Howard Joyce
Gulfport,MS
Summary
Experienced Day Cook with hands-on experience in diverse culinary settings. Possess strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen safety protocols, and menu planning. Known for creative flair in preparing meals and ability to deliver high-quality, delicious dishes under strict time constraints. Previous roles have shown success in improving kitchen efficiency and reducing food waste.
Resourceful Day Cook known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in meal preparation, kitchen equipment operation, and inventory management. Excelled in time management, teamwork, and adaptability to fast-paced environments. Ready to contribute culinary expertise and soft skills to ensure seamless kitchen operations.
Motivated Day Cook with 35 years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Day Cook
Sodexo Remote Sites
Harahan, LA
10.1990 - 03.2025
- Stocked ingredients from delivery area to storage, walk-in coolers, and freezer areas.
- Checked food temperatures with thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperatures were achieved.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper safety procedures related to handling of cooking equipment.
- Monitored food product quality while preparing items for service.
- Kept accurate records of food inventory levels throughout shift.
- Prepared and cooked meals for customers according to menu specifications.
- Ordered supplies from approved vendors when needed for daily operations.
- Ensured that all food products were stored properly at correct temperature levels for optimal freshness.
- Maintained a clean and safe working environment by following all safety protocols.
- Cleaned and sanitized work surfaces, utensils, and equipment.
- Organized kitchen equipment and supplies in an orderly fashion.
- Adjusted oven temperatures if needed during cooking process per recipe instructions.
- Inspected all ingredients prior to use for freshness and quality assurance.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up workstations and stocking necessary supplies.
- Operated various kitchen appliances such as fryer, griddle, ovens, and mixers safely and efficiently.
- Adhered to health department regulations regarding food safety practices.
- Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Took inventory counts before and after shifts to complete food inventory or storage sheets.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Trained, managed and guided kitchen staff to improve overall performance, service quality and productivity.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Projected future needs to requisition food supplies, kitchen equipment and appliances.
- Prepared meals in accordance with operational policies, food safety guidelines and health code requirements.
- Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
- Garnished and arranged plated meals.
- Tracked activities in daily logs and weekly update reports.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Monitored food temperatures to maintain food safety.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Monitored inventory to maintain proper supply level.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Executed proper techniques when preparing menu item ingredients.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
- Adjusted established recipes to meet special dietary and allergen restrictions.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Established nutritious menus in line with health standards and budget guidelines.
Education
High School Diploma -
Jefferson High School
Glendale 05-1985
Skills
- Food preparation
- Inventory management
- Food safety
- Menu planning
- Equipment operation
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Time management
- Quality control
- Sanitation practices
- Training staff
- Order coordination
Certification
- TWIC
- SERVE SAFE
- WATER SURVIVAL TRAINING
Timeline
Day Cook
Sodexo Remote Sites
10.1990 - 03.2025
High School Diploma -
Jefferson High School