Kelly Carr
Chicago,IL
Summary
Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Excel in providing the highest level of service to customers and creating a pleasant work environment for staff members. Deep understanding of food safety and sanitation protocols, ensuring adherence to the highest standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Director
ACRE
07.2023 - Current
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations..
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
Kitchen Expeditor, Server
Middlebrow Bungalow
03.2022 - 04.2024
- Trained new expeditors and food runners according to company policies and standards.
- Organized dining area based on reservations, minimizing waiting times.
- Maintained kitchen productivity, guaranteeing timely preparation, and serving of dishes in alignment with customer specifications.
- Assisted preparation of food plates, overseeing quality, and appearance.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
Sous Chef (seasonal)
ACRE
06.2020 - 10.2022
- Developed original recipes for a residential setting prioritizing variety, seasonal and local ingredients.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Prep cook
Rootstock Bar
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Received product from vendors and stored according to proper food handling procedures
- Executed and prioritized daily prep and task list
- Prepared chops, pickles, condiments according to established recipes and protocols on a tight schedule.
- Preserved freshness of food by storing food in designated containers and storage areas within freezer or refrigerator.
- Followed orders from head chef to establish productive and timely preparation of meals.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
Server
The Publican
08.2017 - 03.2020
- Learned how to interact with a rotating farm-to-table menu style
- Maintained an active knowledge of farms/vendors/purveyors as well as butchering and curing processes
- Attended regular educational opportunities both on and off site
- Developed a solid knowledge of esoteric Belgian and Trappist beer styles, old-world and natural winemaking processes
- Offered an elevated guest experience with every course through thoughtful pairings, transparent language, and excellent timing.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
Bartender
The Charleston
12.2013 - 06.2019
- Planning and production of special events and programming- everywhere from grown-up proms to benefits, tastings and holiday parties.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Used extensive knowledge of beer, wine and spirits to make informed recommendations to customers.
- Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
Server
Analogue
12.2013 - 08.2016
- Maintained a strong knowledge of house and classic cocktails, spirits, wine and beer
- Attended regular tastings and engaged with the kitchen to help communicate guest feedback
- Served guests in a warm and timely manner in a high-volume environment, serving up to 200 people on a given night
- Having the flexibility to do a number of different jobs within the restaurant when needed including food running, door, barbacking, etc.
Barista/Bartender
Lula Cafe
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Attended coffee and tea trainings in my spare time in order to provide a better product and better service
- Participated in daily meetings and geared towards making sure all food served in the restaurant met certain rigorous standards
- Attended frequent tastings designed to educate staff about menu items and enable us to describe dishes in-depth
- Was rewarded for diligence, loyalty, and hard work with a promotion to bartender
- Studied and learned cocktail recipes
- Created and added to the menu several signature cocktails.
Cocktail waitress
Empty Bottle
06.2010 - 07.2011
- Served beverages to customers in an extremely busy high volume atmosphere
- Navigated and balanced large orders through a crowd
- Assisted customers in making selections
- Cleaning up at the end of the night; breaking down boxes, bussing, straightening up.
Cook/Barista
Life on Mars
02.2010 - 01.2011
- Prepared dishes according to established recipes
- Worked as part of a team to complete dishes on time
- Prep work, i.e
- Cutting vegetables, measuring spices, liquids prior to recipe completion
- Baking breads, muffins, cookies, cupcakes and other pastries
- Prepared specialty espresso beverages to order
- Working the register, ringing customers up and counting the drawer down at the end of the day
- Table service; waiting tables and serving customers as well as bussing.
Barrista
Atomix Cafe
02.2007 - 12.2009
- Opened Shop - Arrived at 6am
- Prepared food and beverages for the day
- Counted money for drawer
- Stocked supplies
- Managed business and served customers throughout the day
- Ordered supplies from various vendors
- Trained new employees
- Baked various pastries on a daily basis
- Created original breakfast/lunch recipes for menu
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with regular customers and co-workers
- Communicated feedback from customers to management
- Closed Shop - Counted down register drawer
- Broke down food preparation areas
- Cleaned shop thoroughly and prepared for following day.
Education
Associate of Science - Human Biology
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
Chicago, IL01.2019
Skills
- Sanitation Procedures
- Waste Reduction
- Creativity and Innovation
- ServSafe Certification
- Nutritional knowledge
- Food Safety Standards
- Food presentation
- Recipe creation and menu development
- Kitchen Operations
- Vendor Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Hospitality service expertise
Timeline
Kitchen Director
ACRE
07.2023 - Current
Kitchen Expeditor, Server
Middlebrow Bungalow
03.2022 - 04.2024
Prep cook
Rootstock Bar
03.2021 - 02.2022
Sous Chef (seasonal)
ACRE
06.2020 - 10.2022
Server
The Publican
08.2017 - 03.2020
Bartender
The Charleston
12.2013 - 06.2019
Server
Analogue
12.2013 - 08.2016
Barista/Bartender
Lula Cafe
08.2012 - 08.2013
Cocktail waitress
Empty Bottle
06.2010 - 07.2011
Cook/Barista
Life on Mars
02.2010 - 01.2011
Barrista
Atomix Cafe
02.2007 - 12.2009
Associate of Science - Human Biology
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
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