Karen Valencia
Santa Ana,CA
Summary
Proven leader and efficient team player, I significantly enhanced kitchen operations at Northgate Gonzalez Markets by implementing waste reduction strategies and improving food safety practices. Skilled in safe food handling and fostering positive customer interactions, my approach has consistently elevated service quality and operational efficiency across roles.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Clerk
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Santa Ana, CA
11.2023 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Reduced food waste through implementing proper food handling and storage techniques.
- Upheld high standards of quality control, regularly inspecting prepared dishes before service.
- Assisted customers in locating food items.
- Promoted positive workplace culture, fostering strong relationships among diverse team members.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective task delegation among staff members.
- Demonstrated knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
Stocking Associate
Burlington Coat Factory
Garden Grove, CA
11.2023 - 01.2024
- Organized merchandise on floor, priced items with scan gun and switched price tickets according to promotional sales and sale expiration dates.
Restaurant Manager
Yaki Tori
Westminster, CA
08.2008 - 11.2023
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Prep Dishwasher
Honda-ya Box
Costa Mesa, CA
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Increased overall cleanliness of restaurant by regularly sweeping and mopping floors around dishwashing station.
- Demonstrated punctuality and reliability, consistently arriving on time for scheduled shifts.
- Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Stepped into additional roles during busy times to boost coverage of important stations.
- Promoted environmental sustainability efforts within the restaurant by sorting recyclables from non-recyclable materials during disposal process.
- Helped team meet expected demands by restocking work areas throughout restaurant such as server stations, salad bars, and supply cupboards.
Skills
- Cleaning Protocols
- Safe Food Handling
- Customer interaction
- Knife Skills
- Meal Preparation
- Sanitation Procedures
- Stock Rotation
- Food presentation
- Food safety practices
- Waste Reduction
Timeline
Kitchen Clerk
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
11.2023 - Current
Stocking Associate
Burlington Coat Factory
11.2023 - 01.2024
Prep Dishwasher
Honda-ya Box
08.2018 - 03.2020
Restaurant Manager
Yaki Tori
08.2008 - 11.2023