LaJuan McGowan
Washington,District Of Columbia
Summary
Motivated Cook dedicated to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local sources to drive farm-to-table menus. Proactive and adaptable team leader passionate about sustainable cuisine. Talented at creating exciting and innovative menus based on in-season ingredients.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cook Supervisor
Malta House
Hyattsville, MD
09.2016 - 10.2018
- Supervised and managed the kitchen staff in preparing, cooking, and presenting food.
- Monitored food quality control and safety standards to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Coordinated the ordering of ingredients, supplies and equipment needed for daily operations.
- Maintained accurate inventory records of all food items received and used in the kitchen.
- Developed menus in accordance with budget guidelines while ensuring high-quality dining experience for customers.
Supervisor of Food Service
Aramark DC Jail
WASHINGTON, DC
07.2015 - 09.2017
- Supervised and coordinated activities of food service personnel to ensure efficient operation of the restaurant.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in all areas of the kitchen.
- Scheduled staff shifts, monitored attendance, and managed payroll records.
- Developed menus that met nutritional requirements while staying within budget guidelines.
- Maintained inventory of supplies, equipment, and food items needed for daily operations.
- Ordered necessary supplies from approved vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Provided direction to staff on proper preparation techniques for menu items.
- Reviewed customer feedback forms to identify areas needing improvement in quality or customer service.
- Conducted weekly training sessions with staff members on food safety practices and standards.
Food and Beverage Intern
American University
WASHINGTON, DC
05.2015 - 07.2015
- Assisted in the preparation of food items and beverages according to the kitchen's recipes and standards.
- Ensured that all dishes were properly garnished prior to serving customers.
- Checked temperature of food products before serving them to guests.
- Organized the work area, equipment, and ingredients to ensure efficient service operations.
- Stocked supplies such as condiments, napkins, cutlery, and other related items for each meal period.
- Greeted customers upon arrival and provided assistance with menu selections when needed.
- Performed opening and closing duties including setting up workstations, cleaning counters, and organizing storage areas.
- Maintained a clean working environment by adhering to health codes and sanitation regulations.
Assistant Store Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
Washington, DC
06.2012 - 08.2014
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the store, including customer service, inventory management and staff scheduling.
- Supervised a team of employees and provided ongoing training to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions, stock levels and employee performance metrics.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner and addressed any issues that may arise during store hours.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations throughout the store premises.
- Handled complaints from customers by empathetically listening, recording details and offering solutions.
- Completed frequent walk-throughs and directed team members to correct issues impacting store appearance or professionalism.
Assistant Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
College Park, MD
04.2008 - 03.2014
- Assisted in the development of operational strategies to ensure efficient and productive operations.
- Established processes for monitoring customer satisfaction levels.
- Created reports on sales trends, inventory levels, and financial data.
- Maintained inventory accuracy by counting stock-on-hand and reconciling discrepancies.
- Completed inventory audits to identify losses and project demand.
- Secured revenue, accurately monitoring transactions and deposits to eliminate discrepancies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Northwestern High School
Hyattsville, MD06-2005
Skills
- Food Presentation
- Waste Reduction
- Cooking Techniques
- Seafood Preparation
- Food Preparation
- Portion Control
- Kitchen Safety
- Food Safety Regulations
- Food Safety
- Menu Memorization
- Customer Service
- Cost Control
- Dish Preparation
Certification
- AllerTrain
- ServeSafe
- CPR and First AID Certificate
- Completed DCCK Culinary Program
Timeline
Cook Supervisor
Malta House
09.2016 - 10.2018
Supervisor of Food Service
Aramark DC Jail
07.2015 - 09.2017
Food and Beverage Intern
American University
05.2015 - 07.2015
Assistant Store Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
06.2012 - 08.2014
Assistant Manager
IKEA Home Furnishings
04.2008 - 03.2014
High School Diploma -
Northwestern High School