Kayla Whaley
Albany
Summary
Dynamic culinary and catering professional with extensive experience at Bard and Baker, excelling in high-pressure environments. Proven track record in training teams and developing seasonal menus. Highly motivated with strong attention to detail, and committed to maintaining food safety standards while enhancing customer satisfaction.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Line Cook
Bard and Baker
Troy, NY
10.2024 - Current
- Supervised daily kitchen operations to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks on culinary techniques and kitchen safety.
- Developed seasonal menus by collaborating with management to enhance customer experience.
- Ensured food quality standards through regular inspections and adherence to health regulations.
Line Cook
Active Ingredient Brewing
Albany, NY
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Prepared high quality ingredients for brewing processes, ensuring adherence to safety and cleanliness standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment, including grills and fryers, following operational procedures for efficient food preparation.
- Collaborated with team members to execute menu items during peak hours, maintaining consistent quality and service speed.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking ingredient stock levels and reporting shortages to management promptly.
Lead Line Cook, Lead Prep, Assistant Sous Chef
Fidens Brewing Company
Albany, NY
05.2023 - 10.2024
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring timely and high-quality meal preparation.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, enhancing team skills and efficiency.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Managed kitchen staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage during peak service hours.
Line Cook, Front End
Nine Pin Cider
Albany, NY
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, adhering to health and safety regulations for high volume restaurant.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of workstations throughout shifts.
- Adapted to varying demands while maintaining productivity standards.
Fry Cook, Prep, and Catering
The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
Albany
04.2021 - 09.2023
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to recipes and specifications.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations and equipment.
- Assisted in food preparation, including chopping, mixing, and measuring ingredients.
- Monitored cooking times and temperatures to ensure food quality and safety standards.
Garde Manger/Dessert
Grappa 72
Albany, NY
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Assumed responsibility for creating visually appealing hors d'oeuvres displays during banquets or private events, enhancing overall event presentation.
- Maintained a clean and organized workstation at all times, adhering to strict sanitation protocols for safe food handling practices.
- Ensured optimal freshness of ingredients through proper storage and rotation procedures, maintaining the highest quality standards.
Garde Manger/Desert
The Copper Crow
Albany, NY
02.2019 - 03.2020
- Prepared and presented cold dishes, ensuring freshness and visual appeal.
- Assisted in maintaining inventory levels of ingredients for daily operations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes.
- Implemented food safety standards to maintain cleanliness and compliance.
Fry Cook
Dove + Deer
Albany, NY
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Prepared and cooked menu items following established recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to ensure food safety compliance.
- Operated kitchen equipment effectively, including fryers, grills, and ovens.
- Assisted in inventory management by monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages.
Salad and Grill/Sauté Cook
City Line
05.2017 - 05.2018
- Implemented feedback from supervisors to enhance dish quality and customer satisfaction.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, maintaining high standards during service peak hours.
- Organized server tickets to expedite food orders.
Fry Cook, Grill, Front End
Wolff’s Biergarten
Albany, NY
03.2016 - 05.2017
- Self motivated with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Prep Kitchen
Salt and Char Steakhouse
Albany, NY
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day to day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Raw Bar, Dessert, Garde Manger
Angelo’s 677 Prime
Albany, NY
01.2015 - 06.2016
- Prepared high-quality charcuterie boards and salads using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace to ensure food safety compliance.
- Assisted in menu planning by researching current culinary trends and seasonal offerings.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline workflow during peak service hours.
Dishwasher, Fry Cook, Prep
Ravenous Crepe
Albany, NY
12.2014 - 12.2015
- Operated dishwashing equipment to maintain cleanliness and efficiency in kitchen operations.
- Assisted kitchen staff by ensuring timely availability of clean dishes and utensils.
- Sorted and organized dishware to streamline workflow during peak hours.
- Maintained sanitation standards by following proper cleaning protocols for all kitchen tools.
Education
No Degree - Culinary
Schenectady Community College
Schenectady, NYPro Star Certification - Culinary Arts
F. Donald Meyers Education Center
Saratoga Springs, NY06.2014
High School Diploma -
Ballston Lake Senior Highschool
Burnt Hills, NY2014
Skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Cleaning and organization
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Food preparation
- Problem-solving
- Proficient in fryalator operation
- Various knife skills
- Sauté and grill experience
- Serving
- Distribution ordering
- People person
Accomplishments
Featured in
Saratoga Chowder Fest 2014
Troy Chowder Fest 2025
Troy Chowder Fest 2026
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade 2023
Oktoberfest 2023
Albany Law Graduation Party 2024
Timeline
Lead Line Cook
Bard and Baker
10.2024 - Current
Line Cook
Active Ingredient Brewing
09.2024 - 12.2024
Line Cook, Front End
Nine Pin Cider
09.2023 - 05.2024
Lead Line Cook, Lead Prep, Assistant Sous Chef
Fidens Brewing Company
05.2023 - 10.2024
Fry Cook, Prep, and Catering
The Hollow Bar + Kitchen
04.2021 - 09.2023
Garde Manger/Dessert
Grappa 72
03.2019 - 03.2020
Garde Manger/Desert
The Copper Crow
02.2019 - 03.2020
Fry Cook
Dove + Deer
05.2018 - 11.2018
Salad and Grill/Sauté Cook
City Line
05.2017 - 05.2018
Fry Cook, Grill, Front End
Wolff’s Biergarten
03.2016 - 05.2017
Prep Kitchen
Salt and Char Steakhouse
06.2015 - 06.2016
Raw Bar, Dessert, Garde Manger
Angelo’s 677 Prime
01.2015 - 06.2016
Dishwasher, Fry Cook, Prep
Ravenous Crepe
12.2014 - 12.2015
No Degree - Culinary
Schenectady Community College
Pro Star Certification - Culinary Arts
F. Donald Meyers Education Center
High School Diploma -
Ballston Lake Senior Highschool