Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

James Pickens

Marquette,MI

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Scorekeepers Pub and Grill, The Last Word Cocktail Bar, and Seinhaus, excelling in food preparation and menu development. Proven ability to train staff and manage inventory effectively. Recognized for maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring food safety compliance while thriving in fast-paced environments. Strong team collaborator with exceptional time management skills.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Line Cook

EZ STOP NORTH
MARQUETTE, MI
03.2024 - Current
  • Prepared meals following recipes and maintaining high quality standards.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during busy shifts.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations throughout shifts.
  • Assisted in inventory management and stocked kitchen supplies regularly.
  • Followed food safety guidelines to ensure health compliance in the kitchen.
  • Supported menu development by suggesting new dishes and flavors.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures effectively.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.

Line Cook

Steinhaus Restaurant
MARQUETTE, MI
04.2022 - 10.2023
  • Prepared meals following recipes and maintaining high quality standards.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during busy shifts.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations throughout shifts.
  • Supported menu development by suggesting new dishes and flavors.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures effectively.

Line Cook

Stucko's Pub and Grill
MARQUETTE, MI
02.2022 - 03.2022
  • Prepared meals following recipes and maintaining high quality standards.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during busy shifts.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures effectively.
  • Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.

Sous Chef

The Last Word Cocktail Bar
Ann Arbor, MI
11.2020 - 01.2022
  • Assisted in daily kitchen operations ensuring food quality and presentation standards.
  • Prepared ingredients and meals following recipes and maintaining consistency in flavors.
  • Managed inventory levels, ensuring the availability of fresh ingredients for service.
  • Collaborated with the head chef to develop seasonal menu items and specials.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety protocols.
  • Ensured cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations during service hours.
  • Monitored cooking times and temperatures to maintain food safety compliance.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to streamline service during peak hours.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.

Kitchen Manager

Scorekeepers Sports Grill and Pub
Ann Arbor, Michigan
08.2014 - 02.2020
  • Supervised kitchen operations to ensure high-quality food preparation.
  • Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain stock levels.
  • Trained and mentored kitchen staff of cooking techniques and safety standards.
  • Organized and scheduled multiple catering events both large and small
  • Experience in menu design
  • Experience in business accounting

Line Cook and Host

Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar
Ann Arbor, MI
12.2018 - 09.2019
  • Prepared high-quality ingredients for daily menu items and specials.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to maintain workflow.
  • Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas.
  • Organized reservations for both small and large parties
  • Assisted catering manager for large events

Assistant Manager

Jimmy John's
Ann Arbor, MI
09.2014 - 04.2015
  • Coordinated daily operations and team activities
  • Assisted in training new team members on procedures
  • Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies
  • Supported customer service efforts and resolved issues
  • Implemented company policies and procedures consistently
  • Monitored staff schedules to ensure coverage

Cart Pusher and Cashier

Meijer
Bath, MI
05.2012 - 08.2014
  • Collected and organized shopping carts from parking lot and store entrance.
  • Maintained cleanliness and safety of cart storage areas throughout the day.
  • Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries and resolved issues promptly.
  • Handled cash, credit, and debit transactions accurately during peak hours.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to enhance shopping experiences for patrons.

Education

High School Diploma -

Laingsburg High School
Laingsburg, MI
06-2013

Skills

  • Food preparation
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Inventory management
  • Menu development
  • Food safety compliance
  • Time management
  • Fast learner
  • Team collaboration
  • Employee training
  • Quality control

Timeline

Line Cook

EZ STOP NORTH
03.2024 - Current

Line Cook

Steinhaus Restaurant
04.2022 - 10.2023

Line Cook

Stucko's Pub and Grill
02.2022 - 03.2022

Sous Chef

The Last Word Cocktail Bar
11.2020 - 01.2022

Line Cook and Host

Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar
12.2018 - 09.2019

Assistant Manager

Jimmy John's
09.2014 - 04.2015

Kitchen Manager

Scorekeepers Sports Grill and Pub
08.2014 - 02.2020

Cart Pusher and Cashier

Meijer
05.2012 - 08.2014

High School Diploma -

Laingsburg High School