Gwendolyn Thomas
Peoria,AZ
Summary
Adept at kitchen management and effective communications, I enhanced team efficiency and food quality at Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen. By implementing innovative cooking techniques and fostering strong supplier relationships, I significantly improved productivity and customer satisfaction, showcasing my ability to lead and innovate in fast-paced culinary environments. Forward-thinking professional offering more than five years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven kitchen skills. Talented kitchen leader and team motivator successful at maintaining staff focus and productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Experienced with American, Creole, French, and I can adapt to any style of cooking. I can source ingredients, controlling budgets and boosting restaurant profiles.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen
09.2021 - Current
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Prepared weekly menus
- Trained servers and cooks
Catering Specialist
Self-employeed
03.2021 - Current
- Implemented time-saving strategies in the kitchen, improving overall productivity while maintaining high-quality output.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of team members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
- Established a reputation for creativity by designing innovative displays and presentations that exceeded client expectations.
- Increased revenue through effective upselling techniques, offering additional services such as bar packages or specialty menu items.
- Developed strong relationships with local suppliers, negotiating favorable pricing for fresh ingredients and other resources.
- Prioritized timing on dishes ensuring hot food was served hot, and cold food was served cold.
- Managed dietary restrictions gracefully by crafting alternative dishes that maintained flavor profiles.
- Collaborated with clients to design unique event experiences, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Provided excellent customer service throughout the planning process, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Oversaw catering orders to verify accuracy and completeness.
Med Tech
Royal Oaks Retirement Community
04.2010 - 03.2015
- Handled sensitive patient information with confidentiality while upholding HIPAA regulations at all times.
- Measured patient vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature to record information on patients' charts.
- Assisted physicians and nurses in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to identify accurate treatment for patients.
- Performed patient service duties by communicating directly with patients, answering questions, and assisting with concerns.
- Interacted with patients and families while demonstrating high standards of performance, teamwork, and compassion.
- Administered medications and performed basic and advanced patient assessments.
- Collected and processed laboratory specimens to obtain samples for analysis.
- Maintained a sterile work environment, adhering to strict safety guidelines for optimal patient care.
Deli Clerk
Walmart
08.2006 - 08.2007
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Precisely measured, weighed, sliced, and packaged deli products according to customer requests while minimizing waste.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to food safety guidelines and promptly addressing any hazards.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
Cook Specialist
Hammond State School
08.1998 - 10.2005
- Improved communication between front-of-house staff and kitchen team members, resulting in smoother restaurant operations overall.
- Focused on continuous improvement through ongoing study of current culinary trends and techniques, sharing knowledge with fellow team members to elevate overall kitchen performance.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by preparing high-quality, flavorful dishes in a timely manner.
- Assisted in training new hires on proper cooking techniques, equipment usage, and kitchen protocols.
Education
Learning How To Run Your Business.
Work Force For Entrepreneurs
Phoenix, AZ2019
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hammond Vo-Tech College
Hammond, LA01.1995
High School Diploma -
Hammond High School
Hammond, LA05.1988
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Knife Skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Kitchen Management
- Food presentation
- Meal Preparation
- Effective Communications
- Kitchen Operations
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Accomplishments
- Awarded Top 25 Private Chefs in Arizona in 2022.
- Recognized for always getting an A for health inspections.
Timeline
Chef
Zydeco's Louisiana Kitchen
09.2021 - Current
Catering Specialist
Self-employeed
03.2021 - Current
Med Tech
Royal Oaks Retirement Community
04.2010 - 03.2015
Deli Clerk
Walmart
08.2006 - 08.2007
Cook Specialist
Hammond State School
08.1998 - 10.2005
Learning How To Run Your Business.
Work Force For Entrepreneurs
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hammond Vo-Tech College
High School Diploma -
Hammond High School
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