John Pittman
Merritt Island,FL
Summary
Dynamic Head Chef with a proven track record at Launchpad Bar and Grill, excelling in food safety and team management. Developed seasonal menus that enhanced customer satisfaction and minimized waste through effective inventory control. Committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and compliance, while fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Launchpad Bar and Grill
Merritt Island, FL
10.2025 - Current
- Assisted in kitchen operations to facilitate timely meal preparation and service efficiency.
- Created seasonal menus featuring local ingredients to improve customer satisfaction.
- Supported junior kitchen staff through training and mentoring to enhance skills and promote teamwork.
- Applied food safety protocols to uphold high standards of health and cleanliness.
- Worked with management on inventory control to optimize ingredient usage and minimize waste.
- Conducted inventory checks of food ingredients and supplies to assist in vendor order planning.
- Managed food storage and handling to prevent illness and avoid cross-contamination.
- Developed recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Coordinated timely delivery of orders during peak service hours by establishing efficient workstations and streamlined plating processes.
- Maintained compliance with health department regulations by enforcing proper food handling practices across the kitchen.
- Minimized cross-contamination risks from utensils, surfaces, and pans when preparing meals for customers with food allergies.
Chef
Dixie Belle Grill and Bar
Merritt Island, FL
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Prepared and executed various menu items in a fast-paced kitchen setting.
- Collaborated with team members to support timely meal service during busy periods.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food storage areas.
- Assisted in training new staff on food preparation methods and safety measures.
- Contributed to the development of daily specials using seasonal ingredients and customer feedback.
- Oversaw grill and oven operations while cleaning equipment at the end of each shift.
- Handled and stored food safely to minimize risk of illness and cross-contamination.
- Reduced food waste through effective menu planning and inventory management.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic recipes to encourage customer loyalty.
- Upheld food safety regulations to comply with health department standards.
Food Preparation Worker
Red Lobster Restaurant
Merritt Island, FL
02.2017 - 01.2024
- Prepared ingredients and menu items according to standardized recipes, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, maintaining cleanliness and adhering to health regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing efficiency in service delivery.
- Trained new staff on food safety protocols and proper kitchen procedures to ensure compliance.
- Implemented improvements in food prep techniques that reduced waste and increased productivity during peak hours.
- Kept workstation and equipment clean, organized, sanitized, and sufficiently stocked.
- Sanitized work surfaces between food preparation, avoiding cross-contamination and maintaining food safety guidelines.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Demonstrated punctuality and reliability in consistently arriving for scheduled shifts to meet service demands.
- Packaged and stored food products following proper handling and preservation methods.
- Prepared ingredients according to precise specifications, resulting in consistent meal quality across all menu items.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, adhering to strict health and safety standards for optimal work conditions.
- Organized and re-stocked various stations and self-service items.
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Supported kitchen team by being responsive and pitching in to complete tasks.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally during peak hours of operation.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Guaranteed customer satisfaction by quickly delivering orders.
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers or griddles.
Dietary Aide
Wuestoff Hospital
Rockledge, FL
07.2014 - 09.2017
- Prepared and served meals according to dietary guidelines and patient preferences.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring accurate stock levels of food supplies.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in kitchen and dining areas.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to address specific dietary needs of patients.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced meal service efficiency and quality.
- Kept all kitchen areas clean, tidy and free of hazards.
- Served meals to residents in accordance with established schedules and dietary procedures.
- Washed plates, cups, serving, and eating utensils and kitchen equipment in commercial dishwasher.
- Followed all food safety regulations while preparing meals for patients.
- Cleared tables and removed dishes, trays, and utensils from dining room to dishwashing area.
- Assisted in the preparation of nutritious meals for patients with various medical conditions and dietary restrictions.
- Maintained strict levels of cleanliness for tables, floors, and prep areas.
- Added food items, beverages, and utensils to trays and immediately delivered to correct rooms.
- Discarded outdated food products and maintained waste disposal procedures.
Education
High School Diploma -
Arlington High School
Poughkeepsie, NY06-1994
Skills
Food safety
Team management
Waste reduction
Food safety regulations
Kitchen operations
Regulatory compliance
Food presentation
Cost reduction
Cost control
Allergy awareness
Grilling
Timeline
Head Chef
Launchpad Bar and Grill
10.2025 - Current
Chef
Dixie Belle Grill and Bar
08.2024 - 08.2025
Food Preparation Worker
Red Lobster Restaurant
02.2017 - 01.2024
Dietary Aide
Wuestoff Hospital
07.2014 - 09.2017
High School Diploma -
Arlington High School