Edgar Serrano
Pearland,TX
Summary
I am adept at driving culinary excellence and kitchen efficiency, I leveraged my meat smoking expertise and strong work ethic at Killens Barbecue to enhance menu offerings. I moved between Killens restaurants to help train staff and improve kitchen performance. I opened hired and trained the staff at Killens Barbecue in the Woodlands. My knack for fostering teamwork and collaboration, coupled with a continuous improvement mindset, significantly elevated customer satisfaction and operational productivity without compromising food safety compliance. I am a diligent Kitchen Crew Member demonstrating exceptional work ethic and dependable nature shown across 17 years of food service experience. Fast, dependable grill cook accustomed to working in high-tempo, high-volume kitchen environments. I have worked under renowned Chefs and was elevated by all the ones I worked with for my fast learning and adept skills in the culinary arts. You name it I have cooked it from Mexican food restaurants brunch and barbecue. I have been in the kitchen since I was 17 years old. I have always rose to the challenge and made it to a management position quickly. I have worked every position in the kitchen and excelled at them from dishwasher to Manager to Pit Master. I have had extensive training in Kitchen management in multiple different restaurants and environments. I have 17 years experience in inventory management and culinary skills, it is an honor to prepare food for people and it is a passion of mine since I was making homemade tortillas with my mom in Honduras.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Pit Master and Kitchen Manager
Killens Barbecue
Cypress, TX
07.2023 - Current
- Established strong relationships with local vendors to ensure the freshest ingredients possible in each dish prepared.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful portion control without sacrificing product quality or presentation
- Trained new employees on proper techniques for preparing signature barbecue sauces, rubs, and marinades.
- Monitored grill temperatures throughout service hours to guarantee perfectly cooked meats every time.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, flavorful barbecue dishes.
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff for seamless teamwork and efficient workflow during peak service hours.
- Assisted in inventory management, accurately tracking supplies and placing timely orders as needed.
- Optimized cooking processes to maintain consistent flavors and textures across all dishes.
- Managed catering events from start to finish, including planning menus tailored to specific client needs while maintaining budget constraints.
- Proactively addressed customer concerns or complaints related to food quality or service, taking appropriate action when necessary.
- Managed a team of cooks, ensuring proper training and adherence to safety protocols.
- Participated in community events such as cook-offs or charity fundraisers, showcasing the restaurant''s culinary skills and fostering a positive brand image.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for improved efficiency and reduced food waste.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines for safe food handling.
- Demonstrated expertise in various smoking techniques, resulting in tender meats full of complex flavors.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
Pit Master and Kitchen Manager
Killens Barbecue
The Woodlands, TX
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed catering events from start to finish, including planning menus tailored to specific client needs while maintaining budget constraints.
- Developed creative menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
- Demonstrated expertise in various smoking techniques, resulting in tender meats full of complex flavors.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for improved efficiency and reduced food waste.
- Optimized cooking processes to maintain consistent flavors and textures across all dishes.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through careful portion control without sacrificing product quality or presentation.
- Monitored grill temperatures throughout service hours to guarantee perfectly cooked meats every time.
- Trained new employees on proper techniques for preparing signature barbecue sauces, rubs, and marinades.
- Participated in community events such as cook-offs or charity fundraisers, showcasing the restaurant''s culinary skills and fostering a positive brand image.
- Established strong relationships with local vendors to ensure the freshest ingredients possible in each dish prepared.
- Maintained clean and organized workspaces, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines for safe food handling.
- Assisted in inventory management, accurately tracking supplies and placing timely orders as needed.
- Managed a team of cooks, ensuring proper training and adherence to safety protocols.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Provided support to crew members, facilitating quick food preparation and delivery.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Verified order accuracy and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
- Cooked regular menu items and seasonal offerings according to corporate standards and guidelines.
- Established and maintained productive staff relationships for positive working environments.
- Adjusted gas and electric grills to specified temperatures for quality food output.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
Assistant Manager
Killens TMX
Pearland, TX
07.2018 - 01.2021
- Mentored junior cooks in honing their skills through constructive feedback and hands-on guidance during meal preparations.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Developed new menu items, incorporating seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends.
- Maintained a clean and organized kitchen environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained new staff members on kitchen procedures, policies, and equipment usage, fostering a well-prepared team.
- Oversaw food ordering processes, maintaining optimal inventory levels while minimizing costs.
- Implemented quality control measures to guarantee customer satisfaction with each meal served.
- Provided support to the head chef by taking on additional responsibilities as needed during peak times or staff shortages.
- Managed daily food preparation tasks, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation of dishes.
- Coordinated with other kitchen leaders to establish standard operating procedures that maximized productivity without sacrificing quality.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Followed proper handling and sanitation procedures to comply with food safety standards and protocols.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
- Managed time to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
- Followed recipes and chef instructions to prepare food correctly.
- Plated and presented food following chef requirements.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes, techniques, and equipment changes within the kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with senior chefs to develop new menu items, resulting in increased sales and positive feedback.
Kitchen Hand and Assistant Pitmaster
Killens Barbecue
Pearland, TX
11.2016 - 01.2021
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation by thoroughly washing dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Maintained a well-organized work area by consistently cleaning surfaces and organizing supplies.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Supported chefs in food preparation tasks such as chopping ingredients, peeling vegetables, and marinating meats.
- Followed proper handling and sanitation procedures to comply with food safety standards and protocols.
- Labeled and stored all food items correctly and checked expiration dates routinely.
- Chopped vegetables, cut up fruit, and prepared sauces when kitchen staff was busy.
- Plated and presented food following chef requirements.
- Assisted with meal presentation, garnishing dishes, and arranging serving platters to create an appealing visual display.
- Followed recipes and chef instructions to prepare food correctly.
- Transported food items from storage areas to kitchen for prepping.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Developed strong time management skills, effectively prioritizing tasks to ensure completion within allocated timeframes.
- Operated kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new techniques, recipes, and procedures as required for various culinary tasks.
Shift Lead Manager
Jimmy Changas
Pearland, TX
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Completed store opening and closing procedures and balanced tills.
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Helped store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Supported upper management during critical decision-making processes by providing valuable insights based on firsthand experiences from shift operations.
Kitchen Manager
Iguanas Ranas Mexican Restaurant
Pearland, TX
08.2014 - 09.2016
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Achieved rapid ticket times during peak service hours by effectively managing workflow distribution across various stations.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
- Designed and maintained menus to offer variety of high quality and consistency of dishes.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
- Calculated prices of ingredients to monitor food costs and control expenses.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training initiatives.
- Developed creative daily specials using seasonal ingredients, incorporating fresh flavors into the menu rotation while minimizing costs associated with excess inventory stockpiling.
- Utilized advanced culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes that delighted guests while maintaining the highest of quality standards.
- Continuously updated kitchen equipment and technology to improve cooking efficiency and food quality.
- Optimized food presentation and plating techniques, elevating overall dining experience.
- Resolved conflicts within kitchen team promptly, maintaining positive and productive work environment.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery during peak hours.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
Assistant Manager
Emmas Mexican Restaurant
Pearland, TX
02.2012 - 08.2014
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
- Monitored sales trends to adjust pricing strategies for optimal profitability.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs.
- Oversaw daily operations to maintain store cleanliness and organization.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring safe environment for both staff and customers.
- Coordinated with vendors for timely inventory replenishment, ensuring product availability.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
Assistant Manager, Bartender and Waiter
Las Rosas
Pearland, TX
11.2006 - 01.2012
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various projectstasks.
- Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Trained new staff on bar procedures, cocktail recipes, and customer service standards, ensuring consistent service quality.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Managed inventory to prevent shortages, conducting weekly stock checks and placing timely orders.
- Maintained impeccably clean, attractive and well-stocked bar area.
Education
Highschool in Honduras
Skills
- Continuous Improvement Mindset
- Food Safety Compliance
- Grill management
- Catering Coordination
- Menu Planning Expertise
- Wood Selection Knowledge
- Dry Rub Creation
- Meat Trimming Techniques
- Marinade Preparation
- Meat Smoking Expertise
- Vegetable Grilling Know-How
- Fish Smoking Techniques
- Temperature control mastery
- Equipment Cleaning Standards
- Brisket Slicing Techniques
- Pit Maintenance Abilities
- Cooking time estimation
- Quick-learning
- Strong Work Ethic
- Willing to Learn
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Multitasking and Organization
- Kitchen Safety
- Kitchen Sanitation
- Efficient
- Safe Food Handling
- Knife Skills
- Adaptable
- Cooking techniques
- Menu item preparation
- Food presentation
- Concise time management
- Food Storage
- Ingredient Preparation
- Inventory Monitoring
- Meat Preparation
- Ingredients measuring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Fryer Operation
- Shift Scheduling
- Inventory Replenishment
- Food Handler Certification
- Portion Control
- Plating
- Recipes and menu planning
- Language Fluency
- Garnishing
- Hardworking and Dedicated
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
Accomplishments
I was featured as a PitMaster in a magazine in the Woodlands! Representing Killens Barbecue.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Pit Master and Kitchen Manager
Killens Barbecue
07.2023 - Current
Pit Master and Kitchen Manager
Killens Barbecue
01.2021 - 07.2023
Assistant Manager
Killens TMX
07.2018 - 01.2021
Kitchen Hand and Assistant Pitmaster
Killens Barbecue
11.2016 - 01.2021
Shift Lead Manager
Jimmy Changas
09.2016 - 01.2018
Kitchen Manager
Iguanas Ranas Mexican Restaurant
08.2014 - 09.2016
Assistant Manager
Emmas Mexican Restaurant
02.2012 - 08.2014
Assistant Manager, Bartender and Waiter
Las Rosas
11.2006 - 01.2012
Highschool in Honduras