Michelle Iacono
Cobleskill,NY
Summary
Culinary professional prepared for high-pressure kitchen environments with focus on delivering high-quality dishes. Adept at collaborating with team members to streamline kitchen operations and ensure timely service. Known for flexibility and reliability, with strong commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Lashley Crab House
06.2025 - 11.2025
- Prepared ingredients and meals according to established recipes and presentation standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace to ensure food safety compliance.
- Assisted in inventory management by monitoring stock levels and reporting shortages to supervisors.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, following proper procedures for usage and maintenance.
- Collaborated with team members to expedite meal preparation during peak service hours.
- Learned cooking techniques and food handling practices under guidance of experienced chefs.
- Participated in daily prep work, ensuring efficient workflow throughout kitchen operations.
- Adapted quickly to changing demands, demonstrating flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Prepared and cooked a variety of seafood dishes following established recipes and presentation standards.
Line Cook
Captains Table
02.2022 - 06.2025
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Waitress/Head Chef
Pennys Diner
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance dining experience and foster repeat business.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and high service standards.
- Assisted in training new staff on menu knowledge, service protocols, and point-of-sale systems.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery and accurate order fulfillment.
- Managed inventory control, optimizing food costs and minimizing waste through effective purchasing strategies.
- Led kitchen team in preparing high-quality dishes, ensuring consistency and adherence to recipes.
- Developed seasonal menus that showcased local ingredients, enhancing customer dining experiences and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to streamline service flow, improving overall operational efficiency during peak hours.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
Bartender/Waitress Supervisor
Montys Restaurant and Pizzeria
07.2019 - 08.2021
- Crafted and served a diverse range of cocktails, ensuring customer satisfaction through quality and presentation.
- Managed bar inventory, performing regular stock checks and ordering supplies to maintain operational efficiency.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation techniques and customer service standards, fostering team cohesion.
- Developed signature drink recipes that enhanced menu offerings and attracted repeat customers.
- Monitored customer interactions to identify needs, providing personalized service that improved overall dining experience.
- Streamlined bartending processes to reduce wait times during peak hours, increasing service efficiency.
- Implemented safety protocols for handling alcohol and maintaining cleanliness, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Educated customers on drink options, making personalized recommendations based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Contributed to event success, planning beverage menus and efficiently serving large groups.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining positive dining experiences.
- Achieved high levels of customer loyalty through exceptional service and engagement.
- Improved service delivery times, coordinating seamlessly between kitchen staff and waitstaff.
- Addressed customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, turning potential negative experiences into positive outcomes.
Bartender/Server
Del Vino Vineyards
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Crafted custom cocktails and provided exceptional service in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies to ensure bar operations ran smoothly.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
Waitress
Holbrook Diner
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
- Trained and mentored new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently, ensuring timely order delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to maintain food quality and presentation standards.
- Handled payment transactions accurately, maintaining cash register integrity throughout shifts.
- Developed strong relationships with regular patrons, enhancing customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Implemented new service techniques that improved overall dining experience for guests.
General Manager/Waitress
J & Rs Steakhouse
10.2013 - 11.2016
- Directed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented staff training programs to enhance team performance and service quality.
- Analyzed financial reports to identify trends, optimize budgets, and increase profitability.
- Developed marketing strategies that improved restaurant visibility and attracted new customers.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to reduce waste and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Streamlined operational workflows, resulting in improved efficiency across all departments.
- Collaborated with local suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients while managing costs effectively.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Babylon High School
West Babylon, NY06-1994
CNA Diploma - Nurse Assistant
Boces Vocational School
Northport, NY06-1993
Skills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen safety
- Inventory management
- Recipe execution
- Menu planning
- Staff training and development
- Highly motivated
- Attention to detail
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Food safety knowledge
- Problem-solving
- Team coordination
- Fast-paced adaptability
Certification
- ServSafe
Timeline
Line Cook
Lashley Crab House
06.2025 - 11.2025
Line Cook
Captains Table
02.2022 - 06.2025
Waitress/Head Chef
Pennys Diner
08.2021 - 01.2022
Bartender/Waitress Supervisor
Montys Restaurant and Pizzeria
07.2019 - 08.2021
Bartender/Server
Del Vino Vineyards
01.2019 - 07.2019
Waitress
Holbrook Diner
01.2017 - 01.2018
General Manager/Waitress
J & Rs Steakhouse
10.2013 - 11.2016
High School Diploma -
West Babylon High School
CNA Diploma - Nurse Assistant
Boces Vocational School