Summary
Skills
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Louis Ward

Louis Ward

Summary

High-performing professional offering 25+ years of restaurant experience, working in fast-paced kitchens and culinary environments. Expertise in creative and innovative menu development, kitchen management, and food preparation. Excellent communication, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with a great understanding of a seamless dining experience for customers.

Skills

  • Menu development
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Banquets and catering
  • Kitchen Operations & Management
  • Vendor Management & Relations
  • Food and Beverage Service
  • Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
  • Customer Service

Work History

Manager & Pool House Chef

Carolina Golf Club
2021.12 - Current
  • Developed successful menu items based on market trends and customer feedback, driving repeat business and positive reviews.
  • Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
  • Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and adjusting purchasing decisions accordingly.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency by implementing standardized recipes, cutting down prep time.
  • Supervised food preparation and monitored safety protocols; handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Maintained compliance with local health regulations by conducting routine inspections of facilities and equipment.
  • Achieved consistent Food Safety Inspection scores by maintaining a clean, organized, and compliant working environment.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing new food safety protocols and ensuring proper food handling procedures.
  • Optimized the dining experience for customers by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Managed food costs, purchased food and supplies, and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
  • Managed daily operational tasks such as staff scheduling, budgeting, ordering supplies, and quality assurance checks.
  • Spearheaded successful catering events and large banquets during holidays and other special occasions, showcasing signature dishes while maintaining impeccable standards of service.
  • Supervised balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and made weekly bank deposits of establishment's earnings.

Cook

Carolina Golf Club
2021.07 - 2021.12
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
  • Collaborated with the management team to develop new menu items based on customer feedback and preferences.
  • Adhered to recipe and portioning control guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.

Owner/Operator

Blessed Catering
1999.01 - 2018.09
  • Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality catering services for various events.
  • Developed custom proposals tailored to clients'' specific needs, offering personalized solutions that showcased expertise and dedication to excellence.
  • Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
  • Created and enhanced catering menu offerings by developing innovative and delicious recipes tailored to clients'' preferences based on event type, dietary needs, and budget.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between courses during formal dinners with expertly timed plating, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for guests.
  • Ensured timely delivery of meals by coordinating efficient transportation methods and logistics.
  • Demonstrated versatility in cuisine styles, adapting menus to accommodate dietary restrictions or cultural preferences as needed.
  • Trained and mentored junior chefs, elevating their culinary skills and performance levels.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
  • Observed federal and local kitchen safety regulations to prevent food borne illnesses.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing efficient food preparation and cooking techniques.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, ensuring consistent quality of ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Generated repeat business through exceptional customer experiences, showcasing professionalism and attention to detail in every interaction.

Education

High School Diploma -

Cheektowaga Central High School
Cheektowaga

Timeline

Manager & Pool House Chef

Carolina Golf Club
2021.12 - Current

Cook

Carolina Golf Club
2021.07 - 2021.12

Owner/Operator

Blessed Catering
1999.01 - 2018.09

High School Diploma -

Cheektowaga Central High School
Louis Ward