Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Reference
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Gisselle Mendez

Santa Ana,CA

Summary


Hardworking and passionate job seeker with an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts with organizational skills eager to secure entry-level line cook or pastry chef position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

To Go Pro

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current
  • Over see team member throughout 8 hour shifts to ensure orders are 100% accurate and on time.
  • Handled high-stress situations gracefully, resolving customer concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Cross-trained in other kitchen positions to assist culinary team and meet customer needs and demands.
  • Answered to-go order phone calls, conveying menu options over telephone and accurately estimating time of delivery.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of menu items and corresponding ingredients.
  • Operated cash register to accept cash, debit and credit card payments from customers.
  • Greeted customers and answered inquiries regarding menu items and specials.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely completion of all to-go orders.
  • Utilized POS system to receive and process food and beverage orders.

To Go Certified trainer

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current
  • Mentored new hires, resulting in stronger staff development and increased productivity.
  • Increased trainee performance by implementing practical, hands-on activities of a to-go specialist during training sessions.
  • Conducted post-training follow-ups with participants to ensure proper knowledge and application as a to-go specialist.
  • Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
  • Streamlined to-go operations, training new staff on best practices for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Provided training to new hires on POS system and customer service protocols, raising team's overall performance standards.

Server

Olive Garden
03.2023 - Current
  • Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
  • Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
  • Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
  • Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
  • Collaborated with team members during busy shift for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
  • Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
  • Maintained thorough menu knowledge to sufficiently answer questions regarding menu item sourcing, ingredients and cooking methods.

Expo Runner

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current
  • Ensured order accuracy for guest satisfaction, double checking plates before delivery.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly delivering food to their table.
  • Communicated food orders to chefs to execute priorities and special requests.
  • Handled high-pressure situations gracefully under stress, ensuring all orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
  • Developed strong communication skills while liaising between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.

Soup and Sauce production

Olive Garden
06.2024 - Current
  • Produced 5 to 6 batches of popular soups resulting in 25 gallons.
  • Checked temperatures of soups after sealing, every 2 hours to ensure proper cooling before storing.
  • Filled out HACCP log to keep track of cooling and holding.
  • Maintained soups hot in tilt skillet to ensure soups reach 185 degrees and ready to serve
  • Restocked and promptly heated soups and sauces as were needed.
  • Produced Alfredo sauce in timely manner as needed.
  • Communicated with head chef on shift to maintain line stocked with meatballs, lasagna, and sauces.

Appetizers

Olive Garden
10.2024 - Current
  • Cooked and fried appetizers within set time and plated with proper garnish.
  • Ensured line/assemblers are stocked with broccoli and fries per order.
  • Clean as I go and sanitize to maintain work area clean.
  • Clean frying oil, skim items floating in oil and wipe around fryer to maintain a clean space.
  • Restocked items as needed.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.

Education

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts: Professional Cooking

Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
05-2025

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts: Professional Baking And Pastry

Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
05-2023

Skills

  • Knife skills
  • Food presentation
  • Food Safety and Sanitation
  • Teamwork
  • Basic cooking methods
  • Kitchen safety
  • Leadership

Accomplishments

Marukan Cup of Culinary Excellence

  • Participated in a competition at school on November 14th, 2024, featuring 11 of my classmates where each showcased culinary skills by creating dishes inspired by various regions and themes with the main ingredient being Marukan vinegar. I placed 3rd place winning a prize of $250, with an Asian flank steak cooked medium rare topped with a citrus sauce served with coleslaw dressed in a sweet and spicy vinaigrette and coconut sambal potatoes, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Certification

  • Food safety certification
  • Certificate of Achievement: Professional Baking and Pastry
  • Certificate of Achievements: Professional Cooking

Reference

Andrew Enriquez Manager at Olive Garden 

(714) 564-0724

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Appetizers

Olive Garden
10.2024 - Current

Soup and Sauce production

Olive Garden
06.2024 - Current

Server

Olive Garden
03.2023 - Current

To Go Pro

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current

To Go Certified trainer

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current

Expo Runner

Olive Garden
10.2022 - Current

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts: Professional Cooking

Cerritos College

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts: Professional Baking And Pastry

Cerritos College

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