ROBERT JENKINS
Pomona,CA
Summary
A skilled communicator; able to maintain cultural sensitivity, establish rapport with members of diverse groups, and promote team cohesiveness. Dedicated Head Cook passionate about creating memorable meals. Knowledgeable in cooking and food preparation. Offering successful career history comprising more than 8 years.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Specialist
United States Army Reserve
11.2007 - 11.2016
- Bake, fry, braise, boil, simmer, steam and sauté as prescribed by Army recipes
- Perform preventive maintenance on garrison and field kitchen equipment
- Preparing coffee and hot food for the morning travelers, and cashiering
- Requests, receives, and accounts for subsistence items.
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Conducted regular safety checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime due to repairs or replacements.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Reduced food waste through efficient inventory management and proper rotation of ingredients.
- Upheld the highest standards of quality control throughout all stages of food production from ingredient sourcing to final plating.
- Developed menus and meal plans which met personnel needs, utilizing available supplies and within budget restrictions.
- Conducted inspections of food preparation and dining facilities to verify compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Boosted employee morale through transparent communication regarding performance feedback and opportunities for advancement within the company structure.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality meals and maintaining timely food service.
Cashier
CircleK
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Provides a positive customer experience with fair, friendly, and courteous service
- Registers sales on a cash register by scanning items, itemizing and totaling customers' purchases
- Resolves customer issues and answers questions
- Bags purchases if needed
- Processes return transactions
- Provide detailed written reports of incidents that occur within their area of responsibility
- Provide a visual deterrence by maintaining high visibility at all times
- Conduct detailed observations of people and property within their area of responsibility.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
Head Chef/Manager
Tikka Wraps and Curry Bowls
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Maintained the kitchen and surrounding areas in conditions that meet the company standards and health code regulations
- Assisted and directed kitchen staff in meal preparation, creation, plating, delivery and cashiering
- Prepared meals and completed prep support as needed.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
Cook
Big Al's Restaurant
Ontario, CA
05.2021 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to health department standards for safety and sanitation.
- Demonstrated exceptional multitasking abilities by overseeing multiple cooking stations simultaneously while maintaining quality control standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Successfully managed inventory and reduced waste by carefully monitoring food usage and rotating stock.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to check and maintain proper temperatures.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality meals in a timely manner.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly and professionally, maintaining focus on completing tasks efficiently without compromising quality.
- Supported overall restaurant success through cross-training in various positions when necessary to provide adequate coverage during busy times.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture by fostering open communication among team members and addressing issues proactively before they escalated.
- Implemented innovative menu items based on current culinary trends, leading to positive feedback from customers.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining room teams for optimal guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
- Utilized expert knowledge of various cooking techniques to prepare diverse dishes that met or exceeded guest expectations.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
Education
Diploma - General Ed
Diamond Ranch High School
Pomona, CA06.2008
Transferred - Computer Engineering
DeVry University
Walnut, CAGraphic Design
Mt. San Antonio College
Walnut, CA09.2014
Skills
- English
- Microsoft Word (Proficient)
- Microsoft PowerPoint (Proficient)
- Adobe Photoshop (Basic)
- Cooking techniques
- Food Storage
- Meal Preparation
- Knife Skills
- Kitchen Management
- Special Events
- Grilling Techniques
- Recipes and menu planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Works Well Under Pressure
- Flexible Schedule
- Bulk Food Preparation
Timeline
Cook
Big Al's Restaurant
05.2021 - Current
Cashier
CircleK
08.2019 - 04.2020
Head Chef/Manager
Tikka Wraps and Curry Bowls
06.2018 - 08.2019
Culinary Specialist
United States Army Reserve
11.2007 - 11.2016
Diploma - General Ed
Diamond Ranch High School
Transferred - Computer Engineering
DeVry University
Graphic Design
Mt. San Antonio College