Joshua Mercado
Lancaster,PA
Summary
Kitchen Manager leading high-volume kitchen operations with responsibility for weekly inventory counts, staff scheduling, ordering, and food safety standards. Manages hiring, training, 10+ staff schedules per week, and day-to-day workflow to keep service efficient during peak and off-peak periods. Brings Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency to operational reporting and documentation.
Overview
2
2
Languages
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
PJ Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant
Lancaster, PA
01.2022 - Current
- Conduct weekly inventory counts to maintain accurate stock levels and reduce waste.
- Oversee food ordering and procurement, maintaining vendor relationships and cost efficiency.
- Train and mentor new cooks on company standards, food safety compliance, and kitchen sanitation procedures.
- Lead recruitment efforts, including interviewing, hiring, and termination processes.
- Use Microsoft Word and Excel to document operations, track performance, and support quality standards in a fast-paced kitchen.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
PJ Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant
Lancaster, PA
07.2018 - 12.2021
- Progressed from cook to a supervisory role within one year, demonstrating fast advancement and strong operational readiness.
- Earned promotion to Assistant Kitchen Manager within two years, reflecting consistent performance and readiness for greater responsibility.
- Maintained compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards across daily kitchen operations.
- Directed kitchen operations in the department manager's absence, keeping service flowing and priorities on track.
- Monitored and supported staff to improve efficiency and reinforce adherence to operational protocols.
Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
Lancaster, PA
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Followed 5% food safety compliance checks weekly to support allergy awareness and health code adherence.
- Maintained kitchen sanitation procedures through daily cleaning routines and organized station resets.
- Checked plated items against quality standards before service to keep orders accurate and presentation consistent.
- Coordinated prep work and ingredient use to support time management and organization during busy shifts.
Maintenance Worker
Dart Container
Leola, PA
10.2014 - 01.2016
- Maintained and repaired tools and equipment in line with safety regulations and shop requirements.
- Assembled electronic components and documented completed work accurately for recordkeeping and follow-up.
- Tracked parts usage and restocked supplies to support inventory management and cost control.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Lancaster, PA05-2019
Skills
- Inventory management and cost control
- Food safety compliance
- Kitchen sanitation procedures
- Quality standards enforcement
- Labor cost management
- Team leadership and training
- Scheduling coordination
- Hiring support
- Shift coverage planning
- Time management and organization
- Vendor relations
- Procurement coordination
- Professional communication and customer service
- Staff scheduling
- Performance coaching
- Interviewing
- Food and beverage budgeting
- Banquet operations
Languages
English – Full Professional Proficiency
Spanish – Full Professional Proficiency
Interests
My Children, Travel, Food, Music, Sports
Personal Information
Title: Kitchen Manager
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
PJ Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant
01.2022 - Current
Assistant Kitchen Manager
PJ Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant
07.2018 - 12.2021
Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
10.2016 - 07.2018
Maintenance Worker
Dart Container
10.2014 - 01.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology