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Maria Chirico
Wilmington,DE
Summary
To obtain a career where I can utilize My food service experience to enhance the operational effectiveness of the company as well as challenge Myself professionally and personally.
Experienced with team leadership and kitchen management, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Utilizes strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain food quality and safety standards. Track record of fostering collaborative environment and driving team performance.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook Supervisor
Delaware Psychiatric Center
New Castle, De
03.2021 - Current
- Oversee cook’s check and inspect food that’s being prepared, practice proper food storage and sanitation guidelines, timekeeping, train new employee’s, fill-in when needed in all areas of the kitchen, yearly employee evaluations, inventory, food ordering, hiring, help and assist with special events for clients.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented efficient meal preparation processes for patient dietary needs.
- Trained new cooks on food handling procedures and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food quality and presentation standards to enhance patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with nutritionists to create balanced menus in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic kitchen environment through regular cleaning schedules and strict sanitation policies.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Proactively addressed maintenance issues with kitchen equipment, ensuring minimal downtime and uninterrupted operations.
- Managed food orders efficiently by coordinating with suppliers for timely deliveries while minimizing costs.
- Exceeded health inspection standards consistently by maintaining a stringent focus on cleanliness and sanitation practices throughout the kitchen space.
- Created new recipes, outlined steps, and training staff on correct preparation.
- Scheduled and rotated staff for adequate coverage and fair distribution of workload.
- Monitored food inventory and supplies to prevent waste.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
Food Specialist II
New Castle County Detention Center
Wilmington, De
07.2014 - 02.2021
- Prepared and cooked meals for residents, applied food service principles, practices and methods governing food preparation activities such as safe food handling, proper storage and temperature control. Cleaned kitchen equipment and utensils in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Operated commercial kitchen equipment, such as dishwashers, convention ovens, tilt skillet, tasters, meat slicers, blenders and mixers. Secured and maintained controlled the kitchen utensils, tools and equipment. Prepared various reports and maintained accurate record keeping. Assisted new employees with the skills and training they needed to be a successful Food Specialist.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring availability of quality ingredients while minimizing waste.
- Evaluated food service operations, identifying areas for process improvements and cost reductions.
- Led initiatives to enhance nutritional standards in meal offerings for improved resident health outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address dietary restrictions and preferences effectively.
- Conducted regular inspections of food storage areas to maintain optimal hygiene standards and safety compliance.
- Reduced staff turnover rates by fostering a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, communication, and professional growth opportunities.
- Championed cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality, resulting in improved profit margins for the establishment.
- Enhanced kitchen operations by implementing effective inventory management strategies and reducing food waste.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a sanitary and safe working environment, adhering to health regulations and guidelines.
- Trained new employees in essential food handling techniques, safety protocols, and company procedures, ensuring consistent performance standards.
- Used sensor-based thermometers to track temperatures in holding areas, refrigerators and food preparation spaces to reduce risk of spoilage and protect against food-borne illnesses.
- Trained new hires in food handling and safety protocols to boost knowledge and performance.
Food service worker/ Cook
Delaware Psychiatric Center
02.2011 - 07.2014
- Apportioned and served food to facility clients, employees and Patrons, Supervised activities of one or more workers who assisted in preparing and served meals. Complied and maintained recorded food, temperature control logs and inventoried expenditures. Trained newly assigned employees on kitchen procedures.
- Cleaned, cut, and cooked meat, fish, poultry. Cooked food in accordance with approved menus, special diets, nutritional restrictions or number of portions to be served. Cleaned and inspected kitchen equipment, appliances, and work areas to ensure cleanliness and functional operations.
- Prepared and served meals in compliance with dietary guidelines.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of food preparation areas.
- Trained new staff on food safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
- Made food according to standard recipes with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Delivered exceptional service by promptly addressing customer concerns and special requests.
- Operated dishwashing and sanitizing equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
- Set up and broke down food service lines quickly to maintain service flow.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and organized dining area.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Achieved consistent compliance with health department regulations through diligent adherence to policies and procedures.
- Assisted in inventory management, ordering supplies, and minimizing food spoilage.
- Participated in regular trainings to stay current on industry best practices and trends.
- Improved dining experience by maintaining clean and organized eating area.
- Trained new staff on proper food handling and customer service techniques for better onboarding.
- Maintained accurate records of food temperatures to ensure safety standards were met.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations by conducting regular kitchen inspections.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen, dining and service areas.
- Cut, sliced and ground meat, poultry and seafood to prepare for cooking.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Business Owner
Suzy’s Pizza Take out
Wilmington, De
09.2009 - 10.2011
- Monitored compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation, serving, and building maintenance. Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing and presentation of food to ensure food was prepared and presented in an acceptable manner. Counted money and made bank deposits investigated and accommodations. Coordinated assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation. Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery content to verify product quality and quantity. Monitored budgets and payroll records, and reviewed financial transactions to ensure expenditures were authorized and budgeted. Maintained food and equipment inventories and kept inventory records. Scheduled staff hours and assigned duties. Established standards for personnel performance and customer service.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and timely order fulfillment.
Pizza maker/ Line Cook
Delaware Park Racetrack and Slots
Wilmington, De
02.1997 - 01.2009
- Made pizza, subs, steaks, salads, desserts, three plus years’ experience in fine dining, banquets, Prepared a variety of foods, such as meals, vegetables, and desserts, according to customers orders and / or supervisor instructions, following approved procedures. Stored foods in designated containers, and storage areas to prevent spoilage-maintained sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas. Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces, and utensils. Verified prepared food met requirements for quality and quantity.
- Monitored compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation, serving, and building maintenance. Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing and presentation of food to ensure food was prepared and presented in an acceptable manner. Counted money and made bank deposits investigated and accommodations. Coordinated assignments of cooking personnel to ensure economical use of food and timely preparation. Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery content to verify product quality and quantity. Monitored budgets and payroll records, and reviewed financial transactions to ensure expenditures were authorized and budgeted. Maintained food and equipment inventories and kept inventory records. Scheduled staff hours and assigned duties. Established standards for personnel performance and customer service.
Education
High school Diploma -
DuPont (Alexis I.) High school
Wilmington, De06-1996
Skills
- Cooking (20 years)
- Food Preparation (20 years)
- Dietary department experience
- Food Handler (20years)
- Customer Service
- Food Service (20 years)
- Serv Safe Certification (10 years)
- Manager (6 years)
- Cook Supervisor (3 years)
- HACCP compliance
- Safe food handling
- Food safety
- Compliance
- Team leadership
- Detail-oriented
Timeline
Cook Supervisor
Delaware Psychiatric Center
03.2021 - Current
Food Specialist II
New Castle County Detention Center
07.2014 - 02.2021
Food service worker/ Cook
Delaware Psychiatric Center
02.2011 - 07.2014
Business Owner
Suzy’s Pizza Take out
09.2009 - 10.2011
Pizza maker/ Line Cook
Delaware Park Racetrack and Slots
02.1997 - 01.2009
High school Diploma -
DuPont (Alexis I.) High school