Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Jaquelle Lewis

Chesapeake,VA

Summary

Artistic head chef with strong experience in food service and hospitality. Knowledgeable in managing full-service kitchen and overseeing work of several personnel. Works well with teams and consistently exceeds expectations.

Dynamic, resourceful and skilled executive head chef with several years of success in fine dining, casual dining and catering. Quality-focused and efficient professional adept at preparing and plating food in high-energy, fast-paced kitchens.

Seasoned Head Chef with background in various culinary styles, including French and Italian cuisine. Strengths include menu development, staff management, and kitchen operations. Known for creative flair and high standards in food presentation. Previous work has led to increased customer satisfaction rates and repeat business.

Passionate, spirited and classically trained culinary professional, skilled in building relationships and developing high-performing teams. Leader in delivery of excellent customer service. Equipped to apply restaurant operational experience to grow world-class organizations. Dedicated to food safety, customer service best practices and quality food service.

Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Chef

The Corner Lounge
Portsmouth, VA
04.2024 - Current
  • Developed menus and recipes for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items.
  • Organized kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations during peak service hours.
  • Trained new kitchen staff in food safety regulations and proper cooking techniques.
  • Ordered food supplies from vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Monitored food production to guarantee quality standards were met.
  • Established portion control guidelines to reduce waste and maximize profits.
  • Inspected ingredients and equipment to ensure they meet quality standards.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation practices.
  • Supervised the preparation of meals according to customer orders in a timely manner.
  • Conducted daily line-checks of all products used in meal preparation for freshness and quality assurance.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally while maintaining high standards of customer service.
  • Created weekly work schedules for kitchen personnel based on anticipated business volume.
  • Assisted in developing marketing strategies aimed at increasing restaurant revenue.
  • Performed regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment, utensils, floors, walls, ensuring that all areas are kept clean and sanitary at all times.
  • Organized special events such as banquets or catering services when required.
  • Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
  • Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
  • Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
  • Developed recipes and menus to meet consumer demand and align with culinary trends.
  • Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
  • Assisted restaurant owners with pricing by providing ingredient costs and portioning information.
  • Planned and prepared food product orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
  • Developed innovative recipes to suit complicated dietary requirements for customers.
  • Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
  • Regularly interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
  • Suggested and prepared promotional dishes according to ingredient availability and customer preferences.
  • Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
  • Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
  • Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
  • Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
  • Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
  • Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
  • Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
  • Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
  • Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
  • Determined schedules and staff requirements necessary to prepare and plate food.
  • Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
  • Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
  • Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
  • Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
  • Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
  • Used proper cleaning supplies and methods to disinfect counters where raw meat, poultry, fish and eggs had been prepared.
  • Plated dishes using tasty garnishes and sauces to appeal to and delight patrons.
  • Placed frequently used ingredients in proper storage containers and placed perishable items in refrigerator.
  • Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.

PCA

Royal Care
Norfolk , VA
11.2022 - 01.2024
  • Provided personal care assistance to elderly and disabled individuals in their homes, including bathing, dressing, grooming, transferring, toileting and feeding.
  • Assisted clients with medication management by reminding them to take medications on time as prescribed by the doctor.
  • Maintained accurate records of client care services provided on a daily basis.
  • Accompanied clients to doctor's appointments and outings when necessary.
  • Collaborated with family members and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans for each patient's needs.
  • Educated families about proper nutrition for their loved ones in order to maintain good health.
  • Provided emotional support and companionship to elderly clients experiencing loneliness or depression.
  • Ensured safety of patients by using appropriate lifting techniques while assisting them with mobility activities.
  • Assisted patients with recreational activities such as reading books or playing board games.
  • Managed household duties such as grocery shopping and errand running for clients who are unable to do so themselves.

Demolition Worker

Tidewater Staffing Inc
Norfolk , VA
07.2020 - 03.2022
  • Operated heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, and jackhammers to demolish buildings.
  • Assisted in the removal of hazardous materials from demolition sites.
  • Loaded debris onto trucks for disposal or recycling.
  • Inspected building structures to identify potential safety hazards.
  • Demolished walls, floors, and other components of buildings using hand tools and power tools.
  • Prepared demolition sites by clearing away obstructions and barricading areas.
  • Removed fixtures such as windows, doors, plumbing fixtures and electrical wiring systems.
  • Separated recyclable material such as metal beams and piping for salvage or reuse.
  • Maintained records of demolished materials for waste management purposes.
  • Performed basic maintenance on equipment used during demolition activities.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations on all job sites.
  • Assisted in the installation of temporary support structures prior to demolition work commencing.
  • Worked closely with construction crews to coordinate efforts between demolition and new construction projects.
  • Followed environmental guidelines when disposing of debris from demolition sites.
  • Cleared rubble from demolition sites after completion of work.
  • Disposed of hazardous materials according to applicable laws and regulations.
  • Cleaned up worksites following completion of jobs in order to maintain a safe environment.
  • Provided guidance and instruction to laborers working on demolition projects.
  • Used correct equipment and techniques to demolish buildings smoothly and avoid damaging nearby structures.
  • Wore protective equipment such as respirators and special suits for optimal protection from site hazards.
  • Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on demolition tools, machinery and equipment.
  • Removed debris remaining after natural disasters such as floods.
  • Assessed building structural components to determine safe and quick demolition strategies.
  • Carried out exact demolition orders at sites.

Skills

  • Plating and presentation
  • Banquets and catering
  • Menu design
  • Dish preparation
  • Signature dish creation
  • Culinary expertise
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • Recipe creation
  • Kitchen equipment safety
  • Employee retention strategies
  • Food presentation
  • Menu development
  • Culinary techniques
  • Grilling
  • Menu pricing
  • Allergy awareness
  • Food preparation techniques

Timeline

Head Chef

The Corner Lounge
04.2024 - Current

PCA

Royal Care
11.2022 - 01.2024

Demolition Worker

Tidewater Staffing Inc
07.2020 - 03.2022
Jaquelle Lewis