Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Lino Cervantes

Franciscan Village
Chicago,IL
10
years of professional experience

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Franciscan Village, excelling in food preparation and quality control. Proven ability to enhance kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction through exceptional knife skills and meticulous attention to detail. Adept at training staff and optimizing meal presentation, consistently delivering high-quality dishes in fast-paced environments.

Work History

Line Cook/Prep Cook/Server

3 Years
Franciscan Village | 07.2023 - Current
  • Prepared and cooked menu items according to established recipes and portion standards.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen stations, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
  • Assisted in inventory management, tracking supplies and reporting shortages to management.
  • Facilitated collaboration among team members to optimize meal service efficiency during peak shifts.
  • Utilized kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, adhering to operational guidelines for safety protocols.
  • Adapted to changing menus and special requests, demonstrating flexibility in food preparation tasks.
  • Supported training of new staff on kitchen procedures and best practices for food handling.
  • Contributed to menu planning discussions by providing feedback on dish performance and customer preferences.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
  • Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
  • Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
  • Optimized food presentation, resulting in positive customer feedback and increased social media attention.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
  • Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
  • Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.

Line Cook/Plater

2 Years 3 Months
Kitchfix | 04.2021 - 07.2023
  • Executed ingredient preparation in accordance with standardized recipes to uphold quality and consistency.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
  • Assisted in menu preparation by testing new recipes and providing feedback.
  • Operated kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, and ovens, adhering to safety protocols.
  • Prepared ingredients according to standardized recipes to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, adhering to health and safety regulations.
  • Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels and reporting shortages to supervisors.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized work environment during service hours.
  • Executed cooking techniques for various menu items, enhancing overall customer satisfaction through flavorful dishes.
  • Trained new staff on kitchen procedures, promoting best practices in food preparation and safety protocols.
  • Streamlined food prep processes, reducing waste and improving efficiency during peak service times.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness in compliance with health department guidelines throughout the kitchen area.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
  • Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.
  • Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
  • Implemented effective waste reduction strategies, minimizing food costs and supporting sustainable practices.
  • Streamlined prep work for faster meal turnaround, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene, surpassing health inspection requirements.
  • Adapted recipes for special dietary needs, enhancing dining experience for guests with restrictions.
  • Managed kitchen equipment maintenance, preventing unexpected downtime and preserving workflow.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining clean and organized workstation.
  • Collaborated with chef to develop new menu items, leading to increased diner interest and sales.

Line Cook/Prep Cook

10 Months
Chiya Chai | 03.2020 - 01.2021
  • Prepared a variety of dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to maintain high food quality.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.
  • Assisted in inventory management by tracking ingredient levels and minimizing waste.
  • Prepared ingredients and assembled dishes according to menu specifications.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace to ensure efficiency.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely, adhering to food safety standards.
  • Assisted in inventory management, monitoring stock levels for timely replenishment.
  • Collaborated with team members to deliver high-quality service during peak hours.
  • Adapted quickly to changing menu items and special requests from customers.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures for consistent quality.
  • Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.

Cashier

1 Year 2 Months
Miskas Liquors | 02.2020 - 04.2021
  • Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
  • Maintained accurate cash drawer and balanced daily sales reports.
  • Assisted customers with product inquiries and recommendations.
  • Ensured store cleanliness and organized merchandise displays.
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
  • Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
  • Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
  • Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
  • Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
  • Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.

Manager/Cashier/Prep Cook

1 Year 8 Months
Le Pain Quotidian | 07.2018 - 03.2020
  • Streamlined daily operations to enhance efficiency and service quality.
  • Developed training programs for staff to improve customer engagement and product knowledge.
  • Implemented inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
  • Oversaw team performance, fostering a collaborative environment that improved morale and productivity.
  • Enforced health and safety standards, maintaining compliance with local regulations and company policies.
  • Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on best practices in service delivery and operational excellence.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.

Barista/Catering Cook/Cashier/Prep Cook

1 Year 8 Months
Hannah’s Bretzel | 06.2016 - 02.2018
  • Prepared and served quality beverages according to established recipes.
  • Maintained clean and organized workstations for efficient operations.
  • Assisted customers in receiving exceptional service and promoting menu offerings.
  • Operated espresso machines and brewing equipment with attention to detail.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, enhancing overall guest experience through attentive communication.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, adhering to health and safety standards.
  • Prepared high-quality espresso beverages and specialty drinks with precision.
  • Trained new baristas on beverage preparation techniques and customer service protocols.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline order processing during peak hours for efficiency.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.

Education

High School Diploma

Carl Schurz High School | Chicago, IL

Skills

Knife skills
Excellent attention to detail
Food preparation
Kitchen equipment operation
Meal plating and presentation
Quality control
Recipe preparation and execution

Timeline

Line Cook/Prep Cook/Server

Franciscan Village
07.2023 - CurrentRead More

Line Cook/Plater

Kitchfix
04.2021 - 07.2023Read More

Line Cook/Prep Cook

Chiya Chai
03.2020 - 01.2021Read More

Cashier

Miskas Liquors
02.2020 - 04.2021Read More

Manager/Cashier/Prep Cook

Le Pain Quotidian
07.2018 - 03.2020Read More

Barista/Catering Cook/Cashier/Prep Cook

Hannah’s Bretzel
06.2016 - 02.2018Read More

Carl Schurz High School

High School Diploma
Read More
Lino Cervantes