Juan Vasquez
Hartford
Summary
Motivated Sous Chef polished in keeping kitchen staff on task and handling high-volume work. Knowledgeable about sourcing ingredients, maintaining budgets, and maximizing customer satisfaction. Works with management to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to meet company goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
2015
2015
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef/Line Cook
Saults
Windsor
05.2025 - Current
- Prepared high-quality dishes following seasonal menus and chef specifications.
- Managed kitchen staff during service, ensuring smooth workflow and communication.
- Monitored inventory levels, assisting in ordering supplies and reducing waste.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations while preparing food for service.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Conducted frequent line checks to keep food at proper temperatures in holding zones.
- Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation.
- Implemented strategies to reduce waste and increase efficiency throughout the kitchen.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Maintained accurate records for cost analysis purposes.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Prepared high-quality pizzas using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes.
- Operated pizza ovens to ensure optimal cooking temperatures and times.
- Ensured adherence to food safety regulations during food preparation.
- Checked ingredients for freshness before using them to make pizza toppings.
- Decorated pizzas with various toppings as directed by customers' orders.
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef/Line Cook
La Figata
Granby
02.2024 - Current
- Prepared high-quality dishes following seasonal menus and chef specifications.
- Managed kitchen staff during service, ensuring smooth workflow and communication.
- Monitored inventory levels, assisting in ordering supplies and reducing waste.
- Collaborated with the head chef to create innovative menu items and specials.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Assisted in developing recipes that feature local ingredients and flavors.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations while preparing food for service.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
- Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Determined schedules and staff requirements necessary to prepare and plate food.
- Operated pizza ovens to ensure optimal cooking temperatures and times.
- Collaborated with team members to fulfill customer orders efficiently.
- Ensured adherence to food safety regulations during food preparation.
Head Chef
Blossom Cafe
Simsbury
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed daily kitchen operations and ensured smooth service flow.
- Developed seasonal menus highlighting fresh, local ingredients and culinary trends.
- Oversaw food preparation and presentation to maintain high quality standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff in cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients for menu offerings.
- Implemented cost-control measures to optimize kitchen efficiency and reduce waste.
- Enforced health and safety regulations to maintain a clean kitchen environment.
- Fostered a positive team culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among staff.
- Trained new kitchen staff in food safety regulations and proper cooking techniques.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Developed menus and recipes for a variety of dishes, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items.
- Ordered food supplies from vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Performed regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment, utensils, floors, walls, ensuring that all areas are kept clean and sanitary at all times.
- Organized special events such as banquets or catering services when required.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Monitored food production to guarantee quality standards were met.
- Maintained accurate records of inventory, sales, labor costs, and other operational costs.
- Organized kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations during peak service hours.
- Monitored quality, presentation, and quantities of plated food across line.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation practices.
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef
First & Last Tavern
Plainville
03.2021 - 02.2024
- Prepared high-quality menu items in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Assisted in managing kitchen inventory and ordering supplies as needed.
- Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were consistently maintained.
- Collaborated with the head chef to develop seasonal menu offerings.
- Trained kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and procedures.
- Monitored food preparation processes for consistency and quality control.
- Implemented efficient cooking methods to optimize workflow in the kitchen.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring and training kitchen personnel.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
- Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
Pizza Chef/Line Cook
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
West Hartford
10.2019 - 02.2024
- Prepared authentic Neapolitan pizzas using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.
- Managed pizza oven operations to ensure optimal cooking temperatures and timing.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Assisted in training new chefs on pizza preparation and cooking methods.
- Monitored inventory levels of ingredients and communicated needs to management.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during food preparation.
- Developed new pizza recipes to enhance menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Provided excellent customer service by taking orders and addressing inquiries efficiently.
- Prepared dough for pizzas, including kneading and rolling out the dough.
- Checked ingredients for freshness before using them to make pizza toppings.
- Created from-scratch pizza dough daily in large quantities following authentic Italian recipe.
- Organized workstations with necessary ingredients, tools and equipment to ensure efficient service.
- Performed daily food prep tasks such as chopping vegetables, grinding meats or making sauces.
- Inspected finished pizzas for quality assurance prior to serving them.
- Maintained a clean workspace throughout shift in accordance with health department regulations.
- Monitored inventory of food items used to prepare pizzas.
- Assisted other cooks during peak hours or when needed.
- Followed recipe instructions accurately while preparing sauces, dressings, marinades.
- Responded quickly and efficiently to customer complaints regarding pizza preparation or presentation.
Line Cook/Pizza Maker
Butchers & Backers
Farmington
03.2016 - 11.2019
- Prepared high-quality ingredients for daily menu items.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during meal service.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Followed recipes accurately to ensure consistency in food preparation.
- Maintained food safety standards to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff to coordinate meal timing.
- Mentored new kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety practices.
Education
San Agustín
Lima, PeruSkills
- Menu development
- Food safety compliance
- Culinary techniques
- Inventory management
- Kitchen operations
- Quality control
- Team collaboration
- Customer service
- Cost control
- Catering management
- Employee training
- Workflow optimization
- Time management
- Creative problem solving
- Special dietary requirements
- Foodservice
- Team leadership
- Safe food handling
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Performance improvement
- Pastry skills
- Safety management
- Positive and professional
- Recipes and menu planning
- Supervising food prep
- Sauce preparation
- Allergen awareness
- Employee scheduling
- Staff motivation
- Dish preparation
- Knife skills
- Food presentation
- Staff training
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Sanitation procedures
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Professional
Timeline
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef/Line Cook
Saults
05.2025 - Current
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef/Line Cook
La Figata
02.2024 - Current
Head Chef
Blossom Cafe
01.2024 - 12.2024
Sous Chef/Pizza Chef
First & Last Tavern
03.2021 - 02.2024
Pizza Chef/Line Cook
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
10.2019 - 02.2024
Line Cook/Pizza Maker
Butchers & Backers
03.2016 - 11.2019
San Agustín