Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Michael Melendez

Kissimmee,FL

Summary

Dedicated culinary professional with extensive experience in food preparation and team collaboration. Known for enhancing workflow and ensuring timely dish availability while adhering to high sanitation standards.

Overview

1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Dishwasher

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Kissimmee, Florida
08.2022 - Current
  • Operated dishwashing equipment, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Sorted and rinsed dishes, utensils, and cookware for efficient washing.
  • Scrubbed and sanitized dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and other kitchen equipment.
  • Loaded dirty dishes into the dishwasher racks and unloaded clean dishes from the washer onto carts or shelves.
  • Sanitized surfaces after each use following standard sanitation practices.
  • Operated industrial dishwashers to clean plates, glasses, silverware, and cooking utensils.
  • Trained new staff on proper dishwashing techniques and equipment use.
  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
  • Assisted kitchen staff by delivering clean dishes and utensils promptly.
  • Ensured timely availability of clean dishes for various meal services.
  • Collaborated with team members to optimize workflow and ensure timely dish availability during peak hours.
  • Kept dishware, glasses and utensils ready for customer needs by quickly scraping, washing, and restacking items.
  • Inspected all returned dishes for cleanliness before restocking them on shelves.
  • Adhered to safety and health standards in all cleaning processes.
  • Followed all safety guidelines while handling sharp objects like knives or forks.
  • Loaded and unloaded dishwashers, washing by hand large pots or items used on a continuous basis.
  • Monitored detergent levels to ensure proper cleaning solutions were available.
  • Replenished soap dispensers with detergent.
  • Maintained adequate levels of cleaning supplies for washing dishes.
  • Backed up kitchen team members during heavy work periods to maximize team coverage.
  • Organized and maintained dish area, enhancing cleanliness and efficiency for smoother operations. organization and cleanliness.
  • Performed routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters in the dishwashing machine.
  • Monitored dishwashing machine temperatures to ensure proper sanitation levels. of dishwashing machines to ensure proper functioning.
  • Removed built-up waste and potential contaminants from waste receptacles, machinery, and cooking equipment.
  • Maintained cleanliness of kitchen areas by sweeping and mopping regularly.
  • Swept and mopped floors at end of shift to comply with sanitary regulations.
  • Cleared trash and washed work area tables, walls, refrigerator equipment, cooking equipment and floors to keep sanitized kitchen.
  • Washed and sanitized sinks, trashcans and surfaces to remove excess food waste.
  • Replenished storage bins with clean utensils for easy access during meal service. in storage bins for easy access.
  • Restocked main kitchen areas with items from shelves, coolers, and freezers.
  • Disposed of glassware that had been broken or chipped according to safety procedures.
  • Developed great team spirit with other personnel by pitching in and helping with task completion.
  • Reported machine malfunctions to supervisors immediately for prompt resolution. immediately if any machine malfunctions were observed during operation.
  • Hand-washed items unsuitable for machine washing.
  • Swept and mopped floors at end of shift to comply with sanitary regulations.
  • Cleared trash and washed work area tables, walls, refrigerator equipment, cooking equipment and floors to keep sanitized kitchen.
  • Washed and sanitized sinks, trashcans and surfaces to remove excess food waste.

Prep Cook

Outback Steakhouse
Kissimmee, Florida
02.2019 - 10.2022
  • Assisted chefs in cooking and plating food during peak hours, ensuring timely service and quality presentation.
  • Prepared ingredients for daily menu items and special dishes.
  • Prepped vegetables and ingredients by washing, chopping and dicing.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely food service.
  • Followed recipes accurately to maintain consistency in food preparation.
  • Prepared dishes in a fast-paced environment with teammates, contributing to consistently high customer satisfaction.
  • Measured ingredients accurately using measuring cups and spoons.
  • Followed recipes to prepare meals according to customer specifications.
  • Completed special orders according to customer dietary needs.
  • Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
  • Ensured that all dishes were prepared correctly by tasting them before serving.
  • Maintained cleanliness in kitchen areas, adhering to safety standards.
  • Sanitized work areas and equipment to uphold food safety standards and minimize contamination risks.
  • Sanitized workstation at the end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
  • Adhered strictly to safety regulations while handling sharp knives or operating machinery.
  • Operated kitchen equipment according to safety protocols and manufacturer instructions.
  • Operated kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, and fryers safely.
  • Organized and labeled stock of ingredients to maintain needed inventory levels.
  • Managed inventory by organizing and labeling food supplies.
  • Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
  • Organized walk-in coolers and freezers according to established guidelines.
  • Communicated effectively with fellow staff members regarding meal preparations.
  • Assisted in serving meals to customers as needed.
  • Trained new employees on proper techniques of preparing meals safely.
  • Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
  • Inspected food items for freshness before preparation.
  • Executed thawing processes and prepared ingredients for future meals.
  • Stocked kitchen with necessary supplies, including food items and utensils.
  • Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
  • Operated grills, ovens and other kitchen equipment as required for meal preparation.
  • Supported training of new kitchen staff in basic cooking techniques.
  • Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
  • Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.

Head Line Cook

Perkin's Restuarant
Kissimmee, Florida
03.2016 - 02.2019
  • Supervised kitchen staff to maintain high standards of food preparation.
  • Ensured kitchen cleanliness and adherence to health safety regulations.
  • Trained new cooks on techniques and restaurant procedures effectively.
  • Coordinated food orders and inventory management for efficient service.
  • Implemented cooking techniques that enhanced flavor and presentation of dishes.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth dining experiences.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly in a professional manner.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Improved employee performance by providing constructive suggestions and encouragement.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
  • Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
  • Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
  • Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
  • Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
  • Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
  • Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
  • Prepared garnishes for later use in meal production.
  • Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
  • Prepared sandwiches, specialty items, and custom orders to meet guest requests.
  • Developed strategies to enhance food-presentation aspects of catering and retail environments.
  • Monitored food waste levels throughout shift operations to maintain cost efficiency.
  • Kept up-to-date with industry trends by attending culinary workshops and conferences.
  • Performed end-of-day duties such as closing down kitchen equipment safely.
  • Maintained a clean working environment through regular cleaning and sanitizing of work areas, tools and equipment.
  • Established portion sizes for menu items to ensure consistent product quality while controlling costs.
  • Adjusted cooking times based on volume of orders received during peak hours.
  • Provided guidance to junior cooks on how to correctly prepare dishes according to recipe specifications.
  • Ensured that all products were stored properly following correct rotation guidelines.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with customers and other staff members.
  • Prepared daily reports detailing all production activities including sales figures, wastage amounts.
  • Planned, prepared and cooked food items according to established recipes and standards.
  • Supervised kitchen staff in the preparation of all menu items, ensuring freshness and quality of ingredients.
  • Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct food temperature for high scores on health inspections.
  • Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
  • Adhered to portion controls and presentation specifications.
  • Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
  • Prepared multiple orders at once for speedy service.
  • Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
  • Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items.
  • Packaged and bagged cooked food and prepared items.
  • Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
  • Used grills, deep fryers and griddles to cook food.
  • Mixed ingredients for batter or dough.
  • Separated add-on items for future orders. for future orders.

Line Cook

Giordano's
Kissimmee, Florida
01.2014 - 06.2016
  • Prepared high-quality pizza and pasta dishes according to established recipes.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations throughout shifts.
  • Assisted in training new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques.
  • Collaborated with team members to ensure timely order completion during peak hours.
  • Monitored food safety standards and adhered to health regulations consistently.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, fryers, and grills.
  • Communicated effectively with servers regarding special requests and dietary restrictions.
  • Prepared multiple food orders concurrently during busy service periods. simultaneously during busy periods.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
  • Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Arranged workstations with necessary ingredients and tools for optimal efficiency. with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
  • Communicated effectively with other staff members regarding orders and menu changes.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
  • Performed basic knife skills such as dicing onions or slicing meats.
  • Maintained supply levels at cooking stations to ensure uninterrupted service. and ready for use to maximize productivity.
  • Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
  • Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.
  • Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
  • Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
  • Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
  • Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
  • Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
  • Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
  • Assisted in prep work such as washing vegetables or butchering meat when needed.
  • Monitored product freshness and rotation dates to maintain quality assurance standards.
  • Inspected equipment for cleanliness prior to use every shift.
  • Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
  • Responded quickly to any customer complaints or concerns about their dining experience.
  • Cleaned and prepared ingredients by washing and peeling for meal preparation. ingredients to prepare for different meals and recipes.
  • Organized the storage area to ensure that all necessary items were readily accessible.
  • Adhered to portion controls and presentation specifications.
  • Prepped garnishes to reduce wait times during lunch and dinner rush.
  • Adhered to sanitation policies at all times when handling food products.
  • Conducted daily inspections and maintained food sanitation and kitchen equipment safety reports.
  • Tracked inventory levels of all products used in the kitchen on a daily basis.
  • Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
  • Worked closely with management team in order to meet budget goals while maintaining high quality standards.
  • Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
  • Performed workstation prep prior to shift start.
  • Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
  • Portioned food onto plates, added garnishes and sauces and handed off to wait staff for serving.
  • Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
  • Accepted delivery of food items and stored them appropriately in the kitchen. food and supplies.
  • Established and maintained open, collaborative relationships with kitchen team to maximize efficiency.
  • Weighed, measured and mixed ingredients, following recipes to produce quality dishes.
  • Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
  • Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
  • Executed proper techniques when preparing menu item ingredients.
  • Trained new team members on proper meat and vegetable preparation techniques.
  • Checked temperature of freezers and refrigerators to maintain proper storage of cold items.
  • Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
  • Reviewed recipes to determine exact measurements and ingredients to create dishes.
  • Identified opportunities to increase revenue, decrease kitchen expenses and maximize departmental productivity without compromising guest satisfaction.

Lead Line Cook

Fuddrucker's
Sunrise, Florida
02.2003 - 02.2007
  • Supervised kitchen staff to maintain high food quality and safety standards.
  • Managed inventory to ensure fresh ingredients and reduce waste.
  • Trained new cooks on menu items and cooking techniques.
  • Coordinated meal prep to meet customer demand during peak hours.
  • Implemented food preparation procedures to maintain efficiency and consistency.
  • Collaborated with management on kitchen operations and staff scheduling.
  • Ensured cleanliness of kitchen equipment and work areas per health regulations.
  • Trained new cooks on recipes, preparation methods, safety procedures and sanitation guidelines.
  • Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
  • Assisted in food inventory and control while properly receiving and storing delivered items.
  • Maintained cleanliness in the kitchen area by adhering to health and safety regulations.
  • Managed a team of kitchen staff including assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
  • Troubleshot any kitchen equipment issues or malfunctions quickly and efficiently.
  • Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Improved employee performance by providing constructive suggestions and encouragement.
  • Monitored cooking temperatures and ensured that dishes were presented properly.
  • Executed additional kitchen tasks directed by the Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
  • Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
  • Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
  • Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
  • Prepared garnishes for later use in meal production.
  • Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
  • Planned, prepared and cooked meals according to restaurant specifications.
  • Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
  • Ensured proper food safety standards were met at all times.
  • Prepared sandwiches, specialty items, and custom orders to meet guest requests.
  • Assisted in developing cost-effective strategies to reduce waste while ensuring quality control.
  • Developed strategies to enhance food-presentation aspects of catering and retail environments.
  • Adjusted seasonings to ensure flavors were balanced throughout each dish.
  • Scheduled shifts for kitchen staff based on anticipated customer volume.
  • Provided excellent customer service by promptly addressing guest inquiries or complaints.
  • Monitored food temperatures throughout the cooking process to ensure safe consumption.
  • Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
  • Cleaned cooking and refrigeration equipment to sanitize and prevent food-borne illness.
  • Adhered to portion controls and presentation specifications.
  • Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
  • Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
  • Prepped garnishes to reduce wait times during lunch and dinner rush.
  • Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
  • Prepared multiple orders at once for speedy service.
  • Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
  • Washed and cut ingredients for quick meal assembly.
  • Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items.
  • Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
  • Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
  • Worked closely with cashiers to obtain order information and accurately complete customers' orders.
  • Scheduled equipment use and activities based on daily menus and manager directions.
  • Mixed ingredients for batter or dough.
  • Separated add-on items for future customer orders.

Education

Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Pathlight Home
Orlando, FL
03-2026

Skills

  • Sanitation practices
  • Food preparation
  • Basic food prep
  • Order preparation
  • Inventory management
  • Team collaboration
  • Customer service

Certification

  • SafeServ Food Handler Certificate
  • SafeServ Allergen Cetificate

Affiliations

  • Studying Psychology & Philosophy
  • Practicing Tai Chi
  • Learning Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, & American Sign Language
  • I spend my time off experimenting with recipe development and mastering fundamental skills, such as refining my knife work and emulsion techniques.

Timeline

Dishwasher

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
08.2022 - Current

Prep Cook

Outback Steakhouse
02.2019 - 10.2022

Head Line Cook

Perkin's Restuarant
03.2016 - 02.2019

Line Cook

Giordano's
01.2014 - 06.2016

Lead Line Cook

Fuddrucker's
02.2003 - 02.2007

Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts

Pathlight Home

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