Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Ruben Zarate

San Tan Valley,AZ

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Panda Express, skilled in food preparation and team collaboration. Proven track record of enhancing menu quality and optimizing kitchen operations, leading to improved customer satisfaction. Bilingual and detail-oriented, adept at implementing cost-saving measures while ensuring safe food handling practices.

Professional culinary worker with hands-on experience in supporting kitchen operations and food preparation. Skilled in maintaining organization, assisting with meal preparation, and ensuring cleanliness. Strong focus on collaboration and achieving high-quality results. Adaptable and reliable team player with commitment to meeting changing needs and delivering consistent outcomes.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Cook's Assistant

Mariscos Rockypoint
11.2022 - 03.2024
  • Enhanced presentation quality of menu items by applying plating techniques, contributing to positive customer dining experiences.
  • Kept an organized kitchen workspace by properly disposing of trash, recycling materials, and breaking down boxes efficiently.
  • Supported smooth restaurant operations by promptly restocking necessary supplies during peak hours.
  • Assisted with portion control measures to maintain consistency in serving sizes across all menu items.

Landscape Worker

Greens Landscaping, Design And Construction
01.2022 - 01.2024
  • Operated landscaping equipment to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces.
  • Designed and implemented landscape layouts, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functionality.
  • Collaborated with clients to determine project requirements and preferences.
  • Supervised junior staff, providing training on best practices and safety protocols.

Concrete Finisher

Temcon Concrete Construction
02.2016 - 11.2019
  • Assisted in preparing surfaces for concrete pouring, ensuring proper alignment and leveling.
  • Learned to operate hand tools and equipment safely for finishing tasks.
  • Contributed to cleanup efforts post-project, promoting a safe work environment.
  • Followed safety protocols to minimize risks during construction activities.

Cook Specialist

Panda Express
04.2014 - 02.2018
  • Trained junior kitchen staff on culinary techniques and best practices for food preparation.
  • Monitored inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock management practices.
  • Led kitchen operations during peak hours, optimizing workflow to maintain service efficiency.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures through careful monitoring of portion sizes and ingredient usage.

Cook

Riccobannos Bakery
06.2013 - 03.2016
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Developed and executed new menu items, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
  • Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency in service delivery.
  • Trained junior cooks on cooking techniques and kitchen operations best practices.

Education

High School Diploma -

Desert Hills High School
Mesa, AZ

Skills

  • Fluent bilingual
  • Food preparation
  • Safe food handling
  • Problem-solving
  • Team collaboration
  • Customer engagement
  • Attention to detail
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Cooking

Accomplishments

  • Head Chef at two restaurants featured on a local news segment hosted by top food critics.
  • Catered local Charity Ball for dozens of prestigious guests, including local politicians and celebrities.

Certification

  • Certified cook at Panda Express for 5 years.
  • Certified Baker at riccobannos
  • Experiensed finisher for 5 years.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional

Timeline

Cook's Assistant

Mariscos Rockypoint
11.2022 - 03.2024

Landscape Worker

Greens Landscaping, Design And Construction
01.2022 - 01.2024

Concrete Finisher

Temcon Concrete Construction
02.2016 - 11.2019

Cook Specialist

Panda Express
04.2014 - 02.2018

Cook

Riccobannos Bakery
06.2013 - 03.2016

High School Diploma -

Desert Hills High School