Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Montes

Waukesha,WI

Summary

Motivated Service Worker with exceptional social skills, communication abilities and customer service background. Dedicated to following health and safety guidelines and handling food items properly. Pursues every opportunity to support team members and proactively address issues.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Food Service Lead

ProHealth Care
10.2023 - Current
  • Monitored temperatures on serving line and refrigerator equipment to promote proper food storage and safety
  • Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
  • Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
  • Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
  • Handled cash transactions and point-of-sale operations to assist dining room staff during busy service periods.

General Manager of Food Service

Milk Can Diner
07.2023 - 10.2023
  • Collaborated with other restaurant to coordinate events and promotions.
  • Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
  • Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Enhanced overall efficiency by streamlining food service processes and introducing new menu items.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
  • Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
  • Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
  • Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
  • Maintained open lines of communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination for optimal service delivery.
  • Oversaw training of more than 25 team members.

Executive Chef

Milk Can Diner
06.2022 - 10.2023
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Fostered a positive working environment among kitchen team members that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and open communication.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Collaborated with other Executive Chefs within the company network to share best practices and develop new menu items that showcased each property''s unique offerings.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering exceptional service in a high-pressure environment.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Implemented special events promotions such as theme nights or cooking demonstrations to attract new clientele and boost sales revenues.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Implemented successful cross-marketing strategies such as food and wine pairings.
  • Designed seasonal menus showcasing fresh local ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture practices within the community.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
  • Participated in community outreach events such as charity dinners or fundraisers to give back to the local community while promoting brand awareness.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.

Executive Pastry Chef

Milk Can Diner
11.2021 - 10.2023
  • Developed seasonal dessert offerings that incorporated fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, supporting sustainability efforts and showcasing regional flavors.
  • Designed custom desserts for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, and corporate functions, exceeding client expectations and generating positive word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Assisted in budget planning for the pastry department by forecasting ingredient needs and monitoring expenses closely throughout each fiscal quarter.
  • Managed in-store, pick-up orders and catering needs.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Oversaw purchasing, storage, and use of kitchen supplies.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Created unique weekly specials to drive business growth.
  • Established a strong rapport with fellow chefs and kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and open communication to ensure seamless execution of daily operations.
  • Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
  • Prepared dough for variety of pastries, cakes and breads.
  • Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
  • Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to obtain quality recipe ingredients while adhering to company budgets.
  • Maintained pastry-making equipment in good working order and replaced machinery when required to meet quality standards.
  • Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
  • Monitored quality of ingredients used in recipes to maintain consistency and safety standards.
  • Trained new hires on proper techniques, safety protocols, and company policies, promoting a cohesive and efficient work environment.
  • Operated clean pastry cooking station and complied with applicable health and safety standards.
  • Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
  • Streamlined production processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste in the pastry kitchen.
  • Managed display cases to verify freshness and attractiveness of products.
  • Incorporated modern culinary techniques such as molecular gastronomy into traditional pastry recipes to create unique dessert offerings that set the establishment apart from competitors.
  • Trained new employees on bakery methods and procedures.
  • Personalized creations for holidays, weddings, graduations, and personal events.
  • Cut and shaped dough for pies, rolls and other pastries.
  • Processed customer orders and payment transactions.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Determined baking times for various items.
  • Mentored junior pastry chefs, sharing expertise and fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.

Assistant Banquet Chef

Bass Bay Brewhouse
11.2017 - 11.2021
  • Managed special dietary requests, providing exceptional personalized service to attendees with specific needs or preferences.
  • Maintained high-quality food standards by enforcing strict adherence to recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Updated recipe database periodically to reflect current trends and maintain relevance within the industry.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Managed production by adhering to preparation, plating and presentation standards and following safety regulations to deliver top quality food.
  • Analyzed banquet event orders and planned and coordinated functions with catering staff to meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Supported event planners in customizing menus, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Chopped vegetables, butchered meat and prepared sauces in advance to serve guests promptly and efficiently.
  • Ensured timely delivery of meals during events by effectively coordinating with the front-of-house team.
  • Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in event details, demonstrating flexibility under pressure while maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.

Executive Pastry Chef

Bass Bay Brewhouse
04.2017 - 11.2021
  • Developed seasonal dessert offerings that incorporated fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, supporting sustainability efforts and showcasing regional flavors.
  • Designed custom desserts for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, and corporate functions, exceeding client expectations and generating positive word-of-mouth referrals.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment by adhering to local health department regulations and implementing best practices for food handling within the pastry department.
  • Prepared frostings and other toppings for cakes and pastries.
  • Established a strong rapport with fellow chefs and kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and open communication to ensure seamless execution of daily operations.
  • Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
  • Operated clean pastry cooking station and complied with applicable health and safety standards.
  • Developed and implemented cost-saving strategies for production of cakes, pastries and desserts.

Pastry Chef

Prime One Steakhouse
06.2016 - 04.2017
  • Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment and oven.
  • Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
  • Provided excellent customer service through addressing inquiries on ingredients allergies or dietary restrictions while suggesting suitable alternatives.
  • Decorated cakes, cupcakes and other pastries according to customer requests.
  • Optimized ingredient usage by incorporating seasonality into recipe planning which not only improved freshness but also reduced costs.
  • Monitored quality of ingredients used in recipes to maintain consistency and safety standards.
  • Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.

Education

Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing

Jefferson Health Care
Portage, WI
09.1994

High School Diploma -

Baraboo High School
Baraboo, WI
05.1994

Skills

  • Food allergy understanding
  • Nutritional Assessments
  • Greeting and Seating Guests
  • ServSafe
  • Cash Handling
  • Food Portion Specification
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Plating and presentation
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Quality Control
  • Health Code Compliance

Timeline

Food Service Lead

ProHealth Care
10.2023 - Current

General Manager of Food Service

Milk Can Diner
07.2023 - 10.2023

Executive Chef

Milk Can Diner
06.2022 - 10.2023

Executive Pastry Chef

Milk Can Diner
11.2021 - 10.2023

Assistant Banquet Chef

Bass Bay Brewhouse
11.2017 - 11.2021

Executive Pastry Chef

Bass Bay Brewhouse
04.2017 - 11.2021

Pastry Chef

Prime One Steakhouse
06.2016 - 04.2017

Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing

Jefferson Health Care

High School Diploma -

Baraboo High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Heather Montes