Mike Castro
Guayanilla,PR
Summary
Motivated prep cook with a strong background in food safety compliance and kitchen operations. Known for exceptional attention to detail, effective time management, and problem-solving abilities, contributing to a seamless kitchen environment and outstanding customer satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Prep Cook
Rincon Latino
Newark, NJ
08.2023 - 01.2026
- Prepared ingredients by chopping, slicing, and dicing for daily menu items.
- Assisted chefs in cooking and plating dishes to support efficient service during peak hours.
- Followed food safety guidelines to ensure high standards of hygiene.
- Managed inventory by checking supplies and restocking to ensure consistent kitchen operations.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including ovens, mixers, and slicers.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas and equipment to ensure food safety standards.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment, collaborating with teammates to uphold high customer satisfaction.
- Organized and labeled stock of ingredients to maintain needed inventory levels.
- Operated grills, ovens, and other kitchen equipment for meal preparation.
General body modification and restoration
Body Master
Newark, NJ
02.2020 - 07.2023
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
Interior Detailer
Executive Car wash
Newark, NJ
09.2017 - 02.2020
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of vehicles throughout detailing process to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Operated pressure washers and vacuums to clean interiors and exteriors.
- Conducted thorough inspections of vehicles for imperfections pre- and post-detailing to uphold quality standards.
- Applied wax and polish to enhance vehicle appearance and protection.
- Adhered to safety protocols while using cleaning chemicals and equipment.
- Assisted in training new employees on detailing techniques and procedures.
- Oversaw inventory of cleaning supplies and tools to support efficient daily operations.
- Cleaned and detailed vehicle interiors, including vacuuming carpets, cleaning upholstery, and wiping down all surfaces.
Cook/Chef
Emerald Corner
Clifton, NJ
10.2010 - 09.2017
- Prepared diverse dishes following recipes and presentation standards.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Managed inventory to maintain availability of fresh ingredients for daily operations.
- Monitored food safety practices, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Assisted in menu planning by suggesting seasonal ingredients and dishes.
- Trained new staff in kitchen procedures and best practices to ensure consistency and quality.
- Coordinated meal service times to deliver orders promptly and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently during food preparation.
- Arranged storage areas systematically to optimize space and accessibility.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY06-1994
High School Diploma -
Eastside High School
Newark, NJ06-1992
Skills
- Preparation techniques and food safety compliance
- Safe food handling procedures
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Sanitation practices
- Food spoilage prevention
- Dish preparation
- Proper portioning
- Food presentation
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Inventory management and menu item preparation
- Recipe development
- Herb and spice pairing
- Food cost control
- Time management and problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Highly motivated
- Customer service
- Workstation maintenance
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Prep Cook
Rincon Latino
08.2023 - 01.2026
General body modification and restoration
Body Master
02.2020 - 07.2023
Interior Detailer
Executive Car wash
09.2017 - 02.2020
Cook/Chef
Emerald Corner
10.2010 - 09.2017
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Institute of Culinary Education
High School Diploma -
Eastside High School