John Leal
Summary
Creative cook with extensive experience in high-volume restaurant environments. Outstanding management skills with strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. Efficient and committed to delivering excellent customer service.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook
Cheesecake Factory Inc
04.2023 - Current
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Verified proper portion sizes to consistently attain high food quality standards.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Front Line Cook
Shari's Cafe And Pies
05.2021 - 03.2023
- Proactively communicated with front-of-house staff to ensure accurate order delivery and prompt resolution of issues.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Meticulously followed health and safety guidelines, contributing to a clean and sanitary kitchen workspace.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Reduced food preparation time while maintaining quality through effective mise en place organization.
- Streamlined cooking processes for increased productivity and reduced food waste.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Line Cook
Chili's Bar And Grill
07.2018 - 02.2019
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Taco Line Cook
Puestos Mexican Food Cuisine And Bar
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Mastered effective time-management techniques, allowing for seamless transitions between tasks during rush periods.
- Streamlined food preparation processes by cross-training in various stations of the back line area.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
Line Wok Cook
Pei Wei Chinese Food
01.2014 - 03.2018
- Sauteed and seasoned meats, pastas and vegetables to customer taste preference.
- Organized server tickets to expedite food orders.
- Suggested actionable improvements to streamline training procedures.
- Maintained strong communication with front-of-house staff for seamless coordination during meal service periods.
- Operated wok containing oil and using high heat level carefully to avoid burns and injuries.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Rancho Bernardo High School
San Diego, CA06.2015
Skills
- Line Management
- Kitchen Sanitation
- Kitchen Organization
- Portion Control
- Frying techniques
- Ingredient Preparation
- Recipe creation
- Cleanliness standards
- Food Preparing, Plating, and Presentation
- Ticket Time Monitoring
- Following cooking methods
- Active listener
- Grilling Techniques
- Recipe Adherence
Timeline
Line Cook
Cheesecake Factory Inc
04.2023 - Current
Front Line Cook
Shari's Cafe And Pies
05.2021 - 03.2023
Line Cook
Chili's Bar And Grill
07.2018 - 02.2019
Taco Line Cook
Puestos Mexican Food Cuisine And Bar
04.2018 - 07.2018
Line Wok Cook
Pei Wei Chinese Food
01.2014 - 03.2018
High School Diploma -
Rancho Bernardo High School