Sara Steinnagel
Germantown,MD
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in culinary management and customer service, honed at Wegmans and most recently executed at Life Time. Proven ability to optimize workflows and enhance team performance through effective training and mentoring. Successfully implemented cost control measures, reducing waste by 15%. Adept at fostering positive relationships and driving engagement through creative menu offerings and innovative strategies.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Email Marketing Specialist
Gold Lasso
10.2024 - Current
Cafe Manager
Life Time
Gaithersburg, MD
07.2024 - 11.2025
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring high-quality customer service and product consistency.
- Trained and mentored staff in café procedures, enhancing team performance and service standards.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes to reduce waste and improve cost efficiency.
- Implemented promotional strategies, increasing customer engagement through targeted marketing initiatives.
- Oversaw financial transactions, maintaining accurate records of sales and expenses for reporting purposes.
- Coordinated staff schedules, balancing labor needs with peak operational demands for optimal efficiency.
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, ensuring quality products at competitive pricing for café operations.
- Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
- Delivered excellent customer service experiences by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Trained cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the cafe.
- Filled in for absent employees in any position in cafe, keeping operations efficient even when short-handed.
Chef Manager
Wegmans
Columbia, MD
05.2016 - 07.2024
- Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Implemented strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and delicious meals.
- Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
- Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends and incorporated innovative concepts into menu offerings, keeping clients engaged over time.
- Managed staffing schedules, minimizing labor costs while maintaining optimal kitchen performance during peak hours.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure efficient functionality and reduce downtime due to malfunctions.
- Improved operational processes by implementing new technologies such as digital ordering systems or advanced cooking appliances.
- Introduced creative specials that catered to customer preferences, contributing to an increase in repeat business.
- Established positive relationships with local suppliers to secure fresh produce and support the community economy.
- Mentored junior chefs and provided guidance in culinary techniques, fostering a supportive team environment.
- Consistently met budgetary goals by carefully monitoring expenses and adjusting menu pricing as needed.
- Developed new culinary programs that increased customer satisfaction and operational excellence levels.
- Expanded business reach through positive word-of-mouth referrals and outstanding service quality, resulting in a growing client base.
- Effectively managed food allergen and cross-contamination concerns, ensuring the safety of patrons with dietary restrictions.
- Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere for staffers through effective communication, consistent training and skill development.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the kitchen team by providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
- Successfully balanced diverse responsibilities including menu design, staff training, budget management, and event coordination.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Community Manager
Gold Lasso
Gaithersburg, MD
08.2011 - 12.2015
Education
Hospitality Administration And Management
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VACommunication Studies
Messiah College
Bowmansdale, PASkills
- Food Safety
- Food Safety Regulations
- Culinary expertise
- Nutritional knowledge
- Supply Ordering
- Recipe creation
- Kitchen Management
- Team Management
- Training and mentoring
- Inventory supervision
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Food Trend Awareness
- Equipment Inspection
- Catering Oversight
- Kitchen Operations
- Kitchen Staff Management
- Staff Training
- Staff Supervision and Coordination
- Food Preparing, Plating, and Presentation
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Safe Food Handling
- Workflow Optimization
- Cost Control
- Purchasing
- Food inventories
- Food procurement
- Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- Staff Scheduling
- Problem and Complaint Resolution
- Signature dish creation
- Purchasing management
- Food Handlers Card
- Order Management
- Sushi rolling
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Reliability
- Organizational Skills
- Creative Thinking
- Active Listening
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Kitchen Safety
Certification
Certified by the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. Score: 95%
Timeline
Email Marketing Specialist
Gold Lasso
10.2024 - Current
Cafe Manager
Life Time
07.2024 - 11.2025
Chef Manager
Wegmans
05.2016 - 07.2024
Community Manager
Gold Lasso
08.2011 - 12.2015
Hospitality Administration And Management
James Madison University
Communication Studies
Messiah College