EBONISHA SMITH
Killeen,TX
Summary
Innovative candidate experienced in blending learning approaches and leveraging technology to ensure successful outcomes. Skilled in working with all levels of learners to foster an engaging and interactive learning environment. Hardworking, highly motivated professional eager to lend combined knowledge and skills. Operates well in both individual and team roles. Resourceful and results-driven with a passion for growth and efficiency to meet company needs and increase service value. Ambitious individual with strong organizational and multitasking skills, as well as an aptitude for technology. Ready to apply knowledge and skills to any challenge. Highly detail-oriented worker, with a drive to exceed expectations. Looking to contribute to team success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Courtyard by Marriott
01.2025 - Current
- 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.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Managed kitchen equipment maintenance, preventing unexpected downtime and preserving workflow.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
- Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- Grilled meats to customer specifications.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Served prepared dishes to guests.
- Maintained the dish room by keeping the dishes washed during hours of operation.
Event Caterer
Vestals Catering
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in guest counts or dietary restrictions, ensuring smooth execution of events despite challenges.
- Maintained strict hygiene standards throughout the entire event catering process.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication before, during, and after their events.
- Ensured safety compliance in accordance with industry regulations and guidelines at all times during event preparations.
- Streamlined food preparation processes to ensure timely delivery and setup at events.
- Implemented creative presentation techniques to elevate the visual appeal of food displays at events.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
- Communicated with event coordinators and facility management to obtain appropriate catering accommodations.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Served catering guests by fulfilling orders, communicating requests to kitchen staff and routinely inquiring about customer satisfaction.
- Replenished banquet stations and verified food temperatures and cleanliness of service areas.
- Transported meal and beverage trays from kitchen and bar areas to serve guest tables.
- Set up and disassembled food service stations, equipment and furniture per contract specifications.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Lead Cook
Chartwells Dining Services
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
- Prepared meals for lunch and dining services with average of Number tables per day.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Workstation Trainer
Tesla Inc.
10.2022 - 05.2024
- Educated employees on proper use of organization's products and systems.
- Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions with employees to develop their skills and knowledge.
- Trained personnel on new or enhanced applications, products, and job functions. Gave feedback on employee performance during training sessions.
- Assess participant knowledge and understanding of the material and adjusted training accordingly.
- Serve as partner and team member to other trainers and staff to achieve compliance goals.
- Contribute ideas at team meetings about novel approaches for delivering instruction.
- Coordinate team exercises and group discussions to increase training engagement.
Demolition Worker
WDS Construction
12.2019 - 09.2022
- Ensured that dangerous materials were removed following regulations.
- Utilized hand-held power tools such as saws, drills, grinders, and sanders to demolish structures.
- Communicated effectively with supervisors about job progress and potential safety risks.
- Removed fixtures, fittings, wiring, plumbing systems, during demolition work.
- Aided craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, and masons.
Senior Hairdresser
Ebonies Hair
11.2003 - 10.2019
- Performed hair treatments such as deep conditioning, scalp massage, and hot oil treatments
- Kept abreast of changing trends in the beauty industry by reading magazines and attending workshops and courses.
- Maintained exact records of appointments and customer information using computer software programs.
- Attended trade shows and seminars related to the beauty industry.
- Developed strong relationships with clients to ensure repeat visits and referrals.
- Suggested hairstyles that complemented customers' and met individual needs.
- Innovative approach towards problem solving while dealing with challenging customers.
- Kept workstations clean and sanitized tools, such as scissors, and combs.
- Ordered, displayed, and kept supplies.
- Managed a team of hairdressers to ensure high quality standards met with styling services.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Administration
American InterContinental University
Atlanta, GA12.2026
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Ingredient preparation
- Inventory management
- Menu item memorization
- Back of house operations
- Food preparing, plating, and presentation
- Leadership and decision making
Certification
- Cosmetology License
- Aerial Platform Certification
Extra-Curricular Activities
Relevant Coursework Extracurricular Activities
Timeline
Line Cook
Courtyard by Marriott
01.2025 - Current
Event Caterer
Vestals Catering
07.2024 - 12.2025
Lead Cook
Chartwells Dining Services
06.2024 - 12.2024
Workstation Trainer
Tesla Inc.
10.2022 - 05.2024
Demolition Worker
WDS Construction
12.2019 - 09.2022
Senior Hairdresser
Ebonies Hair
11.2003 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Business Administration
American InterContinental University
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