Maryellen Benevides
KAMUELA,Hawaii
Summary
Professional food service worker with strong experience in restaurant operations. Skilled in customer service, food preparation, and maintaining clean, organized environments. Highly reliable team player with focus on delivering quality results and adapting to changing needs. Strong communication skills and positive attitude ensure consistent, high-quality service.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Cafe Worker
Hina Raes Cafe
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment.
- Prepared and served high-quality beverages and food items consistently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and dining areas.
- Assisted in training new staff on cafe procedures and menu offerings.
- Managed cash register operations, ensuring accurate transactions and balances.
- Monitored inventory levels, assisting in stock management and ordering supplies.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to improve satisfaction rates.
- Maintained a clean and organized café environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Managed cash register transactions accurately, ensuring proper handling of cash and credit card payments.
- Wiped, sanitized and maintained floors, facility, and equipment to adhere with company standards and procedures.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly while multitasking effectively to maintain optimal productivity levels during busy periods.
- Produced food and drink products adhering to company quality and quantity standards.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service with a welcoming attitude.
Barista
Kayas Kawanui
Kainaliu
01.2015 - 09.2025
- Prepared high-quality espresso beverages while adhering to established recipes and standards.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and equipment throughout shifts.
- Operated point-of-sale system efficiently, processing transactions and handling cash accurately.
- Implemented best practices for food safety and sanitation in compliance with health regulations.
Kitchen Manager
Big Kahuna Beach Grill
Kailua-Kona, HI
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained staff on food preparation techniques and menu item specifications.
- Developed inventory management processes to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Implemented efficient workflow systems to improve kitchen productivity and service times.
- Oversaw schedule creation, aligning staffing needs with peak service hours.
- Conducted regular quality checks on food items before serving to maintain consistency.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of fresh ingredients and supplies.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
Executive Catering Chef
Umekes
Kailua-Kona, HI
05.2021 - 02.2024
- Supervised culinary team to ensure consistent food quality and presentation standards.
- Implemented cost control measures to optimize food procurement and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with event planners to create customized catering solutions for diverse clientele.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed inventory systems to streamline stock levels and enhance kitchen efficiency.
- Reduced food waste through effective inventory management and proper storage techniques.
- Elevated guest experience through exceptional attention to detail in plate presentation and garnishing techniques.
- Increased event bookings by showcasing culinary expertise and creativity in menu development.
- Contributed to company growth by establishing a reputation for excellence in both taste and presentation of dishes.
- Established strong vendor relationships, negotiating favorable pricing on high-quality ingredients for events.
- Achieved successful large-scale catered events with precise timeline management from preparation to final cleanup.
- Developed innovative recipes that incorporated seasonal ingredients, resulting in memorable dishes for clients.
- Maintained high-quality standards for food safety and hygiene, adhering to industry regulations and guidelines.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
ABays
Kailua Kona Hawaii
08.2022 - 11.2022
- Assisted in managing kitchen operations to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality food preparation.
- Trained new kitchen staff on safety protocols and operational procedures for optimal performance.
- Monitored inventory levels and coordinated with suppliers to maintain stock availability.
- Implemented standard operating procedures to enhance food safety and cleanliness standards.
Kitchen Manager
Fosters Kitchen
Waikoloa
10.2021 - 07.2022
- Led team meetings to address challenges, share best practices, and foster collaboration.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- 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.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with attentiveness to dietary restrictions and allergen concerns in menu offerings.
- Achieved rapid ticket times during peak service hours by effectively managing workflow distribution across various stations.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively engaging with staff members, promoting open communication channels, and demonstrating support for ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Increased overall profitability with effective budget management, including cost control strategies for purchasing and labor expenses.
Education
High School Diploma -
Konawaena High School
Kealakekua, HI06.2001
Skills
- Strong teamwork
- Customer interaction
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Taking orders
- Food preparation
- Order taking
- Cash handling expertise
- Kitchen support
- Verbal and written communication
- Food presentation
- Operational standards
- Kitchen cook lines
- Food allergy awareness
- Customer service
- Cash handling
- Guest engagement
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Big Kahuna Beach Grill
07.2024 - 01.2025
Assistant Kitchen Manager
ABays
08.2022 - 11.2022
Kitchen Manager
Fosters Kitchen
10.2021 - 07.2022
Executive Catering Chef
Umekes
05.2021 - 02.2024
Barista
Kayas Kawanui
01.2015 - 09.2025
Cafe Worker
Hina Raes Cafe
High School Diploma -
Konawaena High School