Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Rafiq Newman

Philadelphia,PA

Summary

Hardworking lead cook bringing detail-oriented approach to food preparation and handling. Reliable individual possessing excellent communication and problem-solving strengths. Creative Lead Cook with 5 years of kitchen experience. Proficient in menu planning and delegating kitchen tasks to appropriate employees. Talented at staying calm and efficient in stressful situations and monitoring cook safety. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Cook

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
Philadelphia, PA
02.2021 - Current
  • Supervised staff in daily kitchen duties, including prepping ingredients, cooking meals, and cleaning up after service.
  • Developed menus for special events and catering services according to customer specifications.
  • Ensured compliance with health safety regulations while preparing meals and maintaining a sanitary work environment.
  • Trained new cooks on proper techniques for preparing dishes according to recipes.
  • Monitored quality of all cooked items throughout the day to guarantee high standards were maintained.
  • Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies of customers.
  • Oversaw food preparation processes to ensure that orders were completed accurately and efficiently.
  • Collaborated with management team to develop new recipes and update existing ones in order to improve the overall dining experience.
  • Assessed performance levels of subordinate cooks through regular reviews and feedback sessions.
  • Evaluated customer feedback regarding taste, presentation, temperature accuracy, speed of service.
  • Inspected kitchen areas regularly for cleanliness; instructed staff members on sanitation protocols when necessary.
  • Washed, sliced, peeled and cut various foods to prepare for cooking or serving.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Completed workstation set up and break down, properly disposing of leftover food.
  • Trained new chefs on menu items and kitchen procedures.
  • Discussed safe operations of kitchen equipment, regulating temperatures and cooking times.
  • Stood in for other members of kitchen staff.
  • Double-checked plated meals for last-minute changes before sending to dining room.

Cook

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
Philadelphia, PA
08.2019 - 02.2021
  • Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
  • Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
  • Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
  • Ensured that all food was cooked at the correct temperature and stored correctly.
  • Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
  • Provided guidance to junior cooks regarding food preparation methods and techniques.
  • Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
  • Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.

Utility Worker

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
Philadelphia, PA
09.2018 - 07.2019
  • Coordinated with outside contractors providing service to the facility's utilities system.
  • Identified potential hazards associated with operating a utility system and took appropriate action to mitigate risks.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for operating the facility's utility systems.
  • Maintained clean, organized and fully stocked work areas for maximum efficiency.
  • Followed daily maintenance lists to keep work areas productive and operational.
  • Organized tools, equipment and supplies necessary to complete assignments.
  • Gathered and removed trash, debris and liquid waste.

Cook

Hungry Bear Cafe
Philadelphia, PA
11.2016 - 04.2018
  • Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
  • Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
  • Supervised and trained kitchen staff on proper preparation techniques.
  • Checked quality of ingredients before use in order to ensure freshness.
  • Ensured that all food was cooked at the correct temperature and stored correctly.
  • Planned menus based on customer preferences, nutritional value and budget constraints.
  • Coordinated with wait staff to ensure timely delivery of meals to customers.
  • Provided guidance to junior cooks regarding food preparation methods and techniques.
  • Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
  • Assisted in developing new recipes or modifying existing ones for better taste or efficiency.
  • Adjusted seasonings of dishes during cooking process in order to enhance flavors.
  • Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or services provided.
  • Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
  • Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
  • Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
  • Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
  • Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.

Education

High School Diploma -

Upper Dublin High School
Fort Washington, PA
06.2000

Skills

  • Spoilage Prevention
  • Employee Supervision
  • Kitchen Organization
  • Food Processing
  • Menu Preparation
  • Staff Coordination
  • Food Safety
  • Knife Safety
  • Menu Planning
  • Crew Training
  • Task Delegation
  • Ingredient Preparation

Timeline

Lead Cook

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
02.2021 - Current

Cook

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
08.2019 - 02.2021

Utility Worker

Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley
09.2018 - 07.2019

Cook

Hungry Bear Cafe
11.2016 - 04.2018

High School Diploma -

Upper Dublin High School
Rafiq Newman