Kelvin Thomas Sr
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Kitchen Manager with extensive experience at The Duplex, excelling in food safety and sanitation. Proven track record in enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative menu development and effective team training. Skilled in inventory management and fostering collaboration, consistently achieving high standards of quality and efficiency in fast-paced environments.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Hourly Chef
Boqueria Restaurant
09.2024 - Current
- Prepared high-quality dishes following traditional Spanish recipes and techniques.
- Collaborated with team to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace adhering to safety standards.
- Assisted in training employees on various stations for multiple menus throughout dining service.
- Executed weekly inventory, maintaining waste through efficient resource management practices.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
Kitchen Manager
The Duplex
09.2024 - Current
- Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to safety standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and equipment usage.
- Developed and implemented new menu items, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Increased overall profitability with effective budget management, including cost control strategies for purchasing and labor expenses.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
- Streamlined ordering process, minimizing errors and increasing kitchen productivity.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery during peak hours.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
Kitchen Manager
Punchbowl
03.2018 - 01.2022
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
- Participated in multiple corporate trainings flying to new stores to train and maintain rollout of new menus
- Boosted team morale and performance through effective leadership and training programs.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
Education
High School Diploma -
Youthbuild Mclean County
NormalSkills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Customer service
- Kitchen management
- Food presentation
- Attention to detail
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Verbal and written communication
- Inventory management
- Sanitation practices
- Banquets and catering
- Made-to-order meals
- Complex Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Time management
- Physical stamina
- Kitchen crew training
Timeline
Hourly Chef
Boqueria Restaurant
09.2024 - Current
Kitchen Manager
The Duplex
09.2024 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Punchbowl
03.2018 - 01.2022
High School Diploma -
Youthbuild Mclean County