Mary Ruth Garza
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Detail-oriented food service professional specializing in food preparation, sanitation compliance, and inventory management. Demonstrated success in training staff and upholding high standards in meal service delivery. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Service Worker
Northside Independent School District
San Antonio, Texas
08.2021 - Current
- Prepared and served meals in compliance with nutrition guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas.
Lead Cook
BCFS
San Antonio, Texas
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Trained new cooks on food safety standards and cooking techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and work areas.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and sanitation practices in the kitchen.
- Completed workstation setup and breakdown, properly disposing of leftover food.
- Collaborated with staff to streamline cooking processes for timely service.
- Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
- Provided guidance during meal rushes in order to maintain an organized workflow within the kitchen area.
- Prepared dishes in a fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Trained new cooks on proper techniques for preparing dishes according to recipes.
- Managed inventory and ordering of food supplies to ensure efficient operations.
- Inspected kitchen areas regularly for cleanliness; instructed staff members on sanitation protocols.
- Washed, sliced, peeled and cut various foods to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.
- Conducted periodic inventories of kitchen equipment, utensils, and supplies to determine restocking needs.
- Resolved conflicts between employees in a timely manner while enforcing established policies.
- Served as lead cook, guiding and assisting training of less experienced cooks.
- Communicated with kitchen employees, answered questions and offered insight into food preparations.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator daily to ensure they were operating at optimal conditions.
- Followed "first in, first out" rule with every food and beverage item, tossing outdated and expired food products.
Cook
BCFS Health And Human Services
San Antonio, Texas
04.2013 - 05.2021
- Prepared meals following dietary guidelines for diverse populations.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and adhered to safety protocols.
- Collaborated with staff to plan menus based on available ingredients.
- Served meals in a timely manner while ensuring presentation standards were met.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
Warehouse Manager
Hobby Lobby
San Antonio, Texas
12.2000 - 10.2005
- Oversaw daily warehouse operations and ensured efficient workflow.
- Managed inventory levels and coordinated stock replenishment processes.
- Trained staff on safety protocols and proper equipment usage.
- Implemented new storage systems to optimize space utilization.
- Resolved issues related to shipping and receiving logistics promptly.
- Ensured that all orders were accurately fulfilled in a timely manner.
- Organized warehouse design to maximize space for stock while allowing for high volume traffic zones.
- Generated warehouse shipping documents, packing lists and invoices.
- Organized regular cycle counts of physical inventory to ensure accuracy of system data.
- Monitored staff performance, identified areas for improvement, and provided training as needed.
- Communicated regularly with other departments regarding supply chain activities.
- Processed requests and supply orders and pulled materials to successfully prepare orders.
- Planned and implemented efficient warehousing systems for incoming and outgoing goods.
- Oversaw inventory of incoming and outgoing materials based on physical counts and bar-code systems.
Cashier/Customer Service Representative
Hobby Lobby
San Antonio, Texas
01.1995 - 10.2005
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Answered customers' questions and provided information on store procedures or policies.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions to highlight sales to customers.
- Processed sales transactions to prevent long customer wait times.
- Processed customer transactions efficiently at point of sale.
- Processed efficient and accurate cash, check, debit and credit card payments using Point-of-Sale system.
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
- Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
- Issued receipts, refunds, credits or change due to customers.
- Maintained accurate cash drawer throughout shifts.
- Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
- Maintained clean and orderly checkout areas by sanitizing register belts, emptying trash cans and organizing candy racks.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
- Balanced daily transactions on a computerized point-of-sale system.
- Discounted purchases by scanning and redeeming coupons.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally in accordance with company policy.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fox Tech High School
San Antonio, TX05-1976
Skills
- Sanitation compliance
- Culinary techniques
- Meal preparation
- Inventory management
- Customer service
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Food Service Worker
Northside Independent School District
08.2021 - Current
Lead Cook
BCFS
05.2020 - 05.2021
Cook
BCFS Health And Human Services
04.2013 - 05.2021
Warehouse Manager
Hobby Lobby
12.2000 - 10.2005
Cashier/Customer Service Representative
Hobby Lobby
01.1995 - 10.2005
High School Diploma -
Fox Tech High School