Erik Martin
Royal Oak,MI
Summary
Hardworking, detail-oriented chef with six years of experience in food preparation and service. Proficient in leading teams, developing new recipes, and ensuring high-quality service. Possess a strong understanding of food safety guidelines, and quality standards. Skilled in customer service, cash handling, and merchandising.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Vinsetta Garage
Berkeley, MI
06.2024 - Current
- Supervised food preparation and cooking processes, maintaining consistency in taste, presentation, and portion sizes.
- Led inventory management efforts to ensure adequate stock levels, while minimizing excess inventory, and reducing storage costs.
- Created daily production schedules for the kitchen team, effectively managing resources to meet service demands, without compromising quality standards.
- Oversaw the recipe development and standardization process to maintain consistency across all menu items.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to coordinate the smooth flow of orders from the kitchen to the dining area during peak hours.
- Assisted the executive chef in developing innovative recipes that catered specifically to dietary restrictions (e.g., gluten-free options), expanding customer base by 10%.
Kitchen Manager/Lead Line Cook
New Holland Brewing
Castle Creek, MI
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Led a team of 12 line cooks in the preparation and execution of daily menu items, ensuring high-quality and timely service.
- Developed and implemented new recipes and cooking techniques, resulting in an expanded menu selection and increased customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize waste while ensuring that all necessary ingredients were readily available for efficient food preparation.
- Trained new line cooks on proper cooking techniques, safety procedures, and kitchen protocols to maintain consistent quality standards.
- Collaborated with the sous chef to create seasonal menus that showcased local ingredients and attracted new customers.
Lead Line Cook
Griffin Grill & Pub
Battle Creek, MI
06.2020 - 04.2023
- Conducted regular meetings with kitchen staff to assess progress, identify areas needing improvement and discuss upcoming events or promotions.
- Monitored food temperatures throughout the cooking process to ensure safe consumption.
- Planned, prepared and cooked meals according to restaurant specifications.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Ensured compliance with food safety standards consistently throughout operations.
Developed weekly specials to enhance menu offerings and attract customers. - Prepare raw and prepared food items for service.
- Calmly work in high-stress and high-volume situations.
- Performed regular inspections of equipment and reported any maintenance or repair needs promptly for uninterrupted kitchen operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in various culinary techniques, including grilling, sautéing, baking, braising, roasting, etc.
- Coordinated with other kitchen staff members to ensure a smooth workflow during busy periods, minimizing wait times for customers.
Line Cook
Saints
Battle Creek, MI
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Performed basic knife skills such as dicing onions or slicing meats.
- Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
- Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
- Responded quickly to any customer complaints or concerns about their dining experience.
- Operated various kitchen appliance such as a blender, oven, grill, or stand mixer.
- Adhered to sanitation policies at all times when handling food products.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks on equipment ensuring proper functioning order.
- Worked closely with management team in order to meet budget goals while maintaining high quality standards.
Bartender/Server
Swezey's Pub
Pleasant View, TN
03.2018 - 04.2019
- Provided drink suggestions to customers based on their preferences.
- Assisted in setting up the bar for service shift.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
- Organized storeroom inventory of supplies such as cups, napkins, straws.
- Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
- Kept track of all orders made by customers and communicated them promptly to kitchen staff.
- Ensured proper sanitation of bar area, glassware, utensils, and equipment.
- Prepared alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipe standards.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Managed cash drawer at the end of each shift ensuring accuracy of funds received.
- Greeted customers and provided excellent customer service.
Server
Calexico
Detroit, MI
08.2016 - 03.2018
- Upheld high standards of sanitation in accordance with health department regulations.
- Collaborated with other restaurant staff members to ensure efficient operations within the restaurant environment.
- Prepared drinks according to standard recipes.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
- Followed health safety guidelines when preparing and serving food products.
- Monitored dining room for cleanliness and proper set-up at all times.
- Accurately recorded orders on cash register and point-of-sale system.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
- Responded efficiently to guest inquiries and complaints in a professional manner.
- Assisted in training new servers.
- Checked food before serving it to customers.
Education
GED -
Riverside Academy
Mount Clemens, MI07-2005
Skills
- Inventory management
- Recipe development
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Cooking techniques
- Staff training
- Conflict resolution
- Equipment maintenance
- Allergen awareness
- Food presentation
Certification
Servsafe Certified
Timeline
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Vinsetta Garage
06.2024 - Current
Kitchen Manager/Lead Line Cook
New Holland Brewing
04.2023 - 05.2024
Lead Line Cook
Griffin Grill & Pub
06.2020 - 04.2023
Line Cook
Saints
04.2019 - 05.2020
Bartender/Server
Swezey's Pub
03.2018 - 04.2019
Server
Calexico
08.2016 - 03.2018
GED -
Riverside Academy