Leonardo Cruz Melo
Ozone Park,NY
Summary
I An organized and motivated individual, eager to utilize time management and organizational skills across diverse settings. Seeking entry-level opportunities to enhance abilities while contributing to company growth. Passionate, spirited and classically trained culinary professional, skilled in building relationships and developing high-performing teams. Leader in delivery of excellent customer service. Equipped to apply restaurant operational experience to grow world-class organizations. Dedicated to food safety, customer service best practices and quality food service.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Wonder
Englewood, N.J.
04.2021 - 12.2023
- I worked hands-on with the Executive Sous Chef.
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Complied with all of the QC regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
Junior Sous Chef
Catering In Flights 121
Long Island, N.Y.
06.2016 - 09.2020
- Assisted the Executive Chef in menu planning, recipe development, and kitchen operations for various airlines (Ram, Caribbean, Etihad, and Qatar).
- Trained and supervised cooks in proper culinary techniques.
- Maintained a clean work area to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Provided guidance to staff members regarding recipes, plating techniques, garnishes and portion control.
- Monitored food temperatures during storage, preparation and service to meet safety standards.
- Prepared sauces, dressings, soups, stocks, marinades and other items as needed throughout the day.
Head Butcher
Leo Butchery
Bani Escondido, Dominican Republic
05.2000 - 04.2016
- Organized the ordering, stocking, and inventory of meat products.
- Trained new butchers in proper cutting techniques and safety protocols.
- Ordered fresh meats from local suppliers on a regular basis.
- Ensured all meats were stored at correct temperatures to maintain freshness and quality.
- Inspected delivered meats for any signs of spoilage or contamination.
- Performed maintenance on butchering equipment to keep it in safe working condition.
- Kept records of daily sales and inventory levels for accounting purposes.
- Prepared custom orders according to customer specifications.
- Provided customer guidance regarding different cuts of meat, cooking methods, and storage advice.
- De-boned, trimmed, cut, ground, sliced, wrapped, weighed, priced, labeled and merchandised meat products.
- Calculated cost estimates for custom orders prior to production.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate cuts of meat based on their needs.
- Adhered to company policies when handling cash transactions with customers.
Education
Marketing Management
O&M University
Santo Domingo Dominican Republic05-1995
High School Diploma -
Redentor High School
Dominican Republic08-1990
Skills
- Station oversight
- Plating
- High-quality ingredients
- Food safety
- Positive and professional
- Catering background
- Motivational team management
- Supervising food prep
- Heavy lifting
- Kitchen leadership
- Knife skills
- Portion control
- Food preparation supervision
- Sauce preparation
- Staff training
Affiliations
- I enjoy fishing on my time off.
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sous Chef
Wonder
04.2021 - 12.2023
Junior Sous Chef
Catering In Flights 121
06.2016 - 09.2020
Head Butcher
Leo Butchery
05.2000 - 04.2016
Marketing Management
O&M University
High School Diploma -
Redentor High School
Similar Profiles
NAKIYAH BROWNNAKIYAH BROWN
Line Cook at WonderLine Cook at Wonder
Khalid HoganKhalid Hogan
Delivery Driver at WonderDelivery Driver at Wonder
DAMANI ANDERSONDAMANI ANDERSON
Line Cook at WonderLine Cook at Wonder
April RodriguezApril Rodriguez
Line Cook / Kitchen Assistant at WonderLine Cook / Kitchen Assistant at Wonder
Latefa SaddiqLatefa Saddiq
Relationship Banker at New York Community BankRelationship Banker at New York Community Bank