Malena Ortiz
Republic
Summary
Malena Ortiz has proficient knowledge in kitchen management, and many other kitchen skills. She also has lots of experience in customer service and problem solving.
Malena has a high drive for work ethic and making hard to do tasks more simplified so work efficiency is raised.
Malena is a extrovert and enjoys making people happy. But when hard topics and events arise, she tries to give the best advice she can to help others.
She grew up in a deaf household, so has a extensive knowledge in ASL. Also grew up with experience in kids with disabilities, her parents both working in the felids of Autism Specialist and Vocational Rehab Specialist contributed to that.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
18 North Kitchen & Bar
03.2022 - 12.2025
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Designed and maintained menus to offer variety of high quality and consistency of dishes.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
Server Manager
18 North Kitchen & Bar
03.2022 - 12.2025
- Welcomed and greeted guests before presenting special menu items to clients.
- Completed daily procedure checklist and communicated changes to servers and kitchen staff.
- Analyzed and generated end-of-shift and product inventory reports for performance and quality tracking purposes.
- Handled guest complaints in positively and offered appreciation tokens to build customer loyalty.
- Led team of servers to consistently meet customer service and sales targets.
- Established team strengths and weaknesses and exploited opportunities to boost employee output and customer satisfaction.
- Proactively communicated with servers to coordinate workflows and monitor service during busy shifts.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
Food Expeditor
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
02.2020 - 02.2022
- Trained new expeditors and food runners according to company policies and standards.
- Organized dining area based on reservations, minimizing waiting times.
- Maintained kitchen productivity, guaranteeing timely preparation, and serving of dishes in alignment with customer specifications.
- Assisted preparation of food plates, overseeing quality, and appearance.
Restaurant Hostess
Perché No Pasta and Vino
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
- Prepared dining room for service by cleaning , organizing tables and placing table settings.
- Supported servers, food runners, and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Delivered unparalleled service to drive positive dining experience and repeat customer visits.
- (No longer in business)
Preschool Volunteer
Rowanberry School
06.2014 - 06.2018
- Worked during the summer months for school credits.
- Prepared materials for class activities and art projects.
- Monitored student behavior in hallways and classrooms to promote safe learning environment.
- Helped with planning and implementation of school fundraisers to bring in needed monies for school.
- Encouraged and guided students struggling academically, delivering support and assistance.
- (No longer in business)
Education
High School Diploma -
Riverdale High School
Portland, OR06-2019
Skills
- Customer Service
- ASL fluency
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Purchasing
- Scheduling
- Employee monitoring
- Recruitment
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Attention to detail
- ServSafe certification
- Workflow planning
- Problem-solving
- Verbal and written communication
- Policy and procedure enforcement
- Performance improvement
- Multitasking and organization
Languages
American Sign Language
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
18 North Kitchen & Bar
03.2022 - 12.2025
Server Manager
18 North Kitchen & Bar
03.2022 - 12.2025
Food Expeditor
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar
02.2020 - 02.2022
Restaurant Hostess
Perché No Pasta and Vino
03.2019 - 12.2019
Preschool Volunteer
Rowanberry School
06.2014 - 06.2018
High School Diploma -
Riverdale High School