Julieta R Cruz Vasquez
Kitchen Manager
KANSASCITY,MO
Summary
Executive Kitchen Manager experienced in leading high-volume kitchen operations and controlling food costs while upholding rigorous food safety standards. Improved workflow and reduced waste through effective staff management and inventory control, ensuring consistent food quality during peak service periods. Committed to enhancing labor efficiency and maintaining cost control to optimize kitchen performance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Kitchen Manager
Chicken& Pickle NKC
Kansas City, MO
10.2025 - 10.2026
- Directed kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, sanitation, and service readiness across high-volume shifts.
- Trained back-of-house staff on prep standards, food safety, and line execution.
- Scheduled kitchen teams to balance labor needs with forecasted guest traffic and event demand.
- Managed inventory, ordering, and vendor coordination to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Monitored food costs and portion control to support margin targets and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with front-of-house and event teams to coordinate timing for group service and private functions.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Coordinated and organized restaurant inventory.
- Hired and managed entire kitchen staff.
- Optimized labor costs through efficient scheduling practices that accounted for fluctuations in business levels and employee availability.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
Senior Kitchen Manager
Chicken & Pickle NKC
Kansas City, MO
06.2024 - 10.2025
- Led daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality and timely service.
- Trained kitchen staff on sanitation standards, recipe execution, and station procedures.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated ordering to prevent shortages and waste.
- Enforced food safety protocols and maintained compliance with health regulations.
- Regularly reviewed performance metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the areas of cost control, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
- Elevated guest satisfaction by maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
- Optimized kitchen workflows, resulting in reduced ticket times and increased table turnover rates.
- Led the successful execution of special events and catering orders, coordinating with other departments to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality dishes on time and under budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
Kitchen Manager
Chicken & Pickle NKC
Kansas City, MO
07.2020 - 03.2024
- Directed daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality and timely service.
- Managed inventory ordering, reducing waste and maintaining stock levels for menu demand.
- Scheduled kitchen coverage, balancing labor needs with service volume and peak periods.
- Trained back-of-house staff on safety standards, sanitation procedures, and recipe execution.
Cook
Chicken&pickle NKC
Kansas City, MO
08.2017 - 07.2020
- Prepared menu items following recipe specs and quality standards
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to keep orders moving during peak periods
- Monitored grill, fryer, and holding temperatures for food safety compliance
- Maintained clean workstations and sanitized food-contact surfaces throughout service
Back of House Line Cook
Teocali Mexican Restaurant
Kansas City, MO
06.2010 - 09.2017
- Cooked proteins, vegetables, and sides to order while maintaining quality and plate timing.
- Coordinated ticket flow with kitchen staff to keep service moving during high-volume periods.
- Maintained clean, organized stations, sanitizing surfaces and equipment throughout each shift.
- Prepared menu ingredients, following recipes and portion controls for consistent back-of-house execution.
- Followed food safety procedures, including temperature checks, cross-contamination prevention, and proper storage.
- Trained new cooks on kitchen procedures, station setup, and consistent recipe execution.
- Effectively communicated with front-of-house staff members on order modifications or allergy concerns for guest satisfaction.
- Supported restaurant revenue growth by participating in promotional events and catering services when necessary.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
Education
Law - Bachelor's Degree in Law
University of Oaxaca UABJO
Mexico City06.2003
Skills
- Kitchen management
- Kitchen coordination
- Safe food handling
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Inventory control
- Purchasing
- Ordering supplies
- Waste reduction
- Food preparationnnnn
- Employee recruitment
- New employee recruitment
- Event planning support
- Staff management
Certification
Food Manager Certification , [State Food Safery-5 years.
Timeline
Executive Kitchen Manager
Chicken& Pickle NKC
10.2025 - 10.2026
Senior Kitchen Manager
Chicken & Pickle NKC
06.2024 - 10.2025
Kitchen Manager
Chicken & Pickle NKC
07.2020 - 03.2024
Cook
Chicken&pickle NKC
08.2017 - 07.2020
Back of House Line Cook
Teocali Mexican Restaurant
06.2010 - 09.2017
Law - Bachelor's Degree in Law
University of Oaxaca UABJO