Joann Merchain
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dedicated Cafeteria Manager with expertise in food preparation, inventory management, and team leadership. Proven track record of optimizing operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Results-driven Cafeteria Manager with over 14 years of experience in food service operations. Skilled in problem-solving, health and safety compliance, and staff training, leading to reduced waste and improved service quality.
Experienced food service professional known for strong leadership and operational efficiency. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction through effective inventory management and compliance with health regulations.
Professional with strong background in food service management, excelling in overseeing daily operations and ensuring high standards of cleanliness and food safety. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams, adapting to changing needs and consistently achieving operational goals. Expertise in inventory management, customer service, and staff training, combined with focus on collaboration and delivering results. Reliable and resourceful, ready to enhance cafeteria efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Cafeteria Manager
Lausd
Los Angeles, CA
10.2011 - Current
- Oversaw daily cafeteria operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed inventory control, optimizing supply orders to reduce waste and costs.
- Trained and mentored staff on food preparation techniques and customer service standards.
- Developed menus that met nutritional guidelines while appealing to student preferences.
- Conducted regular inspections to maintain food quality and sanitation standards.
- Implemented scheduling systems to enhance staff productivity during peak hours.
- Analyzed feedback from students and parents to improve service offerings and satisfaction levels.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Managed budgets, analyzing financial data to make informed decisions on purchasing and menu pricing.
- Used [Software] to analyze daily financial statements, balance statements and reimbursable meals.
- Created training materials for new hires to ensure consistent knowledge of policies and procedures across the team.
Senior Food Service Worker
Lausd
Los Angeles, CA
12.2006 - 10.2011
- Supervised daily food service operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in efficient food preparation and customer service techniques.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance team performance and service quality.
- Collaborated with management to create menus aligned with nutritional guidelines and student preferences.
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen equipment to maintain operational standards and prevent downtime.
- Assisted in budget planning by analyzing food costs and suggesting cost-saving measures.
- Facilitated clear communication between front-of-house back-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination during high-volume times.
- Improved employee morale through open communication channels, creating a positive work atmosphere within the team.
- Supported smooth kitchen operations by taking on various roles such as prepping ingredients or serving when needed, increasing overall efficiency levels in the workplace.
- Continuously updated knowledge on industry trends, incorporating innovative ideas into daily operations for enhanced guest experience.
- Managed meal orders efficiently while ensuring accuracy, leading to a decrease in customer complaints related to incorrect dishes served.
- Ensured timely delivery of meals by coordinating closely with kitchen staff and servers during peak hours.
- Reduced food waste through diligent inventory management, proper storage, and creative menu planning.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in the kitchen, resulting in lower operational expenses without compromising quality.
- Trained new employees on proper food handling techniques, safety procedures, and company policies.
- Assisted in creating promotional materials for special events which resulted in higher attendance rates.
- Contributed significantly to overall team success by actively participating in meetings brainstorming sessions aimed at improving both process efficiency customer satisfaction levels.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient food service and maintaining a clean dining environment.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, consistently passing health inspections with top marks.
- Upheld strict quality control measures by consistently monitoring food preparation methods and presentation standards, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with management to develop menus that catered to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.l
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Strictly followed sanitation and food safety guidelines as required by regulatory agencies and company.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to enhance service.
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
- Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
- Handled cash transactions and point-of-sale operations to assist dining room staff during busy service periods.
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Lifted and carried heavy materials.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Reduced kitchen accidents by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Maintained high personal grooming standards and uniform presentation.
- Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
- Trained new staff on food preparation and safety procedures.
- Pushed, pulled and transported large loads and objects.
- Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Food Service Worker
LAUSD
Los Angeles, CA
09.1998 - 2006
- Prepared and served meals according to nutritional guidelines and safety standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in food preparation and service areas.
- Assisted in inventory management, monitoring stock levels, and restocking supplies.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient service during peak hours.
- Implemented improvements in food presentation to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations through regular sanitation checks.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated versatility by quickly adapting to various roles within the food service environment as needed.
- Delivered exceptional service by promptly addressing customer concerns and special requests.
- Set up and broke down food service lines quickly to maintain service flow.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and organized dining area.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Achieved consistent compliance with health department regulations through diligent adherence to policies and procedures.
- Assisted in inventory management, ordering supplies, and minimizing food spoilage.
- Participated in regular trainings to stay current on industry best practices and trends.
- Developed rapport with customers, fostering loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
- Enhanced customer loyalty, remembering regulars' names and orders.
- Prepared variety of menu items following specific recipes to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Boosted customer satisfaction, promptly addressing and resolving complaints.
- Reduced food preparation times by organizing workstations effectively.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen, dining and service areas.
- Followed safety and sanitation policies while handling food and beverages to uphold proper health standards.
- Monitored food quality and freshness throughout day.
- Cross-trained in other kitchen positions to support staff and meet customer needs and demands.
- Greeted customers and answered inquiries regarding menu items and specials.
- Processed customer payments and balanced cash drawers.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of menu items and corresponding ingredients.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Utilized POS system to receive and process food and beverage orders.
- Portioned and wrapped food to place directly on plates for service to patrons.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Strictly followed sanitation and food safety guidelines as required by regulatory agencies and company.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
- Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
- Handled cash transactions and point-of-sale operations to assist dining room staff during busy service periods.
Education
Garfield Senor
Los Angeles, CA2006
Skills
- Food preparation
- Health and safety procedures
- Food handling
- Sanitation standards
- Food presentation
- Safety and health precautions
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Meal planning
- Health regulations
- Inventory management
- Employee scheduling
- Staff scheduling
- OSHA regulations
- Waste reduction
- Portion control
- Nutrition
- Allergy awareness
- Menu planning
- Regulatory compliance
- Cafeteria equipment operations
- Food and supplies ordering
- Service safe
- Inventory oversight and maintenance
- HACCP record keeping
- Budgetary governance
- Staff supervision and assistance
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Reliable and responsible
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Customer satisfaction
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Money handling
- Decision-making
- Cash handling
- Safe food handling
- Relationship building
- Calm and pleasant demeanor
- Operational efficiency
- Scheduling staff
- Employee supervision
- Delegating assignments and tasks
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Supply ordering and management
- Self motivation
- Nutritional knowledge
- Health and safety regulations
- Monitoring food preparation
- Coaching and mentoring
- Analytical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Recruitment and hiring
- Operations management
- Food safety compliance
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Goal setting
- Hospitality management
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal communication
- Scheduling
- Quality control
- Strategic planning
- Training and onboarding
- Staff training
- Building maintenance
- Food plating and presentation
- Employee performance evaluations
- Inventory control
- Staff supervision
- Time management abilities
- Continuous improvement
- Adaptability
- Written communication
- Quality assurance
- Sales and marketing
- Project management
- Managing deliveries
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Professional Working
Timeline
Cafeteria Manager
Lausd
10.2011 - Current
Senior Food Service Worker
Lausd
12.2006 - 10.2011
Food Service Worker
LAUSD
09.1998 - 2006
Garfield Senor