Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Ruben Garcia

Arlington,Virginia

Summary

Motivated professional dedicated to sourcing high-quality ingredients from local sources to drive farm-to-table menus. Proactive and adaptable team leader passionate about sustainable cuisine. Talented at creating exciting and innovative menus based on in-season ingredients. Passionate, spirited and classically trained culinary professional, skilled in building relationships and developing high-performing teams. Leader in delivery of excellent customer service. Equipped to apply restaurant operational experience to grow world-class organizations. Dedicated to food safety, customer service best practices and quality food service. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef Manager

Pier 23
Virginia Beach, VA
06.2024 - 09.2024
  • Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
  • Supervised and trained staff in customer service, food handling, and safety protocols.
  • Developed strategies for improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
  • Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling and evaluation of employees.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner to maintain positive relationships with guests.
  • Created new menu items based on customer feedback and industry trends.
  • Monitored stock levels of ingredients to ensure timely delivery of fresh produce.
  • Assisted with kitchen preparation during peak times as needed.
  • Performed regular maintenance checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Inspected dining room area regularly for cleanliness and adherence to safety standards.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs before they arise.
  • Collaborated with local businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
  • Trained workers in food preparation, money handling, and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
  • Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
  • Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
  • Enforced sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness and maintenance of dining and kitchen areas.
  • Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
  • Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.

Office Manager

Mendez Kitchen and Bath llc
Chesapeake, Virginia
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Developed and implemented office policies and procedures.
  • Assisted with the preparation of budgets, forecasts and financial statements.
  • Supervised staff members, organized schedules and delegated tasks.
  • Coordinated meetings, conferences, travel arrangements and department activities.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
  • Provided administrative support to management team including preparing reports and presentations.
  • Created spreadsheets in Excel to track data such as vacation requests, sick days .
  • Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail and coordinated courier services.
  • Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
  • Processed payroll accurately ensuring all employees were paid on time.
  • Managed front desk operations including greeting visitors, answering questions or directing them to appropriate personnel.
  • Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
  • Organized company events including holiday parties, team building activities .
  • Performed general bookkeeping duties such as reconciling bank statements and creating journal entries.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws regarding employment practices.
  • Prepared agendas for board meetings along with taking minutes during sessions.
  • Conducted research projects related to new product development or marketing initiatives.
  • Provided training to new hires on office policies and procedures.
  • Managed office inventory and placed new supply orders.
  • Monitored payments due from clients and promptly contacted clients with past due payments.
  • Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
  • Oversaw receiving and organizing correspondence, answering and forwarding calls and creating business letters and records.
  • Administered payroll and maintained proper documentation of employee personnel.
  • Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
  • Managed, scheduled and coordinated office functions and activities for employees.
  • Managed office budget to handle inventory, postage and vendor services.
  • Implemented and maintained company protocols to facilitate smooth daily activities.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms and cost savings.
  • Interpreted and communicated work procedures and company policies to staff.
  • Automated office operations for managing client correspondence, payment schedules and data communications.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.

Chef, Server,

Tasty Kebab
Norfolk, Virginia
11.2022 - 11.2023
  • Cooking and preparing Mediterranean food.
  • Grilled vegetables and meats according to recipes, ensuring proper temperature and timing.
  • Maintained a clean work area by sanitizing surfaces, utensils, and equipment before and after each shift.
  • Prepared sauces for kebabs such as hummus, tzatziki, garlic sauce.

  • Rolled dough into thin sheets to make wraps for shawarma kebabs.
  • Assembled orders with precision to ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Trained new employees on how to prepare kebab ingredients correctly.
  • Stocked ingredients needed for daily operations.
  • Washed dishes and cleaned kitchen areas following health and safety regulations.
  • Operated ovens at the correct temperatures in order to cook food properly.
  • Monitored inventory of food items regularly so that they could be restocked promptly when needed.
  • Diced onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables used in making kebabs.
  • Kept records of sales transactions accurately using cash register systems or POS terminals.
  • Provided excellent customer service by answering questions about menu items clearly and politely.
  • Inspected finished products for quality assurance purposes before packaging them up for customers.
  • Utilized sharp knives when cutting meats and vegetables into cubes or strips for use in kebab preparations.
  • Discarded any expired ingredients or foods that were not suitable for consumption anymore.
  • Plated entrees and observed food portion control.
  • Prepared multiple orders at once for speedy service.
  • Utilized tandoor along with other kitchen equipment according to instructions supplied by manufacturer.
  • Set up work stations prior to opening to minimize prep time.
  • Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
  • Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
  • Cooked menu items based on customer orders.
  • Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items.
  • Used grills, deep fryers and griddles to cook food.
  • Packaged and bagged cooked food and prepared items.
  • Washed and cut ingredients for quick meal assembly.
  • Dropped off food and drink orders for customer pickup.
  • Set aside add-on items for future orders.

Education

M.D. - Primary Care Physician

Medical University
Cuba
07-2015

Skills

  • Inventory supervision
  • Food Safety
  • Training and mentoring
  • Dish preparation
  • Cooking skills
  • Team Management
  • Nutritional knowledge
  • Food safety management
  • Kitchen Management
  • Recruiting and Hiring
  • Order control
  • Event Planning

Languages

Spanish
Professional
English
Elementary

Timeline

Chef Manager

Pier 23
06.2024 - 09.2024

Office Manager

Mendez Kitchen and Bath llc
08.2023 - 06.2024

Chef, Server,

Tasty Kebab
11.2022 - 11.2023

M.D. - Primary Care Physician

Medical University
Ruben Garcia