Natasha Cruz
Springfield,MA
Summary
Adept at enhancing kitchen operations and culinary excellence, demonstrated through a pivotal role at The Arbors Assisted Living. Excelled in optimizing prep processes and ingredient usage, significantly reducing food waste. Skilled in kitchen management and training staff, ensuring high sanitation standards and exceptional meal quality. Achieved notable improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Professional culinary leader with strong experience in kitchen management and food preparation. Proven ability to oversee kitchen operations, maintain high standards, and ensure quality and consistency in every dish. Strong focus on team collaboration and flexible in adapting to changing needs. Skilled in menu planning, inventory management, and staff training, bringing practical approach to achieving results.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cook/manager
The Arbors Assisted Living
04.2020 - 02.2024
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep processes and optimizing ingredient usage.
- Adapted cooking methods to accommodate special dietary requests without compromising dish integrity or taste.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper portion control techniques and monitoring inventory levels.
- Trained new hires on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and recipe execution to maintain consistency in service quality.
- Collaborated with other kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during peak meal times.
- Conducted regular inventory audits to identify discrepancies and prevent stock shortages affecting menu availability.
Cook
Union Station Banquets
03.2019 - 03.2020
- 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 multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
Bakery Assistant
Delany House/ Log Cabin
11.2016 - 02.2020
- Maintained clean, organized kitchen to maximize efficiency and food safety.
- Washed dishes and sanitized prep area at end of each shift.
- Stored, labeled, and replenished supplies in compliance with food safety regulations.
- Decorated baked goods and designed visually appealing displays of finished products.
- Arranged bakery displays to showcase baked goods, cakes, and pies to drive product sales.
- Upheld cleanliness standards within the bakery area, ensuring a safe and sanitary workspace for food preparation.
- Maintained high-quality standards by following proper baking techniques and adhering to strict hygiene guidelines.
Skills
- Kitchen management
- Ingredient sourcing
- Sanitation standards
- Temperature control
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Food storage
- Meal planning
- Grilling techniques
- Waste reduction
- Ordering supplies
- Pastry skills
- Culinary techniques
- Cooking skills
- Food allergies
- Food safety
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Kitchen operations
- Food safety management
Education
High School Diploma -
Holyoke High School
Holyoke, MA 09.2013 - 06.2016
Timeline
Cook/manager
The Arbors Assisted Living
04.2020 - 02.2024
Cook
Union Station Banquets
03.2019 - 03.2020
Bakery Assistant
Delany House/ Log Cabin
11.2016 - 02.2020
High School Diploma -
Holyoke High School
09.2013 - 06.2016
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