Melissa Toy
Medford,NJ
Summary
Innovative Chef with a track record of enhancing productivity and efficiency in culinary operations. Expertise in menu development and inventory management, ensuring optimal resource utilization. Strong teamwork and adaptability skills drive exceptional dining experiences. Highly motivated with a proven ability to master new skills quickly and work effectively without supervision.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Newspaper Columnist
The Central Record
Medford, NJ
06.2001 - 06.2005
- Created engaging content for weekly newspaper Chef column, adhering to editorial guidelines.
- Managed deadlines to maintain consistent publishing schedule.
- Reviewed reader submissions prior to publication, ensuring quality assurance.
- Published opinion columns in local newspapers to boost community engagement.
- Authored instructional recipes weekly, enhancing culinary knowledge.
Chef
Chevys
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
03.1999 - 04.2002
- Managed daily kitchen operations and staff scheduling for a busy restaurant.
- Oversaw food preparation and ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and best practices.
- Coordinated inventory management and ordering of kitchen supplies and ingredients.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service flow during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and workspace in accordance with regulations.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
- Ordered ingredients and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
- Maintained accurate records of food costs, labor costs, waste management and other related expenses.
- Managed employee relations by providing guidance on job duties as well as disciplinary actions when needed.
- Analyzed financial data including sales reports, budgeting information and cost analysis reports to make operational decisions.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
Food Preparation Worker
Medford Leas Retirement Center
Medford, NJ
09.1994 - 09.1998
- Prepared meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness in food preparation areas, ensuring safe and organized environments.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during food preparation.
- Collaborated with staff to ensure timely meal service for residents.
- Ensured proper handling and preservation of food products through appropriate packaging and storage.
- Measured and prepared ingredients, including portioning, chopping, and storing prior to cooking.
- Followed strict food safety standards to prevent cross-contamination of food products.
- Assisted in plating and presenting food for service, enhancing dining experience.
Education
Associate of Science - Business Administration And Management
Rowan College At Burlington County
Pemberton, NJ05-2000
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary And Nutrition
Academy of Culinary Arts
Mays Landing, NJ05-1997
Skills
- Content creation and editorial guidelines
- Reader engagement strategies
- Recipe development and menu planning
- Quality assurance and food safety compliance
- Culinary techniques and kitchen operations
- Attention to detail and problem solving
- Time management and budgeting
- Effective communication in food service
Affiliations
- I am a softball travel coach
- I give private pitching instructions
Accomplishments
- I am a Girl Scout and a Girl Scout leader
- I have been a Girl Scout leader for 14 years.
- I have earned many community leadership award for my dedication
- I have successfully guided over 20 young Girl Scouts and helped them earn the highest national leadership awards.
Timeline
Newspaper Columnist
The Central Record
06.2001 - 06.2005
Chef
Chevys
03.1999 - 04.2002
Food Preparation Worker
Medford Leas Retirement Center
09.1994 - 09.1998
Associate of Science - Business Administration And Management
Rowan College At Burlington County
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary And Nutrition
Academy of Culinary Arts