Jason Whitaker
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Adept at grilling techniques and food safety practices, I significantly enhanced kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction at Red Lobster. My strong work ethic and ability to train new hires have bolstered team performance and operational excellence, showcasing a results-driven approach with a focus on quality and teamwork.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Grill Master
Red Lobster
07.2021 - Current
- Operated and maintained grills, fryers and other cooking equipment.
- Checked freshness and quality of ingredients.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Restocked stations and supplies during slower periods between rushes.
- Monitored food temperatures for proper cooking and safe consumption.
- Performed daily food preparation tasks by chopping, slicing and dicing various food and ingredients.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Prepared meals according to customer specifications.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Adhered to strict food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
- Efficiently managed time by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Trained new team members on kitchen operations and safety protocols.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Provided support to crew members, facilitating quick food preparation and delivery.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Worked closely with other kitchen staff to facilitate timely completion of orders.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Sales Associate
Speedway
Cincinnati, OH
08.2020 - 07.2021
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
- Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Used in-store system to locate inventory and place special orders for customers.
- Delivered energetic responses to customers in-store and by telephone, going above and beyond to serve needs.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
Manager
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Cincinnati, OH
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
Manager
Steak N Shake
Cincinnati, OH
03.2000 - 12.2003
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels, and reducing waste.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
Education
GED - General Studies
Princeton High School
Cincinnati, OHSkills
- Grilling Techniques
- Food safety practices
- Gas grill operation
- Recipe Development
- Temperature Control
- Direct Heat Cooking
- Vegetable grilling
- Fish Grilling
- Chicken Grilling
- Seasoning Knowledge
- Grill maintenance
- Burger Crafting
- Grill Timing
- Meat selection
- Game Meat Grilling
- Smoking Techniques
- Pork Grilling
- Steak Perfection
- Skewer Grilling
- Marinating Expertise
- Indirect Heat Cooking
- Charcoal management
- Rotisserie grilling
- Sausage grilling
- Plank Grilling
- Pizza Grilling
- Quick-learning
- Strong Work Ethic
- Willing to Learn
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Team Player
- Cleaning and organization
- Multitasking and Organization
- Kitchen Safety
- Kitchen Sanitation
- Efficient
- Food Preparation
- Safe Food Handling
- Knife Skills
- Adaptable
- Cooking techniques
- Flexible Schedule
- Sanitation Standards
- Food Service
- Kitchen Operations
- Menu item preparation
- Food presentation
- Concise time management
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Food Storage
- Food plating and presentation
- Ingredient Preparation
- Resourceful
- Food Plating
- New Hire Training
- Inventory Monitoring
- Order Accuracy
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Meat Preparation
- Ingredients measuring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Fryer Operation
- Quality Inspections
- Sauce preparation
- Performance Improvement
- Inventory Replenishment
- Waste Reduction
- Food Handler Certification
- Recipe creation
- Health Code Compliance
- Food rotation
- Portion Control
- Plating
- Food safety and sanitation
- Portioning
- Ingredient Selection
Timeline
Certified Grill Master
Red Lobster
07.2021 - Current
Sales Associate
Speedway
08.2020 - 07.2021
Manager
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
04.2016 - 01.2017
Manager
Steak N Shake
03.2000 - 12.2003
GED - General Studies
Princeton High School