Lou McKinney
Madison,TN
Summary
Sous Chef with talents in developing innovative menus based on locally grown ingredients. Ready to meet new challenges and to bring my skills, experience, and positive attitude to a team, in which I can achieve and inspire others’ personal and professional growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Margot Cafe and Bar
Nashville, TN
09.2021 - Current
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Served as an integral part of the hiring process for new kitchen staff members, contributing valuable insights into candidate selection based on experience and skill set compatibility with existing team dynamics.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices while supporting community businesses.
- Assisted in budget planning and cost management efforts, helping the establishment maintain profitability without sacrificing quality or service standards.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure cohesive dining experience, addressing any customer concerns with prompt and effective solutions.
Line Cook
City House
Nashville, TN
11.2020 - 09.2021
- City House gave me the opportunity to be trained on all line cook positions
- 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.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
Manager/Counter Service Pizza Maker
Wicked Pies
Franklin St., Olympia, Washington
10.2018 - 11.2020
- Expanded my abilities as a cook and a leader within the company, learning all positions well and coordinating direction based on the owner’s vision
- Support the business during new growth period and producing Wicked Pie products that the owner is proud to serve to the community
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
Dish Washer, Front of House Greeter/Cashier
San Francisco St. Bakery
Olympia, Washington
05.2017 - 07.2018
- Dish washing tasks included washing front of house and back of house dishes, making sure dishes are put away carefully and in an organized fashion, sweeping and mopping front of house dining area, cleaning bathroom, taking out trash, and washing and drying laundry
- Front of House responsibilities include stocking, cleaning, working on POS system, taking orders over the phone, creating espresso drinks, crafting sandwiches, cash handling, and delivering excellent customer service to each customer
Brick Specialist, Supervisor, and Assistant Store Manager
LEGO Brand Retail
Nashville, Tennessee
08.2015 - 02.2017
- Brick Specialist duties included retail sales, customer service, managing stock levels, maintaining appearance of retail area in accordance with company policies, guided Mini-Model Builds and Life Club meetings for ages 6-14
- Added responsibilities upon promotion to Supervisor included duties associated with opening and closing, such as being a key holder and responsibility for cash management
- Also followed company guidelines to create visually appealing product displays
- As Assistant Store Manager, created employee schedules, provided sales floor leadership, participated in biweekly, district Assistant Store Manager conference calls, managed employee records in the Kronos System, and responsible for communicating daily review
Associate, Team Trainer
Panera Bread
Knoxville, Denver, Nashville
02.2010 - 10.2013
- Hired on as an associate, was promoted to Trainer within three months
- Trained new team members in their assigned duties while carrying out company procedures
- Easily able to change between roles of trainer, cashier, barista, and production line
Education
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Trevecca Nazarene University
01.2016
Recreational Therapy
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
01.2012
Skills
- Kitchen leadership
- Allergen awareness
- Menu development
- Safe handling
- Butchery skills
- Equipment usage
- Order delivery practices
- Recipes and menu planning
- Food inventories
- Farm to table
- Cleaning and sanitation
References
References will be given on Request
Timeline
Sous Chef
Margot Cafe and Bar
09.2021 - Current
Line Cook
City House
11.2020 - 09.2021
Manager/Counter Service Pizza Maker
Wicked Pies
10.2018 - 11.2020
Dish Washer, Front of House Greeter/Cashier
San Francisco St. Bakery
05.2017 - 07.2018
Brick Specialist, Supervisor, and Assistant Store Manager
LEGO Brand Retail
08.2015 - 02.2017
Associate, Team Trainer
Panera Bread
02.2010 - 10.2013
Recreational Therapy
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Trevecca Nazarene University