Malisha Jonson
Montgomery,AL
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience in kitchen operations and staff leadership. Skilled in menu planning and food safety protocols, consistently achieving high-quality service and customer satisfaction across diverse events.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Catering Manager
Potz & Panz Gourmet Cafe
Montgomery, AL
09.2018 - Current
- Directed catering operations, ensuring seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Coordinated menu planning and vendor negotiations to optimize food quality and cost efficiency.
- Led a team of catering staff, providing training and mentorship to enhance performance and service standards.
- Implemented inventory management systems to reduce waste and improve resource allocation.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
Assistant Head Chef
Potz & Panz Gourmet Cafe
Montgomery, AL
04.2005 - Current
- Supervised kitchen operations and ensured adherence to food safety standards.
- Developed and implemented seasonal menu offerings reflecting culinary trends.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff in techniques and best practices.
- Coordinated daily prep schedules to optimize workflow efficiency in the kitchen.
- Managed inventory levels, minimizing waste while ensuring ingredient availability.
- Conducted regular quality checks on dishes before service to maintain standards.
- Assisted Head Chef in strategic planning for special events and catering services.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Introduced innovative plating techniques that elevated the visual appeal of dishes while adhering to nutritional guidelines.
- Coordinated special events catering services, providing exceptional dining experiences for clients and guests.
- Developed creative menu options to cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences, increasing overall customer satisfaction.
- Managed daily kitchen operations in Head Chef''s absence, ensuring smooth service during peak hours.
- Collaborated with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining area, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Trenholm State Community College
Montgomery, AL05-2026
Skills
- Cooking methods
- Knife skills
- Sanitation protocols
- Food presentation
- Kitchen management
- Recipe creation
- Menu development
- Culinary techniques
- Team management
- Kitchen operations
- Banquets and catering
- Fine-dining expertise
- Event planning proficiency
- Staff leadership
- Food safety
- File management
Certification
- SERV SAFE manager Training - [01/2031
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Catering Manager
Potz & Panz Gourmet Cafe
09.2018 - Current
Assistant Head Chef
Potz & Panz Gourmet Cafe
04.2005 - Current
Associate of Arts - Culinary
Trenholm State Community College