Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic

Gavin Forrester

Littleton,CO

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at El Rancho Colorado, excelling in cooking techniques and team collaboration. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction through meticulous food preparation and sanitation practices. Adaptable and detail-oriented, consistently delivering high-quality dishes while training new staff to uphold excellence in service.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Back of House Team Member

The Lazy Butcher
03.2025 - Current
  • Helped maintain a clean and organized work area through diligent daily cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, and washing dishes.
  • Collaborated with Front of House team members during peak service hours to ensure accurate order fulfillment and prompt delivery to guests.
  • Performed daily cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep kitchen clean and organized.
  • Performed shift side work as necessary to maintain kitchen output during peak service times.
  • Removed garbage, compost, and recycling, and placed in designated container areas.
  • Assisted with training new BOH staff members on established processes and goals.
  • Supported the training of new employees by sharing expertise on kitchen equipment usage, safety protocols, and dish preparation techniques.
  • Upheld a high standard of professionalism in all aspects of work, leading by example for other team members to follow.
  • Prepared food and drinks while following safe food handling procedures.
  • Developed strong problem-solving skills through adapting quickly to unforeseen challenges or changes within the busy kitchen environment.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff, working hard to stay ahead of demand and exceed customer expectations.

Line Cook/Back of House Team Member

Campfire
09.2024 - 12.2024
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.

Chef Assistant

El Rancho Colorado
06.2023 - 12.2024
  • Prepared and cooked quality meals in high-volume, fast-paced service environments.
  • Followed recipes and instructions to achieve quality and presentation standards.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines for a safe kitchen environment.
  • Assisted head chef in menu planning for optimal ingredient utilization and minimized food waste.
  • Managed food preparation activities, such as cutting ingredients to size and preparing sauces and garnishes.
  • Received delivered, sorted produce and stored supplies quickly to maintain quality and condition.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely delivery of orders, improving overall dining experience for guests.
  • Maintained cleanliness and order of kitchen prep areas and appliances as well as convenient organization of ingredients.
  • Used variety of kitchen tools and appliances to prepare ingredients and meals.
  • Managed time efficiently by prioritizing tasks and multitasking effectively during peak service hours.
  • Wrapped, dated, and stored food in refrigerators under standardized temperature for future uses.
  • Verified food temperatures and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
  • Provided support during special events and catering functions, ensuring consistent quality across all offerings.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling and preparation techniques.
  • Replenished food and ingredients supplies to meet service demand.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to address customer feedback or concerns promptly, fostering strong cross-functional teamwork within the restaurant setting.
  • Trained new staff members on kitchen procedures, contributing to the growth of a cohesive culinary team.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by stepping into various roles within the kitchen when needed, maintaining smooth operations during staff absences or high-volume periods.

Line Cook

Lou's Food Bar
09.2019 - 05.2023
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
  • Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
  • Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
  • Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.

Manager

Exhale Vapor & Smoke Shop
03.2019 - 09.2020
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
  • Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.

Line Cook/Cashier

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
06.2016 - 03.2019
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
  • Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
  • 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.
  • Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
  • Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
  • Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Managed kitchen equipment maintenance, preventing unexpected downtime and preserving workflow.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining clean and organized workstation.

Education

Dakota Ridge High School
Littleton, CO

Skills

  • Cooking techniques
  • Cleaning procedures
  • Portion control
  • Food preparation
  • Workstation setup
  • Knife skills
  • Recipe execution
  • Cross-training
  • Team collaboration
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Decision-making
  • Team contribution
  • Attention to detail
  • Safe food handling
  • Dishwasher operation
  • Sweeping and mopping
  • Supply restocking
  • Ingredient preparation
  • Kitchen station restocking
  • Grilling
  • Stock rotation
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Waste reduction
  • Sanitation practices

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Back of House Team Member

The Lazy Butcher
03.2025 - Current

Line Cook/Back of House Team Member

Campfire
09.2024 - 12.2024

Chef Assistant

El Rancho Colorado
06.2023 - 12.2024

Line Cook

Lou's Food Bar
09.2019 - 05.2023

Manager

Exhale Vapor & Smoke Shop
03.2019 - 09.2020

Line Cook/Cashier

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
06.2016 - 03.2019

Dakota Ridge High School

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