With a proven track record at LAUSD School Board District, I expertly reduced food costs through strategic vendor negotiations and minimized waste, showcasing my strong problem-solving and inventory management skills. My leadership ensured staff excellence in fast-paced environments, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency.
Work History
Cafeteria Manager
LAUSD School Board District
05.1996 - Current
Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
Recruited trained, and supervised staff to ensure exceptional customer service in a fast-paced setting.
Used Software to analyze daily financial statements, balance statements and reimbursable meals.
Managed budgets, analyzing financial data to make informed decisions on purchasing and menu pricing.
Created training materials for new hires to ensure consistent knowledge of policies and procedures across the team.
Implemented new marketing strategies for increasing daily sales volume and attracting more customers.
Monitored cash handling procedures closely, ensuring accuracy in transactions and reducing instances of theft or fraud.
Inspected kitchen appliances, equipment and work areas to verify functional operation and cleanliness.
Delegated daily staff responsibilities and job duties to improve quality of service, individual accountability and sanitary standards.
Conducted counts of ingredients and items in kitchen and storage areas to maintain accurate inventory counts.
Planned nutritionally-balanced menus for students by studying current dining trends.
Negotiated with vendors for better pricing on bulk food purchases, reducing overall food costs.
Chef Cook
Dennys Restaurant
02.1989 - Current
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.
Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
Chef Head Trainer Dir.
Panada Express
02.1985 - Current
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.
Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Education
BA - Kitchen Cook of Diversty With Style Technique
USC
Los Angeles, CA
01.1991
Skills
Food preparation
Health and safety procedures
Food handling
Sanitation standards
Safety and health precautions
Food presentation
Kitchen equipment operation
Meal planning
Inventory management
Employee scheduling
Staff scheduling
OSHA regulations
Waste reduction
Portion control
Menu planning
Staff supervision and assistance
Timeline
Cafeteria Manager
LAUSD School Board District
05.1996 - Current
Chef Cook
Dennys Restaurant
02.1989 - Current
Chef Head Trainer Dir.
Panada Express
02.1985 - Current
BA - Kitchen Cook of Diversty With Style Technique