RICHARD DACOSTA
Lithonia,GA
Summary
Culinary expert with extensive experience in menu planning and innovative dish design at Mix’d Up Burgers. Demonstrated proficiency in knife skills and kitchen management, consistently enhancing food quality and customer satisfaction. Known for delivering exceptional dining experiences through strong problem-solving abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Machine Operator
Trojan Tires
11.2025 - Current
- Monitored machine performance, identifying issues to maintain consistent production quality;
- Loaded separators and plates into machine, ensuring precise alignment for optimal operation;
- Efficiently made changeovers to equipment according to the schedule.
- Conducted visual inspections for quality and quantity, making minor adjustments to resolve issues under supervision.
Owner/ Operator
Kutz for Less Lawncare Service
, Georgia
01.2019 - Current
- Oversaw lawn and landscaping operations for residential and commercial clients in Georgia.
- Delivered comprehensive lawn services to enhance property aesthetics and functionality.
- Specialized in landscape design and sod layout, ensuring tailored solutions for seasonal needs.
Head Cook
Mix’d Up Burgers
Atlanta, GA
09.2017 - 01.2019
- Designed innovative dishes, enhancing menu variety and customer satisfaction.
- Baked diverse items per specific recipes, ensuring quality and consistency in fast-paced kitchen.
- Demonstrated solid cooking experience in various culinary techniques and cuisines.
- Prep cook with exceptional knife skills
- Practice proper hygiene and food safety standards
- Atlanta GA
Customer Service
DAC Home Services
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Handled customer inquiries, complaints, billing questions, and payment extension requests to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Calmed angry callers, repaired trust, and designed optimal solutions for problem resolution by locating necessary resources.
- Actively listened to customer concerns to identify issues and developed tailored solutions addressing their needs.
- Acted as the primary contact for new customers, providing guidance and support during their onboarding process.
- Helped company attain the highest customer service ratings in all categories including communication skills, listening skills, problem resolution and politeness.
- Received commendations for initiative, intense customer focus, and dependability in performance evaluations.
Storeroom Worker
Career Education Corporation- Le Cordon Bleu
Tucker, GA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Oversaw food storeroom operations at Le Cordon Bleu, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards
- Organized and stocked shelves to ensure efficient access to food supplies
- Recorded food items removed from storeroom to maintain accurate inventory records
- Worked in Tucker, Ga location
Construction /Sales
Porcher Cabinet
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Collaborated with Porcher Cabinet to sell custom cabinets, enhancing client satisfaction
- Conducted cold calls to generate new business leads, contributing to pipeline growth
- Gained experience in various marketing strategies and campaigns to support brand visibility
Head Cook
Rising Star Residential Home
01.2016
- Oversaw kitchen operations and supervised staff
- Prepared nutritious meals for residents in communal kitchen
- Developed menus accommodating diverse dietary needs
Warehouse maintenance
Columbia, SC
01.2013
- Conducted inspections of equipment and machines to verify functionality and prevent downtime
- Executed maintenance tasks to ensure optimal warehouse operations
- Evaluated outlets, doors, and production-related items to maintain safety standards
Education
Associates of Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
Tucker, GA01.2016
GED Diploma -
Earl C. Clement Job Corps
Morganfield, Kentucky06.2010
Skills
- Flat top cooking
- Fryer operation
- Grilling techniques
- Baking fundamentals
- Knife skills
- Stock preparation
- Roux techniques
- Mother sauces knowledge
- French cooking methods
- Plating and presentation
- Herb and spice identification
- Kitchen management
References
References upon request
Certificates And Achievements
- N.E.H.A Certification, 12/01/15 - 12/01/20
- OSHA Certified, 01/01/15
- Certified in Facility Maintenance, Job Corp, 01/01/15
Culinary Skills
- Basic knife skills
- Knowledge of Mother Sauces, Stock and Roux
- Knowledge of French Cooking Method and Techniques
- Skilled on basic plating/ presentation
- Manage and Maintain kitchen
- Ability to Identify herbs, Spices and Oils
- 2 years flat top; fryer and grill
- Knowledge of baking fundamentals (pies, cakes, breads, pastries)
Timeline
Machine Operator
Trojan Tires
11.2025 - Current
Owner/ Operator
Kutz for Less Lawncare Service
01.2019 - Current
Head Cook
Mix’d Up Burgers
09.2017 - 01.2019
Customer Service
DAC Home Services
08.2016 - 01.2017
Head Cook
Rising Star Residential Home
01.2016
Storeroom Worker
Career Education Corporation- Le Cordon Bleu
01.2014 - 01.2016
Construction /Sales
Porcher Cabinet
01.2013 - 01.2014
Warehouse maintenance
01.2013
Associates of Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
GED Diploma -
Earl C. Clement Job Corps