Karen L Sanchez
Houston,Tx
Summary
Dedicated food industry professional with demonstrated strengths in customer service, time management and trend tracking. Good at troubleshooting kitchen problems and building successful solutions. Excellent verbal and written communicator with strong background cultivating positive relationships and exceeding goals.
Innovative Lead Cook with [Number] years of kitchen supervision experience. Gifted at food preparation and monitoring a staff closely. Effective in menu planning and adapting to menu changes and kitchen issues quickly.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cook
Aramark
03.2021 - Current
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
- Coordinated with the front-of-house staff to ensure timely dish preparation and delivery for optimal guest experience.
- Prepared ingredients ahead of time to promote efficiency in dish garnishing.
- Streamlined prep work by organizing kitchen stations effectively and training junior staff on best practices for efficient workflow.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through proactive communication with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Mentored junior staff members in culinary techniques, fostering an environment of continuous learning within the team.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
Food Service Cook
Alonti Catering Kitchen
11.2019 - 03.2021
- Memorized recipes and cooked meals to meet all required nutrition and portion specifications
- Stored food in designated containers, rotated inventory to reduce spoilage, and noted purchasing needs for supervisor review
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment, including walk-in refrigerators and [Equipment]
- Managed incoming supplies, including unloading trucks, rotating perishables, and putting items in proper locations
- Protected customers from cross-contamination and illness with proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Adhered to safety and sanitation requirements regarding food handling, storage, and preparation
Deli Attendant / Deli food prep
American Food and Vending
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Weighed, prepared, and packaged deli meats, side dishes, and sandwiches according to established recipes and standards
- Assisted Chef with daily specials
Server/ Cashier
Captain Bennys Seafood
11.2011 - 12.2016
- Balanced cash drawer at beginning and end of each shift, investigating and resolving any discrepancies
- Maintained clean, organized, and well-stocked checkout areas with regular attention to displays
- Resolved guest issues by working with customer service leaders and area managers to meet individual needs
- Handled online order pickups, locating items and helping customers move bulky purchases to vehicles
- Satisfied customers with quick and comprehensive support for all needs
Head Fry Cook
Boudreauxs Cajun Kitchen
01.2007 - 03.2011
- Satisfied customers with expertly timed foods, sending out items hot and delicious every time
- Operated grills and deep-fryers, following manufacturer requirements for cleaning and operation
- Protected team members and guest from illness through regular equipment and utensil sanitation
- Kept kitchen equipment properly maintained and monitored usage to prevent breakdowns
Education
Culinary Arts, Sanitation management
HCC Central
Houston, TxSkills
- Recipe-based cooking
- Supply restocking
- Health code understanding
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Food inventory management
- Food presentation
- Spoilage prevention
- Large-scale food preparation
- Recipe creation
- Shift leadership
- Menu preparation
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Verbal and written communication
- Food plating and presentation
- Recipes and menu planning
- Kitchen operations management
- Safety and health guidelines
- Food safety procedures
- Food inventories
- Knife Skills
- Fine-dining expertise
- Sanitation Standards
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Professionalism
- Time management abilities
- High-Volume Production
- Sauce preparation
- Problem-solving aptitude
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe National Restaurant Association.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Cook
Aramark
03.2021 - Current
Deli Attendant / Deli food prep
American Food and Vending
08.2020 - 01.2021
Food Service Cook
Alonti Catering Kitchen
11.2019 - 03.2021
Server/ Cashier
Captain Bennys Seafood
11.2011 - 12.2016
Head Fry Cook
Boudreauxs Cajun Kitchen
01.2007 - 03.2011
Culinary Arts, Sanitation management
HCC Central
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