Kristin Bowman
Saint Augustine
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with a strong background in hospitality, honed at IHOP. Proven expertise in food handling and presentation, coupled with exceptional customer service skills. Successfully mentored new hires, enhancing team performance and reducing wait times. Committed to maintaining high sanitation standards while optimizing kitchen operations for efficiency.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
IHOP
Saint Augustine, FL
08.2024 - Current
- Prepared diverse menu items following standardized recipes for consistency and quality.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes and reduce wait times.
- Mentored junior cooks, enhancing their culinary skills and promoting teamwork in fast-paced environment.
- Implemented inventory management practices, minimizing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Monitored food presentation standards, maintaining high levels of aesthetic appeal for dishes served.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
Server Trainer
IHOP
Saint Augustine, FL
06.2020 - Current
- Trained new servers on menu knowledge and customer service protocols.
- Delivered ongoing support and mentorship to enhance team performance.
- Monitored service quality to ensure adherence to IHOP standards.
- Assisted in onboarding process, providing resources and training materials.
- Conducted regular evaluations of server skills and knowledge retention.
- Implemented best practices for efficient workflow during peak hours.
- Collaborated with management to develop training programs tailored to staff needs.
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, menu items, and performance strategies.
- Mentored new hires through the training process, ensuring they became productive team members quickly and efficiently.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, resolving issues and preventing negative reviews or feedback.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverage service standards and led by example to instill in new servers.
- Maintained cleanliness standards throughout dining areas, contributing to a positive dining experience for guests.
Operations Supervisor
Steak N Shake
Saint Augustine, FL
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and operational protocols.
- Coordinated workflow among teams to optimize productivity and meet operational targets.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency in inventory management systems.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on operational best practices and equipment handling.
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing feedback to enhance team effectiveness and morale.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends and recommend actionable strategies for improvement.
- Led cross-functional meetings to align departmental goals with overall business objectives.
- Managed daily operations for optimal performance, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
- Maintained open lines of communication with upper management to provide regular updates on operational progress and challenges faced by the team.
Server Trainer
Steak N Shake
Saint Augustine, IL
01.2014 - 05.2019
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss challenges and share effective strategies.
- Monitored new server performance and offered continuous support throughout training period.
- Developed strong relationships with regular customers, encouraging repeat business and loyalty to the establishment.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service during peak hours.
- Ensured accurate order taking and input into POS systems, reducing errors in food preparation and billing processes.
- Actively participated in team meetings to discuss strategies for increasing efficiency and improving customer experiences.
- Instructed servers on proper techniques for taking orders, serving food and providing customer service.
- Coached servers on proper food handling techniques to maintain compliance with health department regulations and uphold food safety standards.
- Established and maintained positive relationships with trainees to drive successful learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of meals, maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction.
- Assisted in new server onboarding and orientation to cultivate seamless transitions.
- Taught servers to memorize menu ingredients and provide information on preparation methods.
Landscaper
Grandma's Garden
Saint Augustine, FL
04.2008 - 06.2010
- Designed and implemented landscape layouts to enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality.
- Operated various landscaping equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and safety protocols were followed.
- Collaborated with clients to understand vision and provide tailored landscaping solutions.
- Trained new staff on equipment operation and best practices for landscape maintenance.
- Monitored plant health and soil conditions, providing recommendations for improvements as needed.
Lead Bartender
Riley's Irish Pub
Saint Augustine, FL
06.2004 - 01.2008
- Managed bar operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on mixology techniques and customer service excellence.
- Developed innovative cocktail menus to enhance guest experience and drive sales.
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
- Implemented streamlined processes for order taking and service delivery, improving efficiency.
- Fostered positive team dynamics, promoting collaboration among bar staff and kitchen personnel.
- Kept detailed inventories and notified management of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine, and bar supplies.
- Trained new bartenders on company policies, drink recipes, and customer service best practices to maintain consistent performance across the team.
Education
Biology
St. Johns River State College
Saint Augustine, FLHigh School Diploma -
Oakland Mills High
Columbia, MD06.1991
Skills
- Customer service
- Cooking
- Cleaning and organization
- Food handling
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Food presentation
- Food waste reduction
- Performance improvement
- Food handler certification
- Hospitality service expertise
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Sanitation practices
- Contamination prevention
- Portion control
- Order verification
- New hire training
- Effective planner
- Food presentation talent
- Operations management
- Works well under pressure
Timeline
Cook
IHOP
08.2024 - Current
Server Trainer
IHOP
06.2020 - Current
Operations Supervisor
Steak N Shake
07.2017 - 05.2019
Server Trainer
Steak N Shake
01.2014 - 05.2019
Landscaper
Grandma's Garden
04.2008 - 06.2010
Lead Bartender
Riley's Irish Pub
06.2004 - 01.2008
Biology
St. Johns River State College
High School Diploma -
Oakland Mills High