Joshua Zerlak
Thornton,CO
Summary
Forward-thinking professional offering more than 19 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven management and running a service skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Marriott - Old Hickory
10.2021 - Current
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets and tastings.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff management and delegation.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
Head Cook
Hotel Valley Ho
03.2021 - 10.2021
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Collaborated with dining room staff to ensure seamless communication between front-and back-of-house operations.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Created visually appealing plate presentations to enhance the overall dining experience for guests.
Head Cook
Hilton Waldorf Astoria
06.2017 - 03.2021
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Collaborated with dining room staff to ensure seamless communication between front-and back-of-house operations.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Kitchen Manager
HalfMoon Sports Gril
03.2012 - 06.2017
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with attentiveness to dietary restrictions and allergen concerns in menu offerings.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Maricopa Community Colleges - Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZHigh School Diploma -
Anderson High School
Anderson, IN06.2008
Skills
- Food spoilage prevention
- Workflow Optimization
- Recipe Development
- Flambéing expertise
- Food Prep Planning
- Decision-Making
- Supply Management
- Customer Service
- Creative Thinking
- Food Handler Certification
- Performance Improvement
- Team Training
- Culinary expertise
Timeline
Chef
Marriott - Old Hickory
10.2021 - Current
Head Cook
Hotel Valley Ho
03.2021 - 10.2021
Head Cook
Hilton Waldorf Astoria
06.2017 - 03.2021
Kitchen Manager
HalfMoon Sports Gril
03.2012 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science - Fire Science
Maricopa Community Colleges - Paradise Valley Community College
High School Diploma -
Anderson High School