Napoleon Jackson
Riverdale,IL
Summary
Hardworking professional bringing detail-oriented approach to food preparation and handling. Reliable individual possessing excellent communication and problem-solving strengths.
Skilled cook with diverse experience in various culinary settings, including high-volume restaurants and boutique catering services. Possess strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, menu development, and kitchen safety protocols. Team-oriented professional with ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining creativity and quality standards. Contributed to significant improvements in kitchen operations and customer satisfaction ratings through innovative recipe development and effective inventory management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2005
2005
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cook
Panera Bread
Chicago, Illinois
09.2003 - 09.2020
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to company recipes and standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, and mixers efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal service during peak hours.
- Monitored food safety practices to comply with health regulations and guidelines.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking food supplies and ingredients.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures effectively.
- Adapted to changing menu items and special requests from customers promptly.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
- Organized storage areas for efficient usage of space.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Managed portion control using correct utensils during preparation and plating.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for soups, sauces, and salads.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Provided guidance to junior cooks regarding food preparation methods and techniques.
- Trained, managed and guided kitchen staff to improve overall performance, service quality and productivity.
- Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
- Monitored stock levels of food items and ordered more when necessary.
- Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
- Performed basic administrative duties such as inventory management, ordering supplies.
- Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
- Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Handled advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for upcoming meals.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
Cook
Cornerbakery
Chicago
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Prepared and cooked menu items according to company recipes and standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, and mixers efficiently.
Education
Tilden Career Academy
Chicago , IlSkills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen management
- Equipment operation
- Inventory control
- Meal expediting
- Food safety compliance
Timeline
Cook
Cornerbakery
09.2017 - 09.2018
Cook
Panera Bread
09.2003 - 09.2020
Tilden Career Academy