Rey Garza

My position focused on quickly & efficiently putting together plates of food and selling them to servers. Menu items included cooked-to-order burgers, hot dogs, handhelds, fried foods, and prepared items put together by prep cooks.

• Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines
• Managed food inventory and ensured proper storage and rotation of ingredients to minimize waste
• Collaborated with the kitchen team to plan daily specials and seasonal menu changes
• Maintained a clean and organized work station, following sanitation guidelines at all times
• Assisted in training new line cooks on cooking techniques, recipe execution, and safety procedures
• Operated various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, etc., ensuring their proper functioning
• Communicated effectively with servers regarding special requests or modifications from customers
• Worked efficiently under pressure during busy service periods to meet customer demands without compromising quality
• Maintained knowledge of current menu items, ingredients used, allergens present, and any dietary restrictions or preferences upon request from customers

When I finished my job as the Janitor I would act as a prep cook for the rest of the day. This prep cook job was more comprehensive and involved learning the restaurant's recipes, developing new skills such as knife use and safety, making sure to learn and use proper food handling and storage procedures. My responsibilities were:

• This prep cook job was more comprehensive and involved learning the restaurant's recipes, developing new skills such as knife use and safety, making sure to learn and use proper food handling and storage procedures.
• Received inventory deliveries, checked for accuracy, and stored products appropriately
• Closely monitored cooking times and temperatures for all dishes to ensure optimal taste and texture
• Prepared and cooked a variety of food items according to recipes, quality standards, presentation standards, and food preparation checklist
• Assisted in the coordination and organization of kitchen operations to ensure efficient workflow
• Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of work areas, equipment, and utensils throughout the shift
• Followed proper food handling procedures to minimize waste and maintain freshness
• Sliced, diced, chopped vegetables and meats accurately as per recipe requirements
• Collaborated with other team members to complete prep tasks efficiently during busy periods
• Packed prepared foods into containers for storage or immediate consumption by customers/guests
• Assembled ingredients accurately according to specified portion sizes or recipe instructions
• Labeled all prepared items with appropriate date labels for easy identification in storage areas
• Maintained a positive attitude while working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Cooked various types of meats/fish/poultry/vegetables using different cooking methods (grilling/baking/sautéing)

In addition to prep cooking, dishwashing was an expected task all cooks (both prep and line) were to do in at least some of their shifts. This kitchen utilized both a 3-sink setup for the majority of my time working there and a commercial dishwashing machine near the end of my time working at Blue Dog Tavern and I learned to wash dishes with both setups.

• Efficiently operated commercial dishwasher, ensuring clean and sanitized dishes for the restaurant
• Maintained a high level of cleanliness in the dishwashing area, following health and safety regulations
• Managed large volumes of dirty dishes, utensils, and glassware during peak hours
• Sorted and organized dishes for efficient washing and storage
• Collaborated with servers to ensure timely availability of clean dishes for service
• Communicated effectively with team members to coordinate dishwashing duties during busy periods
• Ensured that all washed items were properly dried before being stored away or used again in service

My position centered on cleaning the dining area of the restaurant and ensuring a clean environment when the restaurant opens.

• Performed daily cleaning and maintenance tasks, including sweeping, mopping, and dusting
• Ensured cleanliness and sanitation of restrooms by regularly disinfecting surfaces and replenishing supplies
• Miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning bar and kitchen drains, changing out lights, sweeping the parking lot, shoveling and salting entry ways and sidewalks during winter. Occasional odd tasks given by managers
• Restocked shirts and other merchandise for viewing in the dining room
• Maintained inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, promptly reporting any shortages or malfunctions

My position centers on cleaning the dining areas of the restaurant and ensuring a clean environment when the restaurant's doors open.

• Performed daily cleaning and maintenance tasks, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting
• Ensured cleanliness and sanitation of restrooms by regularly disinfecting surfaces and replenishing supplies
• Miscellaneous tasks such as cleaning bar and pantry drains, changing out lights, sweeping the parking lot, shoveling and salting entry ways during winter, and changing a outdoor letter board sign daily. Occasional odd tasks given by managers
• Maintained inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment, promptly reporting any shortages or malfunctions
• When done cleaning, transitioned to prep cook work, primarily shredding 40lbs blocks of cheese, dicing tomatoes, or making our handmade salsa

I assisted students with learning Excel 2007 and helped guide them through their homework, taking care to not do it for them. I would assist with other Office 2007 products and help resolve other low level computer issues.

• Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions to students in Excel and other Microsoft Office 2007 programs
• Stayed updated on current curriculum standards to ensure alignment with school requirements
• Demonstrated patience, empathy, and understanding when working with struggling learners
• Fostered a positive learning atmosphere that encouraged open communication between tutor-student-peer.
• Motivated unmotivated or disengaged students through encouragement and positive reinforcement
• Troubleshot and resolved technical issues related to computer systems, minimizing downtime
• Assisted users in troubleshooting basic computer problems
• Served as a point of contact between end-users and IT department for reporting issues or requesting assistance