Lazaro Rodriguez
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dynamic Chef Manager with extensive experience at Panda Express, excelling in kitchen management and team development. Proven track record in implementing food safety protocols and cost control measures, resulting in significant waste reduction. Skilled in training and mentoring staff, fostering a collaborative environment while ensuring high-quality culinary standards.
Experienced with leading kitchen teams and managing food preparation in busy environments. Utilizes culinary skills and knowledge of kitchen operations to maintain high standards of food quality and safety. Track record of fostering collaborative team environments and driving operational efficiency.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef Manager
Panda Express
03.2024 - Current
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Implemented strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and delicious meals.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Effectively managed food allergen and cross-contamination concerns, ensuring the safety of patrons with dietary restrictions.
- Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere for staffers through effective communication, consistent training and skill development.
- Recruited and hired employees to build effective culinary team for $ 3 M annual revenue-producing restaurant.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure efficient functionality and reduce downtime due to malfunctions.
- Managed staffing schedules, minimizing labor costs while maintaining optimal kitchen performance during peak hours.
Cook Shift Leader
Panda Express
06.2023 - 02.2024
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
- Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by carefully monitoring food usage and rotating stock.
- Trained and mentored new cooks, resulting in increased productivity and improved teamwork within the kitchen staff.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Supported overall restaurant success through cross-training in various positions when necessary to provide adequate coverage during busy times.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced environment.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
Education
Associate Degree In Nursing -
Keiser University
Jacksonville Campus GDE -
AP Leto High School
Tampa, FL05.2021
Skills
- Food safety
- Supply ordering
- Kitchen management
- Recruiting and hiring
- Cooking skills
- Team management
- Training and mentoring
- Inventory supervision
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Equipment inspection
- Coaching and mentoring
- Cost control
- Inventory management
- Staff scheduling
- Problem-solving abilities
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Reliability
Certification
ServeSafe
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Chef Manager
Panda Express
03.2024 - Current
Cook Shift Leader
Panda Express
06.2023 - 02.2024
Associate Degree In Nursing -
Keiser University
GDE -
AP Leto High School