Emma Hajdasz
South Portland,ME
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at David's Restaurant, excelling in menu development and food safety compliance. Proven ability to lead teams and enhance customer satisfaction through effective communication and critical thinking. Skilled in executing complex recipes and maintaining high standards of kitchen organization and sanitation.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
David's Restaurant
Portland, Maine
2025.06 - Current
- Developed and executed original menu items, enhancing meal portfolio with seasonal updates.
- Executed proper techniques for preparing menu item ingredients.
- Trained new team members in precise meat and vegetable preparation techniques, ensuring consistency and quality.
- Reviewed recipes to ensure accurate measurements and ingredients, contributing to dish quality and customer satisfaction.
- Studied and retained new menu items and ingredients to improve customer service. and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
Line Cook
Verbena Eat Right Now
South Portland, ME
2023.10 - 2025.06
- Executed multiple orders simultaneously during peak hours to maintain service efficiency.
- Prepared fresh ingredients for daily menu items.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the kitchen area.
- Coordinated with team members to meet service timelines and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Ensured food quality and presentation standards during service to uphold restaurant reputation.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
- Followed food safety regulations to ensure compliance and hygiene.
- Assisted in inventory management and stock rotation of supplies.
- Organized and prioritized multiple tasks efficiently in a busy environment. simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
Shift Leader
Gifford's Ice Cream
2023.05 - 2023.09
- Supervised daily operations, enhancing service efficiency and ensuring product quality.
- Led team members to sustain productivity and elevate customer service standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service and maintained a positive attitude throughout the shift.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Trained and mentored new team members in customer service techniques.
- Managed inventory levels and restocked supplies to support uninterrupted service delivery.
Weekend Adventure Manager
UMF
2022.09 - 2023.08
- Led teams through organizational change and crisis situations, ensuring effective communication and support during transitions.
Cashier, Deli, Stock
Noel's Market
2020.01 - 2023.01
- Handled cash, credit, and electronic payment transactions accurately.
- Resolved customer issues and complaints promptly, contributing to positive customer experiences.
- Collaborated with team members during busy periods, improving overall service speed.
- Completed various tasks to support daily operations.
Education
Culinary Arts -
Southern Maine Community College
South Portland, ME01.2026
Special Education
University of Maine At Farmington
Farmington, ME01.2023
High School Diploma -
Bacon Academy
Colchester, CT2021-06
Skills
- Customer service and client support
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Slicer operation and cash handling
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Training assistance and mentoring
- Inventory management and counts
- Shift checklists and cash sales counts
- Culinary techniques and food safety compliance
- Recipe execution and menu development
- Plating techniques and ingredient preparation
- Sautéing and roasting techniques
- Kitchen sanitation and foodservice sanitation
- Prep work and cleaning organization
- Quality control and allergen awareness
References
- Roxanne Gifford, Manager, (207)-399-1945
- Tammy Crowell, Noel's cashier manager, (860)-303-5811
- Joseph Brayman, Noel's Meat manager, (860)-908-4793
Hobbies and Interests
- Culinary
- Customer service
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking
Clubs
- UMF Democrats, Secretary, 09/01/22, 05/01/23
- UMF Rugby, Secretary, 09/01/22, 05/01/23
Other
I created a concert fundraiser when I was 14 and 15 called Colchester 'Beats' Hunger. Half of proceeds went to an organization called Food for the Poor, to help people in third world countries become self-sustainable. While the other half went to the local Colchester Food Bank. Over the course of two years I was able to raise about $8,000.
Certification
serve safe
Timeline
Line Cook
David's Restaurant
2025.06 - Current
Line Cook
Verbena Eat Right Now
2023.10 - 2025.06
Shift Leader
Gifford's Ice Cream
2023.05 - 2023.09
Weekend Adventure Manager
UMF
2022.09 - 2023.08
Cashier, Deli, Stock
Noel's Market
2020.01 - 2023.01
Culinary Arts -
Southern Maine Community College
Special Education
University of Maine At Farmington
High School Diploma -
Bacon Academy