Jose Valencia
Weston,FL
Summary
Dynamic Kitchen Operations Manager with a proven track record at First Watch, excelling in staff training and food preparation management. Expert in implementing strategies that enhance performance and reduce waste. Skilled in cooking techniques and committed to maintaining high standards of food presentation and safety, ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Operations Manager
First Watch
12.2024 - Current
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Calculated prices of ingredients to monitor food costs and control expenses.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Lead Line Cook
First Watch
07.2022 - 12.2024
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with servers to collect information about specific customer desires and dietary needs.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Unloaded food supplies from distributor trucks to efficiently organize inventory.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Directed food preparation and cooking activities to meet health and safety standards.
- Coordinated kitchen activities with front-of-house staff for seamless and service.
- Maximized team productivity by expertly delegating tasks to kitchen staff.
- Planned routine upkeep of kitchen equipment and facilities for safe and efficient operations.
Line Cook
PF Changs Restaurant
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
Line Cook
Bento Sushi
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Chopped vegetables and cut meat to prepare for dinner hour.
- Covered, dated, rotated and properly stored food items to preserve quality and freshness.
- Operated grills, fryers, woks and ovens to cook food items.
- Trained and assisted new kitchen staff members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL08-2024
High School Diploma -
Cypress Bay Highschool
Weston, FL06-2020
Skills
- Staff training and development
- Food presentation
- Food preparation management
- Supply ordering
- ServSafe certification
- Plates presentation
- Cooking techniques
- Knife skills
Certification
Managers Serv Safe
Food handlers license
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Kitchen Operations Manager
First Watch
12.2024 - Current
Lead Line Cook
First Watch
07.2022 - 12.2024
Line Cook
PF Changs Restaurant
03.2022 - 07.2022
Line Cook
Bento Sushi
08.2020 - 03.2022
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Central Florida
High School Diploma -
Cypress Bay Highschool