Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Niya Jones

Park Forest

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Kiddie Scholars Daycare, excelling in food preparation and kitchen management. Proven track record in menu development and cost reduction, enhancing client satisfaction through personalized service. Strong team leadership and time management skills, consistently delivering high-quality meals while maintaining sanitation standards.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Cook

Kiddie Scholars Daycare
07.2018 - Current
  • Created and executed Menus
  • Shopped and ordered ingredents.
  • 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 ingredients exceeding standards.
  • Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.

Caterer

That's Diff'rent Catering
06.2000 - 3 2025
  • Prepared meals reducing waste by 15%
  • Managed a team of 3 chefs
  • Coordinated events and designed.
  • Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
  • Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
  • Led a team of catering staff to deliver exceptional service for various events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.
  • Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in guest counts or dietary restrictions, ensuring smooth execution of events despite challenges.
  • Maintained strict hygiene standards throughout the entire event catering process.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional catering services for various events.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through consistent communication before, during, and after their events.
  • Ensured safety compliance in accordance with industry regulations and guidelines at all times during event preparations.
  • Increased repeat business by building a reputation as a reliable caterer known for superior customer service.
  • Handled budgeting and financial management tasks to maximize profitability while delivering high-quality service.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes to ensure timely delivery and setup at events.
  • Managed a team of catering staff, ensuring quality service and professionalism at all times.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective deals without compromising on quality or service standards.
  • Sourced local ingredients whenever possible to support sustainability efforts and enhance menu offerings.

Cook

Village Woods Retirement Living
05.2006 - 06.2008
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Enhanced flavor and presentation of traditional dishes with creative twists, receiving positive feedback from patrons.
  • Prepared diverse cuisines to meet customer dietary needs and preferences, elevating dining experience.
  • Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
  • Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
  • Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
  • Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
  • Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
  • Improved meal presentation with innovative plating techniques, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
  • Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.


Cook

Matteson Court Group Home
05.2004 - 05.2006
  • 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.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
  • Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
  • Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
  • Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
  • Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.

Personal Chef

Dr. Virgina Saft, PhD
02.2002 - 08.2005
  • Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
  • Prepared and served meals for small dinner parties and large events and complied with diet requests and special accommodations.
  • Labeled food to include reheating and safe storage and handling instructions.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Received consistently positive feedback from clients for exceptional taste and presentation of prepared meals.
  • Developed and maintained an extensive repertoire of recipes to cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements while staying current with global food trends.
  • Shopped at specialty grocery stores to obtain ingredients needed for food preparation.
  • Provided attentive service during meal preparation and presentation, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience for clients.
  • Prepared meals using braising, roasting, frying and sautéing techniques.
  • Showcased culinary expertise by preparing a wide range of international cuisines, adapting recipes based on client preferences.

Cook

KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2002 - 06.2003


  • Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep work processes.
  • Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to children.
  • Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
  • Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
  • Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
  • Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.

Education

Culinary Arts

Cooking & Hospitality Institute
Chicago, IL
01-2000

Culinary Arts

Johnson & Wales University
North Miami, FL
08-1998

Skills

  • Food Preparation
  • Kitchen Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Sanitation Standards
  • Menu Development
  • Inventory Control
  • Cost Reduction
  • Time Management

Certification

  • Food Safety Manager Certification


Timeline

Cook

Kiddie Scholars Daycare
07.2018 - Current

Cook

Village Woods Retirement Living
05.2006 - 06.2008

Cook

Matteson Court Group Home
05.2004 - 05.2006

Cook

KinderCare Learning Centers
03.2002 - 06.2003

Personal Chef

Dr. Virgina Saft, PhD
02.2002 - 08.2005

Caterer

That's Diff'rent Catering
06.2000 - 3 2025

Culinary Arts

Cooking & Hospitality Institute

Culinary Arts

Johnson & Wales University

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Niya Jones