Hi, I’m
Penny Lucas
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dynamic Lead Cook with extensive experience at R.I.S.E. CENTER OF HILLTOP, excelling in meal preparation and kitchen management. Proven track record in reducing food waste and enhancing efficiency through innovative recipe creation and effective staff training. Committed to maintaining high food safety standards while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Overview
17
years of professional experience
Work History
R.I.S.E. CENTER OF HILLTOP
Lead Cook
12.2024 - 07.2025
Job overview
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining cooking processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Maximized ingredient usage by developing creative daily specials that showcased seasonal produce and reduced food costs.
- Taught kitchen staff safety protocols and restaurant standards.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Delegated jobs within kitchen depending on restaurant traffic and employee skill.
- Streamlined prep work by organizing kitchen stations effectively and training junior staff on best practices for efficient workflow.
Safeway
Deli Clerk
06.2020 - 12.2024
Job overview
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Precisely measured, weighed, sliced, and packaged deli products according to customer requests while minimizing waste.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to food safety guidelines and promptly addressing any hazards.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Improved workflow efficiency by effectively multitasking, prioritizing tasks, and communicating with team members.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Provided an enjoyable shopping experience for customers by engaging in friendly conversations while efficiently preparing their orders.
- Developed strong rapport with customers by offering personalized service, answering questions, and making recommendations based on preferences.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper deli procedures, ensuring consistent quality across the team.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and maintaining a clean, organized deli counter.
- Took special orders for event catering and party trays, assisting customers by recommending additional items, condiments, and garnishes.
Catholic Community Services
Lead Cook
03.2018 - 04.2020
Job overview
- Supervised line cooks to monitor food safety and order accuracy.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Consistently met or exceeded health code standards by enforcing strict sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives, which allowed team members to seamlessly cover various roles during peak service times.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through proactive communication with team members at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by stepping in as acting kitchen manager during periods of personnel absence or transition.
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Patient Cook
08.2008 - 11.2017
Job overview
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
Education
Gig Harbor High SchoolGig Harbor, WA
from Gender Studies
Skills
- Meal preparation
- Kitchen management
- Food safety
- Kitchen organization
- Crew training
- Menu development
- Food inventory management
- Employee supervision
- Special diets
- Allergen safety
- Food presentation
- Ingredient preparation
- Large-scale food preparation
- Cost reduction
- Ingredient knowledge
- Food processing
- Staff coordination
- Task delegation
- Emergency protocols
- Recipe creation
- Sanitation practices
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen sanitation
- Work delegation
- Menu preparation
- Knife safety
- Shift leadership
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Food plating and presentation
- Cooking
- Food preparation
- Staff training
- Training and mentoring
- Waste reduction
- Order delivery practices
- Sanitation standards
- Food storage
- Special events
Timeline
Lead Cook
R.I.S.E. CENTER OF HILLTOP
12.2024 - 07.2025
Deli Clerk
Safeway
06.2020 - 12.2024
Lead Cook
Catholic Community Services
03.2018 - 04.2020
Patient Cook
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
08.2008 - 11.2017
Gig Harbor High School
from Gender Studies
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