Michael Fekade

Originally hired as a dishwasher, I took initiative to expand my skills by volunteering for additional responsibilities on the culinary line. I now support both the appetizer and main dish stations, demonstrating reliability, versatility, and a strong commitment to growth within a high-volume kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities & Accomplishments:

• Appetizer Preparation: Lead in preparing and plating a variety of appetizers with speed and consistency, adhering to brand quality and presentation standards.
• Line Assistance: Support main line chefs during peak service hours by helping with plating, garnishing, and cooking support tasks.
• Breadstick Baking: Responsible for baking and replenishing Olive Garden’s signature breadsticks, ensuring freshness and timely availability.
• Cross-Functional Support: Proactively assist with dishwashing, restocking, and cleaning tasks to maintain a clean and efficient kitchen.
• Prep & Station Readiness: Conduct daily prep for the line, including portioning, organizing ingredients, and ensuring all stations are fully stocked before service.
• Team Collaboration: Maintain open communication with kitchen staff and management, contributing to a positive team dynamic and smooth kitchen operations.

Gained comprehensive frontline experience in a high-volume hospitality environment, rotating between multiple critical roles and contributing to smooth daily operations. While not officially employed, I consistently demonstrated leadership, adaptability, and a customer-first mindset laying the foundation for future management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities & Accomplishments:

• Team Coordination: Took initiative in organizing shift duties, supporting coworkers, and resolving service bottlenecks during peak hours.
• Operational Oversight: Ensured service flow remained uninterrupted by stepping into multiple roles as needed managing seating logistics, expediting food delivery, crafting beverages, and directly serving guests.
• Customer Experience: Delivered consistent, high-quality service while handling complex customer requests and resolving issues with professionalism and urgency.
• Efficiency & Standards: Maintained cleanliness, safety, and service standards across front-of-house and beverage operations.
• Leadership Growth: Developed core managerial skills such as delegation, multitasking, and real-time problem-solving in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting.