Kristina Vargas
Simpsonville,SC
Summary
Dedicated cook with strong skills in food handling, sanitation practices, and food presentation. Committed to delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.
Adaptable cook known for exceptional customer service and food handling practices. Experienced in collaborating with team members to ensure timely, high-quality food service. Passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through attention to detail.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Buffalo Cornbread
Piedmont, SC
02.2026 - Current
- Prepared and cooked a variety of menu items according to established recipes and standards.
- Maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies and notifying management of low stock levels.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes for efficient service delivery.
Cook
Fortes On The Square
Crossville, TN
03.2025 - 09.2025
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items and special requests from customers during peak hours.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, grills, and fryers, to ensure optimal cooking quality.
- Supported training of new staff on kitchen procedures and safety protocols for enhanced team performance.
- Ensured timely presentation of dishes to meet service deadlines during busy shifts.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
Cook
The Lantern Bar and Grill
Crossville, TN
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Ensured compliance with recipes and portioning guidelines to maintain quality and consistency in food items.
- Optimized time management in kitchen by systematically organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure prompt food preparation and service.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Cook
Partners Pizza
Wartburg, TN
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
Cashier
Rocky Top Markets
Wartburg, TN
05.2024 - 07.2024
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Maintained clean and organized checkout areas to enhance customer experience.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, providing knowledgeable recommendations.
- Handled cash, credit, and debit transactions while ensuring compliance with company policies.
Customer Service Representative
Houchens IGA
Wartburg, TN
07.2023 - 05.2024
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints efficiently, enhancing overall satisfaction levels.
- Assisted in training new staff on customer service protocols and software systems.
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems to ensure seamless service.
- Maintained product knowledge to provide informed recommendations to customers.
Cook
Freddies Hitchin Post
Jamestown TN
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
Production Worker
Aramark
Crossville, TN
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Operated production machinery to ensure consistent product quality and efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels, reporting discrepancies to maintain supply chain integrity.
- Assisted in training new team members on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on equipment to minimize downtime and enhance performance.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations throughout daily operations.
- Maintained accurate records of production processes for quality assurance audits.
Sales Associate
The Gun Shop Crossville
Crossville, TN
01.2022 - 07.2022
- Assisted customers in selecting firearms and accessories, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Maintained knowledge of inventory and product specifications to inform customer decisions.
- Processed sales transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Conducted product demonstrations, highlighting features and benefits to customers.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales goals and improve store performance.
- Educated customers on firearm safety practices, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly to ensure satisfaction.
Cook
Shoney's Restaurant
Crossville Tn
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
Cook
Simply Fresh
Jamestown, TN
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Assisted in inventory management and ordering supplies, maintaining adequate stock levels for efficient kitchen operations.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Cook
Rugby Cafe
Rugby Tn
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to recipes and quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely food service during peak hours.
- Assisted in developing new recipes to enhance menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
Cook
Simply Fresh
Jamestown
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.
Education
High School Diploma -
Skills
- Customer service
- Cooking
- Cleaning and organization
- Food handling
- Food preparation
- Multitasking and organization
- Kitchen organization
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Surface cleaning
- Food presentation
- Sanitation practices
- Grilling
- Food plating
Timeline
Cook
Buffalo Cornbread
02.2026 - Current
Cook
Fortes On The Square
03.2025 - 09.2025
Cook
The Lantern Bar and Grill
11.2024 - 03.2025
Cook
Partners Pizza
08.2024 - 11.2024
Cashier
Rocky Top Markets
05.2024 - 07.2024
Customer Service Representative
Houchens IGA
07.2023 - 05.2024
Cook
Freddies Hitchin Post
11.2022 - 01.2023
Production Worker
Aramark
06.2022 - 07.2022
Sales Associate
The Gun Shop Crossville
01.2022 - 07.2022
Cook
Shoney's Restaurant
04.2021 - 05.2022
Cook
Simply Fresh
08.2020 - 04.2021
Cook
Rugby Cafe
09.2019 - 12.2019
Cook
Simply Fresh
06.2018 - 08.2018