Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Maria Guajardo

siouxfalls,South Dakota

Summary

Skilled cook with diverse experience in various culinary settings, including high-volume restaurants and boutique catering services. Possess strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, menu development, and kitchen safety protocols. Team-oriented professional with ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining creativity and quality standards. Contributed to significant improvements in kitchen operations and customer satisfaction ratings through innovative recipe development and effective inventory management. Motivated professional with several years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Cook

ROAM
Sioux Falls, USA
06.2024 - 02.2025
  • Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly

Catering Cook

samantha soto
Salem, USA
01.2010 - 11.2024
  • Directed presentation and portioning of food for banquet functions
  • Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences
  • Prepared banquet meals according to standard recipes and customer preferences
  • Prepared and cooked food items according to recipes and instructions
  • Stocked supplies to maintain sufficient levels of food products and placed orders for low running inventory
  • Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time
  • Maintained strict standards for portion sizes and inventory management to consistently meet budget targets
  • Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods
  • Provided guidance and instruction to junior staff members when necessary
  • Assisted with menu planning for special occasions or functions

Cook

Applebees
Salem, USA
03.2016 - 12.2019
  • Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients

MANAGER

Pizza Hut
Salem, USA
02.2017 - 10.2019
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation
  • Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals
  • Resolved customer complaints and issues promptly, maintaining a positive brand image
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day
  • Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently
  • Managed household errands and other essential duties

Prep Cook

Lancaster Living
Salem, USA
06.2005 - 11.2010
  • Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste
  • Inspected finished dishes for quality assurance purposes
  • Operated grills and steamers to prepare vegetables, potatoes, rice and meats
  • Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns
  • Communicated effectively with fellow staff members regarding meal preparations
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate
  • Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes
  • Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing
  • Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions
  • Followed recipes to prepare meals according to customer specifications
  • Checked quality of food products to meet high standards
  • Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods
  • Heated sauces, soups and gravies according to specified methods
  • Cooked meats, fish, poultry or other foods using various methods such as baking, frying or grilling
  • Sliced meats to prepare for cooking and assembly of menu items
  • Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements
  • Trained new employees on proper techniques of preparing meals safely
  • Dressed, seasoned and garnished appetizers and salads to prepare for food service
  • Checked freshness of food and ingredients prior to use

Alley Cook

Red Lobster Restaurant
Salem, USA
05.2004 - 10.2010
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction

Server /Busser/Head Bartender

elmers
Woodburn, USA
02.2007 - 04.2008
  • Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification
  • Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders
  • Prepared drinks according to standard recipes
  • Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner
  • Maintained records of transactions made during shift as required by law or company policy
  • Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages
  • Served food and beverages to patrons and immediately remedied issues with orders
  • Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages

Baker

Roths IGA
Woodburn, USA
08.2000 - 09.2005
  • Oversaw baking and cooking training to assist new staff members in professional development
  • Rotated stock as needed to keep freshness intact
  • Coordinated supplies, placed orders and managed stock on hand for bakery
  • Created attractive dessert trays for catering events
  • Measured and weighed ingredients to prepare dough for recipes
  • Packaged and labeled baked goods with accurate descriptions and ingredients
  • Blended ingredients and mixed dough, following recipes
  • Baked fresh bread and pastries for cafes and restaurants
  • Wrapped items in plastic in preparation for display and to sell to customers
  • Met with customers to discuss needed bakery items and take orders
  • Placed dough in pans, molds and sheets and monitored products during baking to adjust temperature
  • Reviewed expiration dates on items and removed expired products from stock to maintain quality
  • Evaluated raw ingredients and baked goods, assessing for quality control purposes
  • Checked dough for proper consistency, adding more flour if needed
  • Designed appealing product displays to maintain unique presentation
  • Inspected baking equipment in accordance with cleanliness and safety standards
  • Cut and shaped dough for rolls, bread and various pastries
  • Measured out ingredients accurately to ensure consistent product quality

Education

High School Diploma -

WOODBURN SUCCESS
WOODBURN, OR
06.1998

Skills

  • Dish preparation
  • Sauteing
  • Contamination prevention
  • Recipe-based cooking
  • Frying
  • Ingredients measuring
  • Food handling
  • Cooking
  • Grilling
  • Quality assurance and control
  • Temperature control
  • Knife skills
  • Fine dining
  • Plating and presentation
  • Special diets
  • Food preparation
  • Hospitality and service industry background
  • New hire training
  • Cutting and slicing techniques
  • [Type] cooking
  • Staff training

References

References available upon request.

Languages

Spanish, Full Professional

Timeline

Cook

ROAM
06.2024 - 02.2025

MANAGER

Pizza Hut
02.2017 - 10.2019

Cook

Applebees
03.2016 - 12.2019

Catering Cook

samantha soto
01.2010 - 11.2024

Server /Busser/Head Bartender

elmers
02.2007 - 04.2008

Prep Cook

Lancaster Living
06.2005 - 11.2010

Alley Cook

Red Lobster Restaurant
05.2004 - 10.2010

Baker

Roths IGA
08.2000 - 09.2005

High School Diploma -

WOODBURN SUCCESS

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Maria Guajardo