Shanda Axe-Whelan
Waterloo,IL
Summary
Dynamic kitchen leader recognized for strong customer service, effective staff training, and adherence to food safety standards. Proven ability to streamline operations and develop creative menus that drive customer engagement and satisfaction.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Kitchen Manager
Shorty's Smokehouse
Waterloo, Illinois
2019.02 - 2026.02
- Supervised daily kitchen operations and staff schedules at a busy smokehouse.
- Trained new kitchen staff in food preparation and cooking techniques to ensure consistency.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and cleanliness throughout kitchen areas.
- Managed inventory levels of ingredients and supplies to optimize operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented effective kitchen management strategies to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Developed performance goals for each team member and provided ongoing feedback throughout their shift.
- Monitored food preparation techniques to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Oversaw meal preparation and monitored food handling to encourage safety.
- Provided guidance and support when needed during busy hours or rush periods.
- Supervised staff in all areas of the kitchen, including dishwashing, stocking, food preparation and cooking.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Implemented surface and equipment schedules and standards to maintain clean, neat and sanitized kitchen.
- Trained employees on cooking techniques, safety standards and performance strategies.
- Conducted regular inspections of the kitchen environment to ensure cleanliness is maintained at all times.
- Maintained and serviced all kitchen equipment to ensure functionality.
- Handled complaints and resolved conflicts effectively to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner while maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Created menus with a focus on quality, creativity and cost-effectiveness.
- Established efficient production processes to maximize productivity while minimizing wastefulness.
- Assisted in creating marketing campaigns for special events or promotions held by the restaurant.
- Reviewed invoices from vendors before authorizing payment.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Guided new employees in specific role responsibilities to ensure effective performance.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Helped maintain a smooth dining experience by clearing tables and serving meals.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
Education
GED -
Columbia High School
Columbia, Il1991-06
Skills
- Food safety
- Food safety compliance
- Sanitation standards
- Sanitation
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Health inspections
- Health code compliance
- Food preparation
- Menu preparation
- Recipe creation
- Food production management
- Inventory control
- Supply ordering
- Procurement management
- Waste reduction
- Food presentation
- Food plating and presentation
- Kitchen management
- Staff training
- Staff development
- Staff coaching
- Leadership skills
- Team building
- Performance evaluation
- Performance improvement
- Effective communication
- Communication skills
- Problem resolution
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Multitasking and organization
- Workflow planning
- Process improvement
- Order accuracy
- Attention to detail
- Beverage management
- Supply chain management
- Kitchen equipment maintenance
- Beverage management
- Supply chain management
- Multitasking and organization
Timeline
Lead Kitchen Manager
Shorty's Smokehouse
2019.02 - 2026.02
GED -
Columbia High School