Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline

Elena Aguinaga

The Neon Lunchbox
St. Petersburg,FL
Elena Aguinaga
1
Certification
6
years of professional experience

Dedicated culinary professional with extensive experience as a Lead Line Cook, Line Cook, Grill Cook, and Hot Line Cook in high-volume restaurants ranging from upscale casual to gourmet dining environments. At 21 years old, I have developed a strong foundation in food preparation, station management, quality control, and kitchen leadership. Skilled in executing diverse menus with precision, maintaining exceptional food safety standards, and thriving under pressure during peak service periods. Proven ability to lead and train team members, coordinate kitchen operations, and consistently deliver high-quality dishes that exceed guest expectations. Recognized for a strong work ethic, attention to detail, adaptability, and a commitment to culinary excellence in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. I plan to grow in my career attending culinary school in the near future. I'm driven more and more everyday to be the best i can be inside and outside the kitchen.

Work History

Line Cook

1 Month
The Neon Lunchbox | 05.2026 - Current

As a Line Cook in a scratch kitchen at the neon lunch box in St. Petersburg I prepare and cook a variety of menu items according to restaurant recipes and quality standards. I maintain a clean and organized workstation and ensured compliance with food safety and sanitation. I help deliver timely service during high volume shifts while consistently maintaining food quality and customer satisfaction. This role is strengthening my teamwork, multitasking, communication, and problem solving skills in a fast paced environment.

  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Prepared diverse menu items while adhering to food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
  • Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.

Hot Line Cook

3 Months
Ryders Gourmet | 02.2026 - 05.2026

Dedicated and detail-oriented Hot Line Cook with experience in a high-volume gourmet dining environment, specializing in the preparation and execution of refined, chef-driven cuisine. Skilled in managing multiple stations, maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards, and executing complex dishes with precision and consistency. Proven ability to thrive under pressure while adhering to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines. Recognized for strong teamwork, organization, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding guest dining experience.

  • Managed multiple cooking stations, maintaining efficient workflow during peak service hours.
  • Prepared high-quality dishes in fast-paced environment, ensuring consistency and presentation standards.
  • Utilized effective time management skills to complete tasks within designated deadlines.
  • Ensured proper food storage procedures were followed to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Showcased strong multitasking abilities while preparing multiple dishes concurrently.
  • Monitored food temperatures for proper cooking and safe consumption.
  • Followed recipes and cooking techniques for consistent results.
  • Developed deep understanding of menu items and ingredients.
  • Washed, peeled and seeded fruits and vegetables to prepare for consumption.
  • Modified recipes according to dietary requirements.
  • Used cost-saving measures to maximize profits.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously under pressure, maintaining poise and professionalism during busy times.

Lead Line Cook

1 Year 2 Months
The Rowdy Rooster | 12.2024 - 02.2026

Leadership experience as Lead Line Cook at The Rowdy Rooster, overseeing kitchen operations in a fast paced, guest focused dining environment. Demonstrated expertise in culinary execution, team development, quality assurance, and operational efficiency. Adept at coordinating high volume service while maintaining exceptional standards of food presentation, consistency, and sanitation. Proven ability to mentor kitchen staff, streamline workflow, manage inventory, and support overall kitchen performance. Recognized for a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering an elevated dining experience through precision, professionalism, and culinary excellence.

  • Executed special events and catering orders, coordinating logistics for successful outcomes.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
  • Unloaded food supplies from distributor trucks to efficiently organize inventory.
  • Mentored new hires on company policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure seamless integration into the team.
  • Collaborated with servers to collect information about specific customer desires and dietary needs.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
  • Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Scrubbed grill on customer request due to food allergies to clean food residue and avoid issues with allergens.
  • Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
  • Received and stored food supplies, raw materials and other ingredients.
  • Monitored food temperatures to meet quality and safety standards.

Grill Cook

3 Months
Rippers | 09.2024 - 12.2024

Dedicated and hardworking Grill Cook with experience preparing quality meals in a fast-paced restaurant environment at Rippers. Skilled in grilling, food preparation, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, and ensuring consistent food quality during high volume service periods. Proven ability to work efficiently under pressure, collaborate with kitchen staff, manage multiple orders simultaneously, and deliver excellent customer satisfaction through timely and accurate meal preparation. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and commitment to maintaining a clean and organized kitchen.

  • Grilled meats and vegetables to ensure optimal flavor and presentation.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of grill station in compliance with health standards.
  • Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
  • Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
  • Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.

Line Cook PM

2 Years 7 Months
The Dugout Bar And Grill | 02.2022 - 09.2024

Dedicated and dependable Line Cook with experience at The Dugout Bar & Grill, Working side by side my head chef Matt Thompson preparing high quality meals in a fast paced restaurant environment. Skilled in food preparation, grill and line cooking, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, and coordinating with kitchen staff to ensure efficient service. Proven ability to work under pressure during high-volume shifts while consistently delivering quality dishes and maintaining an organized workstation. Strong team player with a commitment to customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and reliable kitchen operations.

  • Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Monitored food quality during preparation and service to ensure consistency and excellence.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.

Lead Line Cook

1 Year 8 Months
Uno Mas Mexican Restaurant | 06.2020 - 02.2022

Experienced Lead Line Cook with a strong background in high volume Mexican cuisine and kitchen operations. Skilled in food preparation, quality control, inventory management, and maintaining health and safety standards in a fast paced restaurant environment. Led kitchen staff during service, coordinated workflow to ensure timely ticket completion, and trained new team members on recipes, procedures, and kitchen best practices. Recognized for strong teamwork, organization, attention to detail, and the ability to perform efficiently under pressure while consistently delivering high quality dishes and excellent guest experiences.

  • Developed and executed daily specials, enhancing menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
  • Supervised kitchen team to ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near perfect customer satisfaction scores.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.

Skills

Time management
Attention to detail
Highly motivated
Reliable and trustworthy
Food safety knowledge
Knife skills
Quality control
Ingredient preparation
Food plating
Portion control
Garnishing
Head chef collaboration
Prep work
Food preparing
plating
and presentation
Leadership and decision making
Prioritization and organization
Line management
Kitchen organization
Following cooking methods
Team coordination
Problem-solving
Active listener
Customer service
Professional attitude

Certification

  • Certified ServSafe. Expires November 2028

Timeline

Line Cook

The Neon Lunchbox
05.2026 - CurrentRead More

Hot Line Cook

Ryders Gourmet
02.2026 - 05.2026Read More

Lead Line Cook

The Rowdy Rooster
12.2024 - 02.2026Read More

Grill Cook

Rippers
09.2024 - 12.2024Read More

Line Cook PM

The Dugout Bar And Grill
02.2022 - 09.2024Read More

Lead Line Cook

Uno Mas Mexican Restaurant
06.2020 - 02.2022Read More
Elena Aguinaga