Monique Harlan
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with background creating delicious dishes. Dedicated to delivering highest quality customer service. Expert at succeeding in high pressure environments while remaining calm. Safety-minded when carefully following food handling regulations and procedures.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Texas Roadhouse
10.2023 - Current
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
Buffet Cook/ Buffet Server
Golden Corral Buffet And Grill
06.2017 - 02.2023
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing and presenting high-quality buffet dishes.
- Adhered to portion control standards when plating meals, reducing excess costs associated with waste or inconsistent serving sizes.
- Contributed innovative ideas for buffet layout and design to enhance guest experience.
- Successfully managed a diverse array of buffet stations, including carving stations, made-to-order omelets, and dessert displays.
- Assisted with training new hires, ensuring they were familiar with buffet cook duties and responsibilities.
- Ensured proper food temperatures were maintained throughout service, preserving dish quality and preventing potential health hazards.
- Disposed of trash, wiped kitchen areas and mopped floors to meet health department sanitation inspection guidelines.
- Prepared selection of coffees, fresh juices and other beverages for guest enjoyment.
- Executed efficient breakfast bar set-up and operations beginning at early hours and finishing prior to check out times.
- Resolved guest concerns quickly regarding food selection, beverage availability and freshness.
- Stocked clean plates, glasses and utensils to foster sanitary environment and reduce risk.
- Replenished hot and cold food table and stocked beverage dispensers, plates and utensils and ice supply.
- Arranged assortment of pastries, oatmeal and cereals to satisfy diverse appetites and optimize guest experience.
- Improved guest comfort and satisfaction through personalized service and support.
- Greeted guests and seated promptly, providing special accommodation for handicapped diners and small children.
- Quickly addressed any spills or accidents on the buffet floor, maintaining a safe environment for all patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing attentive and efficient service during busy buffet hours.
- Proactively identified areas for improvement within the buffet area and collaborated with colleagues to implement effective solutions, enhancing overall operations and guest experience.
Grill Cook/ Server
Applebees
07.2013 - 10.2017
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Distributed food to team members with efficiency in high-volume environment.
- Participated in regular staff meetings, providing valuable insights into improving kitchen productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
Cook
Double Tree Hotel By Hilton
03.2015 - 04.2017
- Consistently maintained a positive attitude under pressure, fostering a supportive team environment within the kitchen staff.
- Handled special dietary requests with care, ensuring the satisfaction of all guests regardless of restrictions or preferences.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing and serving high-quality breakfast dishes.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Developed daily specials to utilize seasonal ingredients, reducing food waste and increasing menu variety.
- Maintained a clean and safe working environment, adhering to strict health and safety guidelines.
- Maximized kitchen efficiency by effectively organizing and managing food preparation tasks.
- Collaborated with fellow team members to maintain smooth kitchen operations during peak service hours.
Cook
Fitzgerald Casino
09.2010 - 04.2013
- Ensured proper food temperatures were maintained throughout service, preserving dish quality and preventing potential health hazards.
- Contributed innovative ideas for buffet layout and design to enhance guest experience.
- Adhered to portion control standards when plating meals, reducing excess costs associated with waste or inconsistent serving sizes.
- Assisted with training new hires, ensuring they were familiar with buffet cook duties and responsibilities.
- Reduced food waste by effectively managing ingredient inventory and accurately estimating daily needs.
- Exhibited excellent time management abilities by closely monitoring cooking times to prevent overcooked or undercooked dishes.
- Increased efficiency in the kitchen by streamlining prep tasks and organizing workstations for optimal productivity.
- Successfully managed a diverse array of buffet stations, including carving stations, made-to-order omelets, and dessert displays.
- Addressed customer inquiries and concerns promptly, maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times.
Cook
Gold Strike Casino Resort
06.2009 - 04.2011
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
Education
Culinary Arts
Le'cole Culinary
Memphis, TNNa - General
Rosa Fort High School
Tunica, MS05.2005
Skills
- Customer Service
- Cooking
- Cleaning and organization
- Food handling
- Food Preparation
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- Frying
- Sanitation
- Supply Restocking
- Surface cleaning
- Hospitality and service industry background
- Food presentation
- Sanitation Practices
- Contamination prevention
- Food Waste Reduction
- Portion Control
- Food Handler Certification
- Strong Work Ethic
- Exceptional customer service
- Cash Handling
- Guest Engagement
- Professional Appearance
- Hospitality service expertise
- Memory retention
- Cleanliness standards
- Safe Food Handling
- Menu Memorization
- Food Running
- High-volume dining
Timeline
Cook
Texas Roadhouse
10.2023 - Current
Buffet Cook/ Buffet Server
Golden Corral Buffet And Grill
06.2017 - 02.2023
Cook
Double Tree Hotel By Hilton
03.2015 - 04.2017
Grill Cook/ Server
Applebees
07.2013 - 10.2017
Cook
Fitzgerald Casino
09.2010 - 04.2013
Cook
Gold Strike Casino Resort
06.2009 - 04.2011
Culinary Arts
Le'cole Culinary
Na - General
Rosa Fort High School