DONOVAN ASBELL
Greencastle,IN
Summary
With a background in culinary perfection and exceptional food handling, I believe that these are skills carry on into many other career ventures. Maintaining a high standard in any given task is the most important aspect of a job, as its effects trickles down into coworker relations and especially into customer satisfaction. After 10+ years in the restaurant industry, I am ready to thrive and blossom into more manually intensive fields.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Server & Waiter
Bridges Craft Pizza & Wine Bar
Greencastle, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Facilitated warm and careful service to drive excellent standards of service
- Tasked with addressing arising issues and escalated complaints in a satisfactory manner
- Helped new service staff by delivering advice and guidance on necessary standards and quality expectations
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation across the entire kitchen setting
- Greet and serve guests, providing tailored recommendations and suggestions based on dietary requirements
- Maintain regular contact with customers throughout the meal to ensure complete satisfaction
- Take stock counts and report on findings to satisfy both employee and customer needs
- Support opening and closing processes, including cleaning and waste management
Head Cook
Roots
Muncie, IN
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques
- Reduced food waste by implementing inventory management systems and optimizing ingredient usage
- Elevated customer satisfaction and retention through the development of creative new menu items
- Met or exceeded all health department requirements and regulations across a four-year period
- Managed inventory tracking and stock counts when needed, developing proficiency in supply management
- Accountable for the effective management of a direct team of kitchen staff, while assigning tasks and duties
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, providing guidance and advice on culinary techniques and best practices
- Liaised with dining room staff to ensure seamless communication between front-and-back-of-house operations
- Ensured continued adherence to safety protocols to uphold a safe working environment
- Specialized in American Homestyle cuisine while incorporating techniques from Chinese culinary traditions
Landscape Worker
Greencastle Community School
Greencastle, IN
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Operated landscaping equipment to maintain school grounds and ensure safety compliance.
- Executed planting, pruning, and mulching tasks to enhance aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.
- Assisted in landscape design implementation to support school beautification projects.
- Collaborated with team members to establish efficient workflows for seasonal maintenance tasks.
Prep Cook
Almost Home
Greencastle, IN
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Progressed from dishwasher to salad/sandwich preparer, service prep, and chef's aid over four years
- Maintained rigorous standards of hygiene and proper food handling
- Developed fundamental culinary skills in a fast-paced restaurant environment
- Gained experience in American Home style and bar food preparation
- Prepared salads and sandwiches according to restaurant standards and customer specifications
- Assisted the head chef with various preparatory tasks and cooking procedures
Education
Bachelor of Science - French Studies
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05-2023
Skills
- Hospitality service expertise
- Professional appearance
- Task prioritization
- Excellent communication
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Team player
- Calm demeanor
- Inventory Management
- Warm and friendly
LANGUAGES
English Native
French Advanced
Timeline
Server & Waiter
Bridges Craft Pizza & Wine Bar
01.2024 - Current
Head Cook
Roots
01.2020 - 01.2024
Landscape Worker
Greencastle Community School
05.2019 - 08.2019
Prep Cook
Almost Home
01.2015 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - French Studies
Ball State University