Michael Cortez
Snooze AM Eatery
Lubbock,TX
1
Certification
11
years of professional experience
Culinary professional with experience in both high-volume and fine-dining kitchens, with a strong work ethic and genuine passion for the craft. Detail-oriented and dependable, with experience across multiple stations, staff training, and kitchen operations. Quick to learn, comfortable taking on new responsibilities, and committed to maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and organization.
Work History
Sous Chef/Kitchen Supervisor
3 Years 5 Months- Rapidly promoted from prep cook to kitchen supervisor within three months, and advanced to sous chef within six months
- Assisted head chef with inventory management, AVT analysis, truck orders, and receiving to maintain optimal kitchen stock levels
- Conducted regular in-house health inspections and EcoSure audits, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards
- Trained and onboarded new employees, promoting consistent quality and operational efficiency
- Managed expo station and coordinated smooth service between kitchen and front of house teams during shifts
- Led both back of house and front of house teams, maintaining productivity and adherence to company policies and health regulations
- Identified, documented, and placed work orders for equipment maintenance and facility repairs to support kitchen operations
- Fostered positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and open communication among staff
Line Cook
2 Months- Prepared and cooked menu items according to established recipes and standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline service during peak hours, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Assisted in training new kitchen staff on proper food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
Line Cook/Prep Cook
1 Month- Promoted from Prep Cook to Meat Cutter to Line Cook within the first week based on performance, adaptability, and demonstrated culinary skills
- Execute multiple stations in a fast-paced fine-dining kitchen while maintaining consistency, accuracy, and presentation standards.
- Train and support new team members on station setup, preparation techniques, kitchen procedures, and service expectations.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of multiple stations, allowing for flexible coverage and efficient support during service.
- Follow standardized recipes, operating procedures, portion controls, and plating specifications to ensure consistent product quality.
- Perform effectively under pressure while maintaining attention to detail, cleanliness, and fine-dining presentation standards.
Kitchen Supervisor
2 Years 2 Months- Promoted from prep cook to sauté/grill cook, line cook, and ultimately kitchen supervisor within one year, demonstrating strong performance, versatility, and leadership.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations while supporting both back-of-house and front-of-house teams during high-volume service.
- Trained and onboarded new employees on food preparation, station procedures, safety and sanitation requirements, and company operating standards.
- Maintained kitchen and facility cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards in accordance with health department and EcoSure requirements.
- Conducted inventory counts, placed truck orders, received deliveries, and verified product quantities and quality to support efficient restaurant operations.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and development of new team members.
- Managed cash-handling responsibilities and supported adherence to established cash-control procedures.
- Supported front-of-house operations through guest order taking, point-of-sale responsibilities, and bar assistance during high-volume periods.
Banquet Houseperson
1 Year 1 Month- Set up and dismantle banquet spaces according to event specifications.
- Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of food and beverages.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of banquet areas during events.
- Assist in training new staff on operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Provide exceptional customer service by addressing guest inquiries and concerns proactively.
- Proactively communicate with clients regarding event details, resulting in clear expectations and fewer last-minute changes.
Banquet Houseperson
3 Years 4 Months- Monitor inventory levels of supplies, reporting shortages promptly to management.
- Implement improvements in setup processes, enhancing workflow efficiency during events.
- Supported banquet and stewarding staff in delivering exceptional food service during banquet events, contributing to a memorable dining or event experience for guests.
- Maintained clean and organized event spaces for optimal functionality and visual appeal.
- Utilized effective problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges during events, maintaining professionalism under pressure.
- Assisted with the coordination of logistics for large-scale events, resulting in smooth and successful functions.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by ensuring timely setup and breakdown of banquet events.
- Provided thorough pre-event walkthroughs, ensuring client satisfaction with room setups and arrangements.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Skills
Fine dining service
Staff Training & Onboarding
Food prep skills
Staff training
Kitchen leadership
Inventory management
Product receiving
Food safety
Health compliance
Recipe adherence
Quality control
Cash handling
BOH/FOH operations
Certification
ServSafe Manager Food Handler
Certificate number - 29320663
Expiration Date - 06/18/2031
Timeline
Line Cook
Candle Bar
05.2025 - 07.2025Read More
Sous Chef/Kitchen Supervisor
Snooze AM Eatery
03.2023 - CurrentRead More
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Double Nickel Steakhouse
02.2023 - 03.2023Read More
Kitchen Supervisor
Torchy's Tacos
10.2020 - 12.2022Read More
Banquet Houseperson
Hilton Americas-Houston
09.2018 - 10.2019Read More
Banquet Houseperson
Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown
05.2015 - 09.2018Read More
Culinary Institute Lenôtre
Associate of Applied Science from Culinary Arts
Read More