Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Katie Molinaro

West Allis,WI

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with a proven track record in menu development and innovative ingredient pairings, complemented by expertise in inventory management and order placement. Adept at maintaining high standards of quality and cost control while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Skilled in equipment operations and sanitation practices, with a strong ability to lead and motivate teams toward achieving operational excellence. Committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences through creativity and efficiency in the kitchen.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chef Consultant- Chef De Cuisine

Waking Daisy
06.2025 - Current
  • Developed innovative menu concepts aligned with seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
  • Led kitchen team in executing high-quality menu items, ensuring consistency and excellence in presentation.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, improving kitchen efficiency while maintaining adherence to health and safety standards.
  • Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste through effective stock rotation and portion control practices.
  • Conducted regular quality assessments of dishes served, maintaining high standards of taste and presentation throughout service periods.
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
  • Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
  • Created menus and designed corresponding recipes for Waking Daisy.

Executive Chef- Kitchen Manager

The Real Good Life
11.2022 - 11.2024
  • Proficient in creating menus that appeal to customers' tastes while meeting budgetary requirements.
  • Implemented safety protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations.
  • Efficiently managed food production schedules to meet customer demand.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a team of kitchen staff.
  • Successfully trained new kitchen staff on all aspects of their job duties.
  • Achieved high standards of quality assurance by ensuring all dishes were prepared correctly and timely.
  • Expertise in the safe handling and storage of food products, including proper sanitation procedures.

Lead Food Expeditor- Kitchen Supervisor

Golden Nest LLC
03.2020 - 10.2022
  • Expertise in the safe handling and storage of food products, including proper sanitation procedures.
  • Implemented safety protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations.
  • Innovatively designed weekly specials based on seasonal produce and ingredients available locally.
  • Achieved high standards of quality assurance by ensuring all dishes were prepared correctly and timely.
  • Consistently ensured accuracy and timeliness when preparing orders for customers.
  • Utilized advanced techniques for plating presentations that enhanced overall dining experience.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current culinary trends, recipes, ingredients and equipment.

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Buffalo Wild Wings
08.2016 - 08.2019
  • Supervised daily front-of-house operations to ensure smooth service delivery and guest satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored staff on customer service excellence and operational standards.
  • Implemented training programs that improved team efficiency and reduced service errors.
  • Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of food orders and maintain high quality standards
  • Oversaw inventory management, including ordering supplies, monitoring stock levels, and minimizing waste
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for front-of-house staff members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback
  • Resolved customer complaints or issues promptly and effectively to ensure customer satisfaction
  • Monitored reservation system to optimize seating arrangements during peak hours while accommodating special requests or preferences from guests
  • Conducted regular meetings with front-of-house staff to communicate updates, address concerns, and foster teamwork

Education

GED -

Bradford High School
Kenosha, WI
06.2009

Skills

  • Operations management
  • Recipe development
  • Menu development
  • Flavor profiling
  • Food pairing
  • Vendor relations
  • Inventory management
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Team collaboration
  • Effective communications

Certification

  • ServSafe Management Certified- From: 10/2023 To: 10/2028
  • City of West Allis Bartending License-From: 06/2025 To: 06/2026

Timeline

Chef Consultant- Chef De Cuisine

Waking Daisy
06.2025 - Current

Executive Chef- Kitchen Manager

The Real Good Life
11.2022 - 11.2024

Lead Food Expeditor- Kitchen Supervisor

Golden Nest LLC
03.2020 - 10.2022

Restaurant Front of House Manager

Buffalo Wild Wings
08.2016 - 08.2019

GED -

Bradford High School