John Ward
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional skilled in enhancing kitchen operations and team efficiency. Proven track record in training staff on food preparation techniques while ensuring strict adherence to food safety practices. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities contribute to a collaborative work environment and high customer satisfaction.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
COOK/TRAINER
BULL n CLAW
Wells, Maine
06.2003 - 10.2017
- Trained kitchen staff on efficient food preparation techniques to enhance service quality.
- Developed and implemented training programs for culinary staff efficiency.
- Demonstrated proper knife handling, food preparation, and cooking methods, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- High volume lobster house steaming lobster, fried and grilled seafood -Seafood and maintaining soup and salad bar.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain restaurant standards.
- Ensure compliance with health regulations
- Assisted in scheduling staff shifts to optimize kitchen workflow and coverage.
- Gained hands-on experience in culinary operations during summer position, developing foundational skills.
COOK
Frescos Waterfront Bistro
St Petersburg, FL
10.2004 - 06.2007
- Preparing Gulf coast cuisine grill, sauté, prep groupers, snapper, shrimp soups and sauces.
- Assisted in creating and implementing daily specials, contributing to menu variety.
- Trained kitchen on food preparation techniques
- Demonstrated effective communication skills, enhancing collaboration in team settings.
- Facilitated effective communication between team members and management to streamline operations.
Cook
The Wharf
St Petersburg, FL
06.2007 - 06.2010
- Preparing Gulf coast cuisine grill, sauté, prep groupers, snapper, shrimp soups and sauces.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to create daily specials, enhancing menu variety.
- Trained kitchen on food preparation techniques
- Prepared dishes in a fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of food.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Coordinated communication between team members and management to streamline operations.
- Showcased effective communication skills to enhance teamwork and collaboration.
Cook Shift Leader
Café Alma
St Petersburg, FL
06.2010 - 06.2013
- Coordinated communication among team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations
- Enhanced team collaboration through effective communication techniques
- Monitored food preparation to ensure quality standards were met.
- Enforced sanitation policies and procedures throughout the kitchen area.
- Developed training program on food preparation techniques for kitchen staff
- Preparing Gulf coast cuisine grill, sauté, prep, cooked grouper, snapper, shrimp soups and sauces.
- Assisted in specials including Paella and Tapas
Host Helpers
Host Helpers
Westwood , CA
12.2013 - 12.2015
- Supported chefs in managing food preparation to achieve precise plating and presentation.
- Prepared and presented food for various events, ensuring visual appeal and quality.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down catering events.
- Coordinated event setup, optimizing table arrangements and décor for enhanced guest experience.
- Transported meals and beverages from kitchen and bar areas to serve guest tables efficiently..
- Staffed private homes for holiday parties and events, delivering seamless service to clients.
Labor/Catering Assistant
Complete Staffing
Portland , ME
01.2018 - 07.2020
- Performed various labor tasks in construction settings, ensuring projects were completed efficiently.
- Managed inventory and supplies to optimize availability of materials for projects.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Resolved issues efficiently, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align efforts and achieve project goals.
Education
Downey High - General Studies
Downey High School
Downey, CA06-2000
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Food preparation techniques
- Food safety practices
- Recipe development
- Culinary instruction
- Training program development
- Leadership
- Team liaison
- Effective communication
- Customer service
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Labor/Catering Assistant
Complete Staffing
01.2018 - 07.2020
Host Helpers
Host Helpers
12.2013 - 12.2015
Cook Shift Leader
Café Alma
06.2010 - 06.2013
Cook
The Wharf
06.2007 - 06.2010
COOK
Frescos Waterfront Bistro
10.2004 - 06.2007
COOK/TRAINER
BULL n CLAW
06.2003 - 10.2017
Downey High - General Studies
Downey High School