Leilondi McCoy
Chicago,IL
Summary
High-performing Chef offering eight years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams. Accountable Chef Manager successful building effective culinary staff. Interested in promoting positive kitchen environments and willing to pitch in and help with tasks. Background working in fine and fast casual dining establishments. Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Dedicated to providing highest level of service to customers and creating pleasant work environment for staff. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols. Ambitious executive chef with proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards and natural knack for building relationships with customers. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef/Manager of Operations
Lloyds Food
02.2020 - 01.2024
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Fostered a positive work environment where employees felt valued and motivated to perform at their best, contributing to the team''s success.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Evaluated and updated kitchen equipment regularly, ensuring that all pieces were in peak working condition for optimal efficiency.
- Developed new culinary programs that increased customer satisfaction and operational excellence levels.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Developed a strong team of culinary professionals through effective hiring, training, and mentoring strategies.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Consistently met revenue targets even during challenging economic periods by closely monitoring market trends and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Delivered consistently exceptional culinary experiences by focusing on quality control in every aspect of food preparation and presentation.
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Managed budget effectively by carefully tracking expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities within the operation.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Personal Chef
The Mohammeds
01.2019 - 02.2023
- Provided attentive service during meal preparation and presentation, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for clients.
- Showcased culinary expertise by preparing a wide range of international cuisines, adapting recipes based on client preferences.
- Generated invoice to request payment for services provided in client home or specifically requested location.
- Cooked multiple meals per day and served at residences or delivered to requested locations.
- Labeled food to include reheating and safe storage and handling instructions.
- Recorded favorite meals of clients and worked continuously on new recipes and repertoire.
- Verified proper portion sizes and consistently attained high food quality standards.
- Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
- Demonstrated flexibility in accommodating last-minute changes to menus or guest numbers while still delivering high-quality results.
- Modified recipes to suit preferences and dietary restrictions of household.
- Prepared meals using braising, roasting, frying and sautéing techniques.
- Leveraged food costing software to calculate recipe costs, cut down on waste and track inventory more effectively.
- Conducted comprehensive nutritional analyses of dishes to accommodate clients'' specific health goals or dietary restrictions.
- Assisted clients with meal planning around dietary restrictions such as allergies or intolerances for optimal nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Met with client and discussed preferred meals, dietary restrictions and food allergies.
- Reduced food waste through effective menu planning, sourcing local ingredients, and utilizing seasonal produce.
- Enrolled in Vegan food preparation classes to learn new cooking techniques.
Playground Supervisor
Chicago Park District
06.2006 - 10.2015
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent engagement during recess periods, fostering trust and respect among the school community.
- Visited playground sites to check on program status and address any concerns.
- Supervised childcare workers and oversaw facility to meet state requirements for education and training.
- Coordinated with other Playground Supervisors to ensure consistent coverage throughout the day, maintaining a safe environment for all children at playtimes.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
- Oversaw safety requirements, inspection, and certification procedures to facilitate annual licensing review.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between classroom time and recess periods by effectively managing large groups of students entering or exiting the playground area.
- Promoted physical activity among students through the organization of engaging games and activities during recess periods.
- Served as role model for children by exercising appropriate decision-making and boundary-setting skills.
- Developed, modified and taught program activities to accommodate various ages, abilities and interests.
- Prepared comprehensive schedules of activities and maintained daily records of number of participants, incidents and activities.
- Supported positive student relationships by mediating conflicts on the playground, teaching conflict resolution skills as needed.
- Planned and scheduled playground site field trips and special activities.
- Supported individual children and young people with special needs to integrate and play.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lindblom College Prep High School
Chicago, ILCertificate of Completion - Business Administration And Management
Sunshine Business Academy
Chicago, IL02.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Restaurant And Culinary Management
Illinois Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL06.2015
Skills
- Monitoring Food Preparation
- Sanitation Standards
- Inventory Management
- Event Planning
- Operations Management
- Cost Control
- Delegating Assignments and Tasks
- Staff Supervision
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
Timeline
Executive Chef/Manager of Operations
Lloyds Food
02.2020 - 01.2024
Personal Chef
The Mohammeds
01.2019 - 02.2023
Playground Supervisor
Chicago Park District
06.2006 - 10.2015
High School Diploma -
Lindblom College Prep High School
Certificate of Completion - Business Administration And Management
Sunshine Business Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Restaurant And Culinary Management
Illinois Art Institute of Chicago