Luis Naula Gonzales
Woodside,NY
Summary
Professional catering expert with refined approach to culinary excellence and event service. Known for crafting memorable dining experiences through innovative menu design and precise execution. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to meet client needs, ensuring consistent and reliable results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering Services Assistant
Milk & Honey NYC
06.2016 - Current
- Increased event efficiency by setting up, organizing, and maintaining clean and appealing buffet displays for various clients.
- Elevated overall service experience by attentively attending to guests'' needs throughout events, including refilling beverages, replenishing dishes, and clearing tables as needed.
- Optimized inventory management with effective ordering practices, minimizing waste while ensuring adequate supplies for each event.
- Contributed to successful events by ensuring proper menu planning based on guest preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Facilitated smooth communication between the catering team and event planners to ensure all details were executed according to plan.
- Ensured positive guest experiences by monitoring food quality, presentation, and temperature during all events.
- Boosted client retention through excellent communication skills, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Safeguarded health standards compliance at all events by adhering to rigorous sanitation protocols in food handling, storage, and disposal processes.
- Delivered outstanding results in high-pressure situations while maintaining a calm demeanor and professional attitude at all times.
- Expedited event setup and breakdown processes with efficient organizational skills, reducing time spent on these tasks.
- Streamlined the catering process by effectively coordinating with other team members to ensure timely delivery of food and beverages.
Catering Chef
Blake & Todd
05.2024 - Current
- Cooked for large groups of people and managing various types of food for large events.
- Ordered food items and supplies needed to fulfill catering jobs.
- Crafted exciting catering options for clients.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment by adhering to strict health and safety regulations.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between courses during formal dinners with expertly timed plating, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for guests.
- Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality catering services for various events.
- Traveled across [10] mile-range to provide exceptional service, offering critically-acclaimed [Buffet &Events] catering in various settings.
Catering Server
Fusion Fare Food
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Assisted in event setup and teardown, ensuring a smooth transition between functions.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Enhanced guest experience by providing exceptional service during catered events.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to last-minute changes in menu items, guest count, or event timeline to maintain a high level of service quality.
- Loaded and unloaded tableware, catering supplies and meals to and from catering vehicles to comply with catering logistics.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Received positive feedback from clients regarding attention to detail, promptness, and overall professionalism during catered events.
- Responded to customer inquiries and resolved complaints to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Contributed to team success by cross-training in various roles such as bartender, server assistant, or line cook when necessary.
- Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
- Utilized proper food handling techniques to establish safety and quality of food served.
- Supported the creation of memorable experiences for guests by delivering exceptional tableside service at weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
- Maintained tidy and organized dining room, kitchen and serving stations to comply with cleanliness standards.
- Sanitized tableware and chafing dishes before catering event to avoid infection and comply with hygiene standards.
- Streamlined event operations by coordinating closely with catering manager on guest headcounts, serving schedules, and equipment needs.
- Maintained proper food temperature control, preventing spoilage and ensuring optimal taste quality for guests.
- Provided professional beverage service, including wine selection guidance and pairing recommendations.
- Set up banquet tables and chairs based on event requirements.
- Adhered to all health and safety regulations while serving food and beverages.
- Carried out professional service, retaining polite and friendly approach at all times.
- Worked with banquet manager to coordinate event set up and schedule.
- Maintained clean and safe work environment.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Handled food and beverage orders for up to [50-100] guests, delivering prompt and friendly service.
- Supported needs of [20]- person wait staff who attended to specific needs of countless customers daily for Kosher restaurant with social relevancy and intentionality.
Delivery Courier
Fresh Kitchen
03.2014 - 11.2016
- Followed company policies and procedures during shift.
- Developed strong relationships with customers through courteous service and proactive problem-solving abilities.
- Greeted recipients, delivered packages, and parcels and acquired proper signatures for all deliveries.
- Drove safely at all times to avoid accidents and harm.
- Expedited urgent deliveries, prioritizing time-sensitive shipments to meet critical deadlines.
- Ensured safe transportation of packages with careful handling and secure storage methods.
- Navigated complex urban environments swiftly, utilizing GPS technology and advanced planning techniques for efficient route management.
- Reduced customer complaints by providing timely updates and maintaining clear communication throughout the delivery process.
- Demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service excellence by maintaining a courteous demeanor in challenging situations and going above and beyond to ensure complete satisfaction.
- Managed competing priorities under high-pressure conditions, consistently meeting or exceeding delivery goals and expectations.
- Verified package information to check for accuracy and completeness.
- Utilized GPS navigation systems to navigate faster routes.
- Loaded and unloaded packages onto delivery vehicles for proper storage and handling.
- Safeguarded sensitive materials during transport, adhering to strict confidentiality protocols when handling personal or proprietary information.
Education
Skills
- Cleaning practices
- Food pairings
- Kitchen organization
- Cooking methods
- Food preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Food presentation
- Recipe creation
- Plating and presentation
- Allergy awareness
- Special diets
- Table setting
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Catering Chef
Blake & Todd
05.2024 - Current
Catering Server
Fusion Fare Food
01.2021 - 12.2023
Catering Services Assistant
Milk & Honey NYC
06.2016 - Current
Delivery Courier
Fresh Kitchen
03.2014 - 11.2016
Similar Profiles
Cassidy DoerksenCassidy Doerksen
Cupcake Company Owner at Milk and Honey YEGCupcake Company Owner at Milk and Honey YEG
Anissa GillisAnissa Gillis
Shift Manager at Milk & Honey RestaurantShift Manager at Milk & Honey Restaurant
Markeese ColemanMarkeese Coleman
Team Member/Multi-Tasker at Milk & Honey/Thompson HospitalityTeam Member/Multi-Tasker at Milk & Honey/Thompson Hospitality