Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Gage Zack

Centralia,IL

Summary

Dynamic Cook Manager with a proven track record at Smitty's Family Restaurant, enhancing kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction. Expert in food handling and organization, I successfully reduced food waste and trained staff to uphold high culinary standards. Committed to delivering exceptional service while fostering a positive team environment.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Cook

Swamp Tales
06.2025 - Current
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
  • Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
  • Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
  • Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.

Cook Manager

Smitty's Family Restaurant
05.2023 - 05.2025
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep processes and optimizing ingredient usage.
  • Adapted cooking methods to accommodate special dietary requests without compromising dish integrity or taste.
  • Reduced food waste by implementing proper portion control techniques and monitoring inventory levels.
  • Trained new hires on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and recipe execution to maintain consistency in service quality.
  • Upheld strict food safety guidelines to minimize the risk of contamination or illness resulting from improper handling practices.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings through consistent delivery of delicious meals prepared according to established recipes.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing diner concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Improved team morale by fostering open communication and encouraging professional growth among staff members.
  • Ensured timely preparation of dishes for large events, coordinating efforts with front-of-house staff for seamless execution.
  • Maintained a high standard of cleanliness, ensuring a safe and sanitary work environment for staff and customers.
  • Developed creative daily specials, incorporating seasonal ingredients to showcase culinary skills and increase menu diversity.
  • Collaborated with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during peak meal times.
  • Consistently met budgetary goals through careful management of food costs and labor expenses.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Streamlined kitchen workflow for increased productivity, assigning specific tasks based on individual strengths within the team.
  • Managed vendor relationships to negotiate favorable pricing on ingredients while maintaining product quality standards.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback aimed at improving overall skill set and kitchen efficiency.
  • Assisted in menu planning by researching industry trends, analyzing customer feedback, and recommending recipe adjustments accordingly.
  • Conducted regular inventory audits to identify discrepancies and prevent stock shortages affecting menu availability.
  • Maximized flavor profiles by expertly pairing ingredients, experimenting with various cooking techniques, and adjusting seasoning as needed.
  • Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
  • Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
  • Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere for staffers through effective communication, consistent training and skill development.
  • Recruited and hired employees to build effective culinary team for $[Amount] annual revenue-producing restaurant.
  • Produced and plated variety of exotic fruit-based desserts and after-dinner cheese plates.
  • Developed new culinary programs that increased customer satisfaction and operational excellence levels.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • 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.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Engineering

Kaskaskia College
Centralia, IL
06-2026

High School Diploma -

Centralia Hiigh School
Centralia, IL
05-2024

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning and organization
  • Food handling

Certification

  • Licensed [Job Title] - [Timeframe]
  • Certified [Job Title], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Cook

Swamp Tales
06.2025 - Current

Cook Manager

Smitty's Family Restaurant
05.2023 - 05.2025

Associate of Applied Science - Engineering

Kaskaskia College

High School Diploma -

Centralia Hiigh School

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