Joanna Smith
San Jose,CA
Summary
Energetic Lead cook with diverse knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques. Supports kitchen needs by following orders and jumping in to handle demands quickly. Excellent manual dexterity and knife skills with current food-handling certification. Determined Cook preparing memorable dishes. Integrates culinary knowledge with hard work to consistently offer wholesome, satisfying meals. Experienced in designing high-quality menus.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Pastry Cook
Bon Appétit Management
07.2024 - Current
- Ensured compliance with food safety standards and sanitation protocols in the bakery area.
- Oversaw daily operations of pastry station, ensuring timely service and product quality.
- Maintained pastry-making equipment in good working order and replaced machinery when required to meet quality standards.
- Contributed creative solutions towards problem-solving and process improvement, fostering a team-oriented work environment.
- Led a team of pastry cooks in executing daily tasks, resulting in smooth operations and timely completion of orders.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to guarantee timely delivery of all pastries, cakes and desserts.
- Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
- Mixed icing and other toppings by reading recipes, scaling, and measuring ingredients and operating mixer.
- Ensured daily taste process was completed for the following day
Pastry Cook
Bon Appétit Management
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Scaled out and mixed ingredients according to recipes and procedures.
- Demonstrated attention to detail in crafting intricate pastry designs, resulting in excellent presentation and visual appeal for customers.
- Prepared wide variety of goods such as cakes, cookies and tarts by following traditional and modern recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness and proper food safety standards, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff members.
- Adapted quickly to new techniques and equipment, increasing overall productivity within the kitchen team.
Lead Cook
Bon Appétit Management
02.2022 - 10.2023
- Upheld strict presentation standards, including kitchen, crew members and final dishes.
- Directed smooth preparation of each day’s ingredients and station setup.
- Mentored and supervised less experienced kitchen personnel.
- Scheduled and assigned daily work activities for kitchen staff.
- Maintained detailed records to accurately plan menu and staff requirements.
Line Cook
Bon Appétit Management
01.2020 - 02.2022
- Supported kitchen operations by restocking and preparing stations with necessary supplies and equipment.
- Covered kitchen needs at any station, filling in for absent team members and bringing cooks up to speed.
- Prepared recipe ingredients, including chopping vegetables and creating sauces.
- Produced consistent results by memorizing recipes, portion sizes and plating techniques.
- Prepared fresh ingredients to meet anticipated service demand.
- Covered kitchen needs at station, filled in for absent team members and brought cooks up to speed.
- Followed proper sanitation practices to maximize safety and prevent cross-contamination.
- Produced consistent dish quality using established recipes and cooking expertise.
Prep Cook
Bon Appetite
08.2018 - Current
- Helped fast-paced kitchen run smoothly by following instructions and handling all prep work for expected daily demand.
- Kept kitchen stocked and stations ready, using pre-opening hours to fully prepare for each day’s work.
- Sorted, washed, and stored ingredients in optimal arrangements for easy use during busy periods.
- Worked up from entry-level kitchen role, cross-training in multiple stations to deliver complete kitchen support.
Line Cook
Benihana
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Followed proper sanitation practices to maximize safety and prevent cross-contamination.
- Organized kitchen spaces in line with food storage procedures.
- Produced consistent results by memorizing recipes, portion sizes and plating techniques.
Assistant to the Event Coordinator
Cabrillo College
03.2017 - 03.2019
- Assisted in the organizing of the event.
- Managed service staff
- Assisted clients on the day of the event with anything they needed.
- Made sure that the time line for the event was on track.
Culinary Teachers Aide
Cabrillo College
02.2017 - 02.2019
- Mentored individual students struggling with composition, performance and technique concepts.
- Assisted teachers with grading routine assignments, projects and tests.
- Assisted instructor with in-class activities by grading assignments, tutoring and proctoring examinations.
- Liaised with teacher to prepare daily and weekly lesson materials.
Prepared Foods Cook
Whole Foods
03.2017 - 05.2018
- Cleaned equipment between use and at end of day to maintain optimum conditions.
- Followed special ingredient, preparation and cleaning requirements for allergen-sensitive patrons.
- Measured and mixed ingredients to follow recipes, cooking items to instructions.
- Prepared multiple items simultaneously and coordinated cooking to deliver fresh, complete orders.
- Cooked entrees, side dishes and appetizers following established recipes.
Expeditor
Buffalo Wild Wings
11.2016 - 11.2017
- Kept kitchen organized by cleaning up waste and leftover foods.
- Prepared for busy periods by cutting, slicing and washing frequently used ingredients.
- Assisted with food service by working closely with servers to move food out quickly.
- Managed inventory control, including addressing material issues and coordinating cycle counts.
- Met all work requirements by coordinating effective schedules and correct work orders.
- Ensure items were prepared to company standards
Assistant manager
Gap
10.2011 - 11.2017
- Helped senior managers run smooth operations by independently handling day-to-day requirements.
- Improved customer relations, maintained brand loyalty, and recaptured lost revenue opportunities by smoothly handling escalated problems.
- Controlled labor costs by using demand-based workflows.
Education
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Culinary and hospitality
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA06.2022
Associate in Science (A.S.) - undefined
Gavilan College
Gilroy, Ca05.2013
Diploma - undefined
San Andrea High School
Hollister, CA06.2004
Skills
- Sanitation and cleanliness
- Recipe development
- Menu development
- Kitchen inventory management
- Kitchen equipment safety
- Crunch Time
- Mobius
- Servsafe Manager certification
- Food safety compliance
- Allergen awareness
Timeline
Lead Pastry Cook
Bon Appétit Management
07.2024 - Current
Pastry Cook
Bon Appétit Management
10.2023 - 07.2024
Lead Cook
Bon Appétit Management
02.2022 - 10.2023
Line Cook
Benihana
06.2021 - 08.2022
Line Cook
Bon Appétit Management
01.2020 - 02.2022
Prep Cook
Bon Appetite
08.2018 - Current
Assistant to the Event Coordinator
Cabrillo College
03.2017 - 03.2019
Prepared Foods Cook
Whole Foods
03.2017 - 05.2018
Culinary Teachers Aide
Cabrillo College
02.2017 - 02.2019
Expeditor
Buffalo Wild Wings
11.2016 - 11.2017
Assistant manager
Gap
10.2011 - 11.2017
Associate in Science (A.S.) - undefined
Gavilan College
Diploma - undefined
San Andrea High School
Associate in Arts (A.A.) - Culinary and hospitality
Cabrillo College