James Torrence
Lynwood
Summary
Detail-oriented cook skilled with 20 years of experience in prep, cooking, and maintaining cleanliness in fast-paced kitchens. Proven ability to deliver high-quality dishes while collaborating effectively with team members to ensure seamless service.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Broiler Cook/Morning Prep Cook
Portillo's Hot Dogs
Schererville, IN
06.2025 - Current
- Prepared and cooked broiler menu items according to established recipes and quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management and restocking of supplies as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient meal service during peak hours.
- Monitored inventory levels of ingredients, ensuring timely replenishment for uninterrupted kitchen operations.
Deli Clerk/Fry Cook
Jewels Osco
Munster, IN
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Prepared deli products including fry chicken, tenders, grill chicken, fries, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries to enhance shopping experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of deli area to comply with health regulations.
- Operated slicing machines and scales accurately for product preparation.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
Line Cook/Prep
Hidden Manna Cafe
Matteson, IL
12.2023 - 06.2024
- Prepared high-quality dishes following menu specifications and presentation standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation protocols.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing kitchen efficiency.
- Assisted in training new cooks on best practices for food handling and cooking techniques.
Grill Cook/Prep Cook
Lickle Jamaica
Maywood, IL
07.2023 - 12.2023
- Consistently delivered exceptional jamaican taste in chicken, oxtail, curry, pizza experiences for customers using creative seasoning combinations tailored to individual palates.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through respectful interactions and open communication with all members of the restaurant team.
- Expedited order completion by skillfully multitasking during peak dining times without sacrificing quality or consistency.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Line Cook
Upper Crust Management/Mizzou University Fraternity House
Columbia, MO
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Developed innovative, creative menu items and recipes.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Managed inventory and ordered food and supplies to maintain adequate stock.
Line Cook/Head Fry Cook
Cheesecake Factory Inc
Orland Park, IL
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
Grill Cook
Chipotle
Matteson, IL
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Grilled and prepared menu items to ensure high food quality and consistency.
- Developed new grilling techniques that enhanced flavor profiles, contributing to customer satisfaction.
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
Fry Cook
Harold's Chicken Shack
Dyer, IN And Chicago, IL
02.2018 - 12.2020
- Operated deep fryers, grills, and other kitchen equipment efficiently.
- Cleaned, stocked, and restocked workstations and display cases.
- Operated fryers and grills by pouring oil and placing food items on surface to fry or grill.
- Tested temperatures of food at specified intervals by using food thermometers.
- Stayed informed of daily menu to help coordinate cooking times.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sumner High School
St Louis, MO06-1994
Skills
- Meat preparation
- Grilling expertise
- Portion sizing
- Food preparation
- Kitchen equipment use
- Meal preparation
- Cooking
- Frying and sautéing
- Food handlers card
Timeline
Broiler Cook/Morning Prep Cook
Portillo's Hot Dogs
06.2025 - Current
Deli Clerk/Fry Cook
Jewels Osco
07.2024 - 07.2025
Line Cook/Prep
Hidden Manna Cafe
12.2023 - 06.2024
Grill Cook/Prep Cook
Lickle Jamaica
07.2023 - 12.2023
Line Cook
Upper Crust Management/Mizzou University Fraternity House
01.2023 - 06.2023
Line Cook/Head Fry Cook
Cheesecake Factory Inc
05.2021 - 12.2022
Grill Cook
Chipotle
01.2021 - 10.2021
Fry Cook
Harold's Chicken Shack
02.2018 - 12.2020
High School Diploma -
Sumner High School