Ladarian Woods Jr
Columbus
Summary
Detail-oriented culinary professional with expertise in food safety, staff training, and quality control. Proven ability to enhance kitchen operations and reduce waste while ensuring exceptional dining experiences.
Dynamic Head Cook with over four years of experience in kitchen management. Skilled in implementing efficient processes, team collaboration, and training staff to uphold high standards of food safety and quality. Committed to driving operational success and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Experienced with managing kitchen operations and ensuring food quality. Utilizes comprehensive culinary skills to enhance menu offerings and streamline kitchen processes. Track record of fostering teamwork and maintaining high standards in fast-paced environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Cook
Columbus Country Club
Columbus, OH
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring quality and consistency in food preparation.
- Developed seasonal menus, incorporating local ingredients to enhance dining experiences.
- Managed inventory and procurement, optimizing cost-effective sourcing of supplies.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on culinary techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented standard operating procedures to improve kitchen efficiency and food safety compliance.
- Collaborated with management to plan special events and menu offerings for member functions.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen, meeting or exceeding health department requirements.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
Kitchen Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
Columbus, OH
07.2024 - 10.2025
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, maintaining safety and cleanliness standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and food handling techniques.
- Implemented best practices for food safety compliance, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, utensils and equipment.
- Boosted customer satisfaction with timely meal preparation, meeting strict deadlines during peak service hours.
- Collaborated with fellow kitchen staff, effectively managing multiple tasks for seamless operations.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict health and safety standards for optimal kitchen performance.
Cook Shift Leader
Ox'bs
Columbus, OH
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, enhancing team productivity and skill development.
- Developed and implemented efficient food preparation processes, reducing waste and improving service times.
- Collaborated with management to create seasonal menu items based on customer preferences and ingredient availability.
- Conducted quality control checks on food items, maintaining high culinary standards consistently.
- Resolved customer complaints efficiently, fostering a positive dining experience and repeat business.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, maintaining focus on completing tasks efficiently without compromising quality.
- Supported overall restaurant success through cross-training in various positions when necessary to provide adequate coverage during busy times.
Kitchen Assistant Manager
Woodys Winghouse
Columbus, OH
01.2018 - 02.2023
- Supervised daily kitchen operations to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
- Trained and mentored new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and equipment usage.
- Collaborated with management to streamline inventory processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
- Implemented new menu items based on customer feedback, enhancing guest satisfaction and retention.
- Conducted regular quality checks on food presentation and taste to maintain high culinary standards.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness of kitchen areas, adhering to sanitation guidelines consistently.
- Trained new kitchen staff members, fostering a positive team culture and improving overall productivity.
- Coordinated catering orders for special events, ensuring timely delivery and exceptional presentation standards.
- Assisted in overseeing all aspects of food production while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- Actively participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing kitchen operations.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
Education
High School Diploma -
Mifflin High School
Columbus, OHSkills
- Meal preparation
- Food storage
- Verbal and written communication
- Food preparation
- Food safety
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Food spoilage prevention
- Restaurant operations
- Training and mentoring
- Food plating and presentation
- Staff management
- Waste reduction
- Knife skills
- Inventory oversight
- Staff training
- Sauce making
- Cooking
- Grilling techniques
- Food allergy safety
- Quality control
- Team leadership
- Team collaboration
- Coaching and mentoring
- Safe food handling
Timeline
Head Cook
Columbus Country Club
01.2025 - 01.2026
Kitchen Cook
Buffalo Wild Wings
07.2024 - 10.2025
Cook Shift Leader
Ox'bs
03.2023 - 05.2024
Kitchen Assistant Manager
Woodys Winghouse
01.2018 - 02.2023
High School Diploma -
Mifflin High School