Leonard Cottingham
Sous Chef
Hobart,IN
Summary
Self motivated and energetic with ten years of kitchen experience. Focused on planning creative menus and staying calm and efficient in high-stress situations. Strong communication, organization and meticulous attention to detail. Fast learner and always eager to pick up new skills
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Sous Chef
Ameristar Casino East Chicago
09.2023 - Current
- Writing menus for regular serviced as well as special events
- Managed product ordering for multiple restaurant outlets
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Assisted in development of new team members, and future leaders in the kitchen
- Maintained a productive relationship with front of the house staff to ensure the best experience for all guests
Lead Cook
Bugatti's Steak And Pasta, Ameristar Casino
12.2017 - 09.2023
- Produced Identical dishes multiple times daily while upholding quality, presentation and timeliness
- Prepared food and recipes for upcoming food service
- Planning and organizing station setups for maximum efficiency
- Food prep and service execution for large scale dinner events
- Creation of new recipes to be served in a fine dining restaurant
- Stocking and organizing coolers and food storage areas
- Communicating during busy services to keep service fast and organized
- Preparing product orders
- Training new line cooks to work accurately and efficiently
General Manager
Meatheads Burgers
10.2015 - 11.2017
- Prepared sales projections in order to write weekly schedules
- Order grocery products as well as restaurant supplies/equipment
- Maintaining store budget
- Inventory management
- Interviewing and hiring associates
- Cash handling and deposit preparation
- Local marketing with nearby businesses and organizations
- Catering delivery and preparation
- Organizing and directing staff during revenues
- Assisting team members in both kitchen and “front of the house”
- Customer service and guest interactions
Line Cook
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
04.2015 - 10.2015
- Recipe memorization
- Equipment operation including: Flat top grills, multiple deep fryers, “salamander” overhead broiler
- Food and recipe preparation before revenues
- Teamwork and communication with other line cooks and the kitchen manager.
Assistant Manager
Steak n Shake
06.2011 - 04.2015
- Managing a staff of up to twenty workers per shift
- Hour by hour labor management
- Initial interviews for new team members and application screening
- Grocery ordering
- Drive thru operation
- Customer service and guest interactions
Education
General Studies
Prairie State College
Chicago Heights, IL 01.2010 - 01.2012
High School Diploma - undefined
Bloom Trail High School
01.2005 - 01.2009
Skills
- Creating new menu items with accurate measurements and costs
Adept understanding and usage of excel spreadsheets
Sales projections and restaurant budgeting
Communication and delegation of work tasks
Writing schedules and organizing kitchen staff during revenues
Monitoring the quality of food leaving the kitchen
Food inventory management
Timeline
Sous Chef
Ameristar Casino East Chicago
09.2023 - Current
Lead Cook
Bugatti's Steak And Pasta, Ameristar Casino
12.2017 - 09.2023
General Manager
Meatheads Burgers
10.2015 - 11.2017
Line Cook
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
04.2015 - 10.2015
Assistant Manager
Steak n Shake
06.2011 - 04.2015
General Studies
Prairie State College
01.2010 - 01.2012
High School Diploma - undefined
Bloom Trail High School
01.2005 - 01.2009
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