleaned, maintained, and sterilized tools.
Education
High School Diploma -
Portage High School
05.2005
Vocational Education - undefined
Success Barber College
05.2011
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Online Campus 02.2026
Diploma -
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Online Campus 09.2025
Skills
- Cleaning and organization
- Nutrition awareness
- Food costing
- Attention to detail
- ServSafe certified
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Sanitation
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Food plating and presentation
- Culinary creativity
Timeline
Cook
Miller’s Merry Manor
11.2025 - Current
Shift Leader
Walgreens
01.2022 - 06.2025
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
J & C Xpress LLC
08.2018 - 02.2019
Retail Cashier / Service Coordinator
Meijer
05.2015 - 07.2020
Server / Lead Bartender
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
06.2012 - 12.2015
Licensed Barber
Just Cuts Barbershop
05.2010 - 01.2012
Vocational Education - undefined
Success Barber College
High School Diploma -
Portage High School
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma -
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts