- Drawing and Painting
- Outdoor Recreation
- Playing Sports
- I like trying new recipes and food trends
Johnny Gonzalez
Nooksack,WA
Summary
Dynamic culinary leader with over 15 years of experience in high-volume restaurant and casino kitchens, excelling in management and cooking roles. Renowned for fostering a collaborative atmosphere on the line while effectively balancing speed, precision, and teamwork to consistently deliver exceptional food quality. Expertise in scratch cooking, BBQ, Creole-Cajun flavors, and comfort food enhances the ability to create memorable dining experiences. Proven track record in optimizing prep systems, controlling costs, and mentoring staff to thrive in fast-paced kitchen environments.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Production Specialist
Wholefoods Market
01.2025 - Current
- Oversaw food production processes, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented efficient workflows to enhance production capabilities.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices in food handling and preparation.
- Prepared ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring according to standardized recipes
- Operated kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, and fryers to ensure food safety
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and kitchen areas following health regulations
Sous Chef / Lead Line Cook
Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus that enhanced guest satisfaction.
- Trained culinary team in food preparation techniques and presentation standards.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through efficient procurement practices.
- Mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and teamwork within the kitchen environment.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
Lead Cook
Skagit Casino
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring high food quality and adherence to safety standards.
- Developed and implemented new menu items, enhancing guest satisfaction and culinary diversity.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste in kitchen operations.
- Trained new cooks on proper cooking techniques and safety protocols to maintain consistency and quality.
- Collaborated with management to create seasonal menus aligned with customer preferences and local sourcing initiatives.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
Head Chef
Big Rock Roadhouse
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Streamlined inventory management processes to reduce waste and optimize costs.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.
- Designed and implemented seasonal menus to enhance culinary offerings.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
Sous Chef
The Office Tavern
03.2017 - 07.2019
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Developed seasonal menus, incorporating local ingredients to enhance culinary offerings.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste in the kitchen.
- Trained new team members on cooking techniques and kitchen operations for consistent quality.
- Collaborated with management on inventory control, optimizing ingredient sourcing and cost management.
Lead Cook
Northwood Casino
06.2014 - 04.2017
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
- Oversaw proper storage procedures for perishable items, ensuring freshness and minimizing spoilage risks.
- Developed innovative seasonal menus that catered to diverse dietary needs and preferences, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Prep Cook
Aramark
09.2012 - 06.2014
- Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple food stations simultaneously without compromising quality or speed.
- Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
Dish Machine Operator
St. Joseph Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2012
- Operated commercial dishwashing machinery to ensure efficient cleaning of hospital utensils and equipment.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in compliance with health regulations.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on machinery to minimize downtime and ensure operational readiness.
- Upheld the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in personal workspace, contributing to an overall reputation of excellence within the establishment.
Education
GED -
Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, WA01.2020
Skills
- Grill, Fryer & Sauté Station Mastery
- Scratch Cooking & Flavor Development
- Team Training & Mentorship
- High-Volume Service Efficiency
- Food Cost & Inventory Control
- Recipe Development & Menu Specials
- Allergen awareness
- Recipe development
- Waste reduction strategies
- Problem-solving
- Team collaboration
Interests
Timeline
Food Production Specialist
Wholefoods Market
01.2025 - Current
Sous Chef / Lead Line Cook
Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa
08.2023 - 01.2025
Lead Cook
Skagit Casino
04.2021 - 07.2023
Head Chef
Big Rock Roadhouse
05.2019 - 04.2021
Sous Chef
The Office Tavern
03.2017 - 07.2019
Lead Cook
Northwood Casino
06.2014 - 04.2017
Prep Cook
Aramark
09.2012 - 06.2014
Dish Machine Operator
St. Joseph Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2012
GED -
Bellingham Technical College