Joseph Agrusa
Chicago,Illinois
Summary
Experienced with preparing and cooking variety of dishes in fast-paced kitchen environment. Utilizes effective time management and multitasking skills to ensure efficient meal preparation. Knowledge of maintaining food safety standards and creating collaborative team atmosphere.
Hardworking and enthusiastic Job Title trained in every facet of successful work. Stays on top of current and expected demands, quickly realigning tasks to handle needs. Dedicated to first-rate communication and team success.
Flexible Cook willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings. Comfortable working in fast-paced environments in team setting. Background in maintaining kitchen sanitation, preparing basic components of dishes and working within team of cooks.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook/Sous Chef
Troon North Golf Club/Clock Tower Café
Chicago, IL
05.2023 - Current
- Prepared and executed high-quality dishes in fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with team to ensure timely meal service and customer satisfaction.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations following food safety standards.
- Assisted in menu development by contributing seasonal ingredient ideas and dish enhancements.
- Trained junior cooks on proper cooking techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Monitored inventory levels, minimizing waste through efficient ingredient usage and storage practices.
- Implemented process improvements that increased kitchen efficiency during peak hours.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to align service flow and enhance guest experience.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
- Collaborated with chef to develop new menu items, leading to increased diner interest and sales.
- Optimized food presentation, resulting in positive customer feedback and increased social media attention.
- Led kitchen safety workshop, resulting in zero accidents or injuries for year.
- Managed kitchen equipment maintenance, preventing unexpected downtime and preserving workflow.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
Pantry Line Cook and Dishwasher
Gibsons Italia Steakhouse
Chicago, IL
04.2021 - 05.2023
- Prepared ingredients and garnishes for menu items, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness of kitchen and pantry areas, adhering to health regulations.
- Collaborated with chefs to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Trained new staff on pantry operations and safety protocols, fostering a knowledgeable team environment.
- Managed inventory levels by tracking supplies and placing orders as necessary to prevent shortages.
- Implemented organization systems for pantry storage, improving accessibility and reducing waste.
- Monitored food safety practices during meal prep, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Adhered to strict health and safety guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.
- Reduced food waste by properly storing ingredients and managing portion sizes.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to discuss menu changes, challenges faced, and areas for improvement within the department.
- Trained new pantry staff members on proper techniques and procedures, improving overall team performance.
- Communicated effectively with serving staff regarding food allergies or dietary restrictions for prompt order adjustments.
- Developed positive relationships with vendors to ensure consistent quality of ingredients received for optimal dish preparation.
- Kept all utensils and equipment in optimal condition through regular cleaning and maintenance routines.
- Improved plate presentation techniques resulting in increased positive feedback from customers on appearance and taste.
- Expedited orders effectively during peak hours, providing excellent service under high-pressure situations.
- Supported sous chef with inventory management tasks, helping control costs and prevent shortages.
- Collaborated with fellow line cooks to maintain consistent food quality across all stations.
- Maintained a clean and organized work station, contributing to overall kitchen efficiency.
- Prepped ingredients efficiently before each shift, ensuring smooth operation during busy meal periods.
- Communicated with servers and chef to expedite food delivery.
- Prepared salads, sandwiches and desserts for restaurant guests and catered events.
- Notified chef in advance of supply needs to prevent inventory shortage.
- Cleaned and sanitized pantry station at end of shift.
- Prepped dressing, vinaigrettes and accompanying garnishes for pantry menu items.
- Stocked supplies to maintain sufficient levels of food products at pantry station.
- Cleaned counters, shelves, walls, furniture and equipment in food service areas.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
Grocery Store Clerk
Mariano’s
Chicago, IL
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Restocked perishables such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, according to expiration dates displayed on packaging labels.
- Organized backroom storage areas according to company standards.
- Cleaned display cases, shelves and aisles regularly for optimal presentation of merchandise.
- Assisted customers in locating items, providing information on product features and benefits.
- Verified expiration dates on food items and removed outdated products from shelves.
- Examined merchandise to identify items needing to be ordered or replenished.
- Performed regular inventory counts to ensure accuracy of stock levels.
- Operated forklifts and pallet jacks when necessary for stocking purposes.
Mail Sorter
Ups Supply Chain Solutions
Bensenville, IL
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Performed manual sorting of letters and packages according to established procedures.
- Operated mailroom equipment, including automated sorting machines.
- Loaded, unloaded, and transported mail using appropriate vehicles and containers.
- Accurately sorted and distributed incoming mail to designated departments, utilizing knowledge of organizational layout.
- Placed incoming or outgoing letters or packages into sacks or bins based on destination or type, and placed identifying tags on sacks or bins.
- Sorted and routed incoming mail, and collected outgoing mail, using carts as necessary.
- Cleared jams in sortation equipment.
- Wrapped packages or bundles by hand, or by using tying machines.
- Monitored flow of mail from remote locations and investigated disruptions.
Dish Machine Operator, Busser, Server & Prep Cook
Left Coast
Chicago, IL
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Refilled supplies in restrooms and checked cleanliness levels.
- Stocked and rotated supplies such as glassware, silverware, china, and other dishwashing items.
- Emptied trash in kitchen and cleaned trash cans using water and solvents.
- Performed daily cleaning duties including mopping floors, wiping counters, disposing of trash, and washing walls.
- Performed regular maintenance on dishwashing machines according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Maintained adequate levels of clean tableware for dining room and kitchen.
- Cleaned large amounts of dishes quickly and efficiently while ensuring quality control standards were met.
- Assisted cooks in preparing ingredients by washing vegetables and fruits as requested.
Dish Washer & Prep Cook
Lillie's Q
Chicago, IL
07.2014 - 02.2017
- Assisted with food prep and banquet setup.
- Operated manual pot-washing machines to wash large pots and pans quickly and effectively.
- Loaded dirty dishes into commercial dishwashers for cleaning.
- Placed clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in designated storage areas.
- Refilled supplies in restrooms and checked cleanliness levels.
- Deep cleaned sinks to remove food residue and deter odors.
- Organized kitchen areas in order to maximize efficiency during peak hours.
- Cleaned large amounts of dishes quickly and efficiently while ensuring quality control standards were met.
- Performed daily cleaning duties including mopping floors, wiping counters, disposing of trash, and washing walls.
- Stocked supplies in serving stations, cupboards, or refrigerators.
- Cleaned and organized cooler, freezer, and stock room.
- Worked with coworkers to complete tasks.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Carl Schurz High School
Chicago, IL08.2016
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Professional attitude
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Line Cook/Sous Chef
Troon North Golf Club/Clock Tower Café
05.2023 - Current
Pantry Line Cook and Dishwasher
Gibsons Italia Steakhouse
04.2021 - 05.2023
Grocery Store Clerk
Mariano’s
08.2020 - 04.2021
Mail Sorter
Ups Supply Chain Solutions
02.2019 - 08.2020
Dish Machine Operator, Busser, Server & Prep Cook
Left Coast
03.2017 - 11.2019
Dish Washer & Prep Cook
Lillie's Q
07.2014 - 02.2017
High School Diploma - undefined
Carl Schurz High School