John Taber
Kentwood,MI
Summary
Talented, career-oriented individual with excellent knife skills and experience in fast-paced environments. Clear communicator with team-oriented focus and advanced skills to effectively work with customers, FOH employees, and kitchen staff to review and prepare orders. Qualified for nearly any food-handling career.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook
Nonla Burger GR
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2023 - Current
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction and repeat business
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail and quality
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry and fish for frying purposes
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation
Prep Line Cook
Black Rock Bar And Grill
Portage/Grand Rapids, MI
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Used kitchen equipment safely and reduced risk of injuries and burns.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Packaged, arranged and labeled ingredient stock, storing at established temperatures.
- Communicated with management on food inventory stock to request order placement.
Head Sushi Chef
Maru
Kalamazoo, MI
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Opened new store location in Kalamazoo
- Hired and trained new team members in proper procedures and interacting with customers
- Ordered and priced whole foods and ingredients.
- Stayed up-to-date on all food regulations
- Ensured safe/friendly working environments for all employees and customers
- Created training guides, recipes, and weekly specials (including pricing)
- Worked with spreadsheets, ledgers, and checkbooks to maintain proper cost ratio
- Carefully handled various types of knives, hand tools and utensils to fillet fish in preparation for sushi
- Undertook Japanese recipes and added innovative ingredients to create dynamic sushi rolls
- Educated guests on different types of fish and shellfish to aid decision-making on sushi orders
- Supervised and enhanced work of 20-person team producing more than 500 plates per day
Sushi/Hibachi Chef
Maru
Detroit, MI
11.2016 - 01.2017
- Head Sushi Chef in Training for new location
- Helped open Detroit location
- Trained new cook/sushi in proper procedures and interacting with customers
- Trained under Executive Chef on food, regulations, employee training, recipe guides, ordering, and purchasing
- Modernized processes for kitchen staff to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output
- Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance and cleanliness of production and service areas
Sushi Maker/Hibachi Line Cook
Maru
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2013 - 02.2017
- Prepped and cooked all menu items
- Washed dishes, cleaned restaurant during/after business hours
- Learned about sushi and special menu items
- Assisted in creating weekly specials
- Assisted in order whole foods, ingredients, and dishware
- Assisted in price/cost spreadsheets
- Ensured food quality and satisfaction of customers
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows
- Actively participated in planning sushi menu and crafted new items for special events
- Collaborated with vendors to source desired recipe ingredients while maintaining tight cost controls
Education
High School Diploma -
West Catholic High School
Grand Rapids, MISkills
- Team Oriented
- Food Preparation
- Time Management
- Cleaning and Organization
- Knife Skills
- Menu Planning
- Recipe Creation
- Cutting Techniques
- Food Presentation Talent
- Team Coordination
- Restaurant Management
- Exotic Ingredients
Timeline
Line Cook
Nonla Burger GR
01.2023 - Current
Prep Line Cook
Black Rock Bar And Grill
10.2021 - 01.2023
Head Sushi Chef
Maru
02.2017 - 03.2020
Sushi/Hibachi Chef
Maru
11.2016 - 01.2017
Sushi Maker/Hibachi Line Cook
Maru
08.2013 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
West Catholic High School