Lakisha Vaughan
Portsmouth,VA
Summary
Skilled food preparation team member experienced in readying cold foods, sides and beverages. Reliable in keeping surfaces clean and sanitized for infection control. Always ready to help team members and customers.
Hardworking professional with skills in food preparation, cleaning and supply management. Focused on food safety and quick service for customers. Specializes in food.
Skilled in food preparation with experience across fast-paced kitchen environments. Understand and execute recipes with precision, maintain cleanliness standards, and manage inventory efficiently. Known for ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing menu requirements. Contributed to team efforts in improving kitchen operations and reducing food waste.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Outgoing student pursuing flexible part-time employment with weekend and evening shift options.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook's Assistant
Pizza Hut
Portsmouth, VA
11.2024 - 07.2025
- Assisted in food preparation and cooking processes during peak service times.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen tools and workstations.
- Supported inventory management by restocking supplies and ingredients daily.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, following all health and safety guidelines.
- Participated in menu development by suggesting ingredient combinations and flavors.
- Trained new staff on proper cooking techniques and kitchen procedures.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Stored food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent spoilage.
- Washed, peeled and cut fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Cut or sliced meat, poultry and seafood to prepare for cooking.
- Restocked cupboards, refrigerators and service stations with new food items or supplies.
- Helped management stay on top of supply needs by sharing information about low or spoiled inventory.
- Placed food trays over warmers for immediate service or stored in refrigerated storage cabinets.
Drive-Thru Cashier
Taco Bell Restaurant
Portsmouth, Virginia
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Processed customer orders efficiently at the drive-thru window.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and securely during shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the drive-thru area.
- Prepared drinks, ice cream and other special items to complete food orders.
- Received payment from customers and made change as needed.
- Worked nights, weekends, and holidays, and maintained calm, pleasant demeanor.
- Verified that orders were accurate and complete before delivering them to customers.
- Restocked inventory when necessary to maintain sufficient levels at the front counter area.
- Prepared drive-thru station for next shift by refilling napkins, lids and straws at window.
- Kept work area organized during shifts by properly storing utensils, cleaning tools, ingredients.
- Provided friendly customer service by addressing customer inquiries and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
- Assisted with the maintenance of store cleanliness including sweeping floors and wiping down counters.
- Helped keep business clean during downtime by washing and disinfecting kitchen areas.
- Checked headsets and replaced batteries prior to rush periods to maintain readiness.
- Completed opening, closing, and shift change tasks by following company guidelines.
- Trained and mentored new cashiers to maximize performance with skilled, efficient and knowledgeable team members.
Drive-Thru Cashier
Wendys Restaurant
Portsmouth, Virginia
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Processed customer orders efficiently at the drive-thru window.
- Handled cash transactions accurately and securely during shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the drive-thru area.
- Greeted customers, took orders, and provided product information.
- Kept drive-thru station well-stocked and organized to meet customer needs.
- Prepared drinks, ice cream and other special items to complete food orders.
- Received payment from customers and made change as needed.
- Worked nights, weekends, and holidays, and maintained calm, pleasant demeanor.
- Prepared drive-thru station for next shift by refilling napkins, lids and straws at window.
- Restocked inventory when necessary to maintain sufficient levels at the front counter area.
- Kept work area organized during shifts by properly storing utensils, cleaning tools, ingredients.
- Assisted with the maintenance of store cleanliness including sweeping floors and wiping down counters.
- Helped keep business clean during downtime by washing and disinfecting kitchen areas.
- Completed opening, closing, and shift change tasks by following company guidelines.
Restaurant Hostess/Environmental Services Housekeeper
Renaissance Hotel
Portsmouth, VA
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Greeted guests warmly and ensured a positive first impression.
- Managed reservations and organized seating arrangements for efficient service.
- Coordinated with servers to ensure timely guest seating and service flow.
- Greeted customers and escorted them to their tables.
- Stayed attentive to server availability and table turnover to quickly seat guests.
- Answered incoming calls with appropriate greeting and provided information about menu items or services offered.
- Performed opening and closing duties such as restocking supplies and cleaning work areas.
- Supported serving staff, food runners and bussers to keep dining room presentable and ready for guests.
- Restocked condiments, silverware, napkins, tablecloths. as needed.
- Helped restaurant staff set up small and large events to coordinate smooth execution.
- Escorted guests to seating area, furnished menus and highlighted daily specials.
- Communicated with servers about new tables, changes in food availability and customer comments.
Cook's Assistant
Moes Southwestern Grill
Norfolk, Virginia
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Assisted in food preparation and cooking processes during peak service times.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen tools and workstations.
- Supported inventory management by restocking supplies and ingredients daily.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, following all health and safety guidelines.
- Trained new staff on proper cooking techniques and kitchen procedures.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Maintained high standards of customer service during high-volume work shifts and fast-paced operations.
- Washed, peeled and cut fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Restocked cupboards, refrigerators and service stations with new food items or supplies.
Warehouse Worker
Damco Distribution
Chesapeake, Virginia
03.2016 - 11.2018
- Operated forklifts to transport goods within the warehouse.
- Organized inventory and maintained accurate stock levels.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely order fulfillment.
- Staged and sorted multiple types of products for loading.
- Packaged items carefully using protective materials like bubble wrap or foam sheets.
- Kept shelves, workstations and pallet areas neat and tidy to maintain safe work environment.
- Packaged products securely for shipping to customers.
- Packed boxes and stock using organizational guidelines.
- Counted number of boxes or units in loading docks to confirm proper completion of work orders.
Education
I.C Norcom High School
Portsmouth, VASkills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen sanitation
- Equipment operation
- Inventory management
- Customer service
- Problem solving
- Food portioning and packaging
- Ingredient preparation
- Coffee brewing
- Coffee and tea preparation
- Meat and vegetable preparation
- Batch testing
- Organize supplies
Languages
English
Professional
Timeline
Cook's Assistant
Pizza Hut
11.2024 - 07.2025
Drive-Thru Cashier
Taco Bell Restaurant
05.2024 - 08.2024
Drive-Thru Cashier
Wendys Restaurant
10.2023 - 02.2024
Restaurant Hostess/Environmental Services Housekeeper
Renaissance Hotel
02.2022 - 08.2023
Cook's Assistant
Moes Southwestern Grill
06.2020 - 03.2021
Warehouse Worker
Damco Distribution
03.2016 - 11.2018
I.C Norcom High School