Liz Hughes
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Experienced restaurant manager with over 15 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, specializing in operational management, customer service excellence, and team leadership. Proven track record of streamlining operations, increasing revenue, and enhancing customer satisfaction in both fine dining and casual restaurant settings. Adept at inventory control, purchasing and staff training to ensure efficient and profitable operations. Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a commitment to maintaining high standards of food quality and safety. Seeking to leverage my extensive background to contribute to the success of a new restaurant concept at the University of Arizona.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Dining Services Attendant, Senior Catalyst Cafe
University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
06.2018 - Current
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
- Promoted positive workplace morale through effective collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds within the dining services team.
- Handled guest complaints professionally, resolving issues quickly to maintain customer satisfaction levels.
- Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in all areas of the cafe.
- Trained cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the cafe.
- Grew cafe sales by effectively marketing business and improving customer relations strategies.
- Handled business administration functions such as payroll, cash register counting, inventory, forecasting, and supply ordering.
- Introduced new menu items to add variety and selections and meet customer preferences.
- Worked closely with kitchen staff to ensure menu items were prepared efficiently while maintaining quality standards.
Lead Cook
University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
08.2013 - 06.2018
- I have worked various jobs here at the University's Student Union. Starting as a Lead Cook at the Cellar Bistro in 2013. After a period of time moving over to the production kitchen. Working for all three sides of the kitchen. Garde manger, bakery and hot side. Following the production kitchen I began managing and running the Roadrunner food truck for football games and various events. While running the food truck, I managed and cooked in the kitchen at Pangea. While working at Pangea, I was asked to open and manage Catalyst Cafe in 2018. After a couple of successful years at Catalyst. Covid had eventually closed down the Cafe in 2020. During that time, I helped out at Starbucks for a year and a half. I re-opened Catalyst Cafe successfully in 2021. During these years I was able to display the following skills.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through proactive communication with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
Garde Manger Cook
The Ritz Carlton
01.2011 - 03.2013
- Kept up with industry trends by attending culinary workshops and conferences, incorporating new techniques into daily practices for continuous improvement.
- Upheld strict food safety guidelines when handling raw ingredients, maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment.
- Streamlined production processes by organizing mise en place before each shift, improving overall efficiency in the kitchen.
- Adapted quickly to changing menu requirements based on customer preferences or ingredient availability issues.
- Consistently met deadlines for preparing large quantities of hors d''oeuvres for catering events or special functions within the restaurant setting.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Arts
The Art Institute
Tucson, AZ03.2012
Skills
- Team Management
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Organization and prioritization
- Employee Retention
- Catering Coordination
- Food Preparation and Safety
- Hiring and Training
- Menu Planning
- Purchasing and Cost Control
Timeline
Dining Services Attendant, Senior Catalyst Cafe
University Of Arizona
06.2018 - Current
Lead Cook
University Of Arizona
08.2013 - 06.2018
Garde Manger Cook
The Ritz Carlton
01.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Culinary Arts
The Art Institute