Highly trained, creative, and decisive Manager/chef bringing strong background in demanding culinary environments. Runs successful kitchens with well-trained staff and attractive dishes to delight customers and encourage repeat business. Trained in most types of techniques. Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Dedicated to providing highest level of service to customers and creating pleasant work environment for staff. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Spitfire Tacos And Tequila
10.2023 - 12.2023
Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
Enhanced customer satisfaction with attentiveness to dietary restrictions and allergen concerns.
Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
Implemented innovative menu items that reflected current culinary trends, increasing both customer interest and repeat business.
Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training initiatives.
Fostered a collaborative working environment among diverse teams of chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and other support staff.
Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively engaging with staff members, promoting open communication channels, and demonstrating support for ongoing professional development opportunities.
Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
This was a brand new restaurant in Eagle, Idaho that I helped open. After I went to San Diego for training, then came back up here to open after about 2 months we decided it was not a going to be a good fit.
Chef De Partie/Catering Chef
Thomas Cuisine Management/Compass, Eurest
05.2019 - 10.2023
Upheld operational standards with total commitment and passion by offering knowledgeable direction to house associates
Worked with executive chef, sous chef and manager, promoting high-performance standards
Maximized productivity and minimized waste with effective supervision of food preparation and production areas
Responsible for specialty desserts and pastries for catering and individual stations
Created new recipes both including meat and vegetarian options to feature on menu
Responsible for upholding high standards of timely execution and customer service
Responsible for cleaning daily, weekly and monthly tasks included.
Improved customer satisfaction by attentively addressing dietary restrictions and special requests.
Contributed to a positive kitchen atmosphere through effective communication and collaboration with team members.
Demonstrated strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple stations during busy service periods.
Provided support in all areas of the kitchen as needed, demonstrating versatility and adaptability under pressure.
Mentored junior team members, fostering growth through skill development and encouragement of creative experimentation in the kitchen environment.
Expanded culinary knowledge through continuous research on new techniques, flavors, and trends within the industry as a means of staying current with evolving consumer tastes.
Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by maintaining proper storage protocols for perishable items and promptly addressing any potential hazards.
Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing effective standard operating procedures that increased overall productivity and consistency in dish preparation.
Plated meals paying special attention to garnishes and overall presentation.
Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment, serving approximately 1,500 people per day.
Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
Assisted with menu development and planning.
Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work and implementing time-saving techniques.
Reduced food waste by 10-23% through carefully monitoring inventory levels and adjusting orders accordingly.
General Manager/Trainer
NPC International
12.2018 - 04.2019
Increased employee skills and customer satisfaction with implementation of successful training program
Resolved employee, customer, and vendor issues using strong mediation and problem-solving techniques
Eliminated waste at various levels, regularly reviewing team activities and records to spot and resolve problems
Maintained optimal employee coverage for business needs with well-prepared team schedules
Managed customer experiences with a close eye on customer and team member interactions, touchpoints, and methods of engagement
Company was going to file bankruptcy, left after hours were cut back and lack of available employees.
Food Service Director/Chef
Hillcrest Assisted Living
06.2018 - 12.2018
Observed quality and safety standards for safe food-handling practices
Maintained food supply, reported low-stock items, and rotated stock
Sanitized surface areas and kitchen equipment to prevent infection or cross contamination
Monitored food at serving areas for freshness and replenishment needs
Prepared and organized trayline, hot wells, and steam tables according to required holding temperatures
Cooked large-batch preparations following recipes and using commercial kitchen equipment
Protected customers with safe food handling and careful cleaning
Minimized spoilage risks by always storing ingredients properly
Avoided waste through consistent stock rotation and correct portioning
Mixed ingredients and prepared special dressings and sauces for cooks
Helped kitchen staff meet customer needs with continuous assistance
Was responsible for food orders, worked closely with vendors on creating order guides and pars
Created and implemented an inventory system
Created menus with specialized diets in mind for the elderly.
Maintained high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, ensuring compliance with all health department regulations.
Developed a strong team atmosphere within the kitchen staff, enhancing productivity and employee retention rates by 20%.
Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills and knowledge of food safety procedures.
Conducted regular performance evaluations for food service employees, promoting professional growth and development opportunities.
Increased employee engagement by fostering positive relationships among team members and addressing concerns proactively.
Achieved cost savings by negotiating contracts with suppliers, reducing food waste, and streamlining operations when possible.
Designed creative menus that catered to various dietary needs while maintaining an appealing aesthetic for clients.
Oversaw daily operations in the kitchen, ensuring timely meal preparation and delivery for large-scale events or busy dining periods.
Enhanced brand reputation through exceptional customer service initiatives that prioritized guest satisfaction at every stage of the dining experience.
Implemented a system for tracking inventory levels accurately, preventing shortages or overstock situations that could impact service quality.
Provided ongoing mentorship and coaching to kitchen staff members, fostering professional growth while maintaining a positive workplace environment.
Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Consulted with marketing to revise presentation and sales approaches.
Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff management and delegation.
Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Boosted employee morale through constructive feedback sessions and recognition of exceptional performance.