John Jerico Dela Cruz
Cortez,CO
Summary
Versatile Chef with vast experience preparing dishes to impress diners. Trains and develops chefs to company standards. Anticipates ingredient needs and arranges re-stock to facilitate productive kitchen flow and uphold business standards. Innovative professional with well-rounded food background and extensive knowledge of all kitchen equipment. High-energy leader emphasizing healthy dishes made with local ingredients. Creatively builds exciting meals to satisfy discerning customers. Motivated professional dedicated to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local sources to drive farm-to-table menus. Proactive and adaptable team leader passionate about sustainable cuisine. Talented at creating exciting and innovative menus based on in-season ingredients. Innovative Executive Chef known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in menu development, kitchen team management, and food safety protocols. Excel in time management, creative problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences. Proactive and versatile professional with a dedication to quickly adapting to new challenges. Strong problem-solving abilities and a proven track record of fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. Focused on supporting team success and achieving positive results.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
Aramark
Moran, WY
05.2024 - Current
- Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
- Directed kitchen staff in food preparation and presentation to ensure high quality standards were met.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
- Planned weekly production schedules to maximize efficiency while minimizing waste.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service promptly and professionally.
- Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
- Planned and prepared food product orders to maintain appropriate stock levels.
- Supervised the selection, training, scheduling, and performance of kitchen personnel.
- Placed frequently used ingredients in proper storage containers and placed perishable items in refrigerator.
- Focused on customer satisfaction, creating delicious cuisine to impress diners.
- Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling, and equipment maintenance.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
- Coordinated and executed menu planning, recipe development and daily restaurant operations.
- Established a culture of safety in the kitchen by enforcing strict safety protocols.
- Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Monitored inventory levels of all food items to ensure adequate supplies are available at all times.
Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager
Aramark
Moran, WY
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Implemented surface and equipment schedules and standards to maintain clean, neat and sanitized kitchen.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies, procedures and quality standards.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
Lead Server
ARAMARK
Mancos, Colorado
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
Moran, Wyoming
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Trained new cooks on proper techniques for preparing dishes according to recipes.
- Created weekly schedules for kitchen staff based on anticipated volume of business.
- Analyzed forecast sheets and production plans to prepare ingredients for daily menu.
Lead Server
ARAMARK
Mancos, Colorado
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
Moran, WY
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.
- Followed "first in, first out" rule with every food and beverage item, tossing outdated and expired food products.
- Enforced strict health and hygiene standards in the kitchen and work areas.
Server
Ararmark
Mancos, CO
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure satisfaction.
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
Moran, WY
12.2020 - 04.2021
- Implemented food quality specifications through menu planning, plate presentation, and quality checks.
- Managed inventory and ordering of food supplies to ensure efficient operations.
- Followed recipes and procedures to prepare, season and cook food products.
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
Mancos, CO
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies of customers.
Lead Cook
Aramark
Moran, WY
12.2019 - 04.2020
- Inspected kitchen areas regularly for cleanliness; instructed staff members on sanitation protocols when necessary.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new recipes and update existing ones in order to improve the overall dining experience.
- Trained new chefs on menu items and kitchen procedures.
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
Mancos, CO
04.2019 - 10.2019
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
- Managed inventory and ordering of food supplies to ensure efficient operations.
Lead Cook
Aramark
Moran, WY
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Implemented food quality specifications through menu planning, plate presentation, and quality checks.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
Server
Aramark
Mancos, CO
04.2018 - 10.2018
- Communicated effectively with kitchen staff regarding customer allergies or special requests.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.
- Greeted guests and provided menus.
Busser
Armark
Mancos, CO
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Adhered to sanitation guidelines when handling food and beverage items.
- Conducted regular checks on customer satisfaction levels during meal service.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
Skills
- Signature dish creation
- Sanitation coordination
- Recipes and menu planning
- Restaurant operations
- Dietary restrictions
- Staff scheduling
- Food and beverage pairing
- Food plating and presentation
- Food preparation techniques
- Banquets and catering
- Forecasting and planning
- Menu supervision
- Food prep planning
- Decision-making
- Meal preparation
- Culinary techniques
- Hospitality service expertise
- Resource management
- Special events
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Food safety
- Kitchen operations oversight
- Menu pricing
- Plating and garnishing
- Food presentation
- Menu development
- Sanitation standards
- Verbal and written communication
- Strong work ethic
- Food service safety training
- Inventory management
- Staffing
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Purchasing
- Team leadership
Certification
- Proctor and Instructor Food Manager Servsafe Certified
- Servsafe Manager Certified
- Servsafe Alcohol Certified
- Servsafe Allergen Certified
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Full Professional
Filipino
Native/ Bilingual
Mongolian
Professional
Timeline
Executive Chef
Aramark
05.2024 - Current
Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager
Aramark
01.2024 - 04.2024
Lead Server
ARAMARK
04.2023 - 10.2023
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
12.2022 - 04.2023
Lead Server
ARAMARK
04.2022 - 10.2022
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
12.2021 - 04.2022
Server
Ararmark
04.2021 - 10.2021
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
12.2020 - 04.2021
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
04.2020 - 10.2020
Lead Cook
Aramark
12.2019 - 04.2020
Lead Cook
ARAMARK
04.2019 - 10.2019
Lead Cook
Aramark
12.2018 - 04.2019
Server
Aramark
04.2018 - 10.2018
Busser
Armark
08.2017 - 10.2017
- Proctor and Instructor Food Manager Servsafe Certified
- Servsafe Manager Certified
- Servsafe Alcohol Certified
- Servsafe Allergen Certified
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