Shaun Cruse
COOK
Waco,TEXAS
Summary
Dedicated cook with expertise in food preparation, time management, and customer relations. Proven track record of implementing process improvements that reduce waste while enhancing meal quality.
Skilled culinary professional with strong leadership abilities and a commitment to training new staff on food safety and preparation techniques. Known for optimizing kitchen workflows and ensuring consistently high-quality dishes that elevate customer satisfaction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
SUBWAY®Restaurants
ABILENE, TEXAS
02.2026 - 04.2026
- Prepared high-quality pizzas and menu items following standardized recipes and portion controls.
- Developed seasonal menu items based on customer feedback and local ingredient availability.
- Ensured consistent presentation of dishes, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and dining experience.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
Murphys
Assistant Manager
WACO, TEXAS
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Cook
Taco Casa
Abilene, TEXAS
12.2022 - 01.2025
- Prepared high-quality tex mex foods and menu items following standardized recipes and portion controls.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a fast-paced workflow during peak hours.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques, kitchen procedures, and food safety practices.
- Monitored inventory levels to assist in timely ordering of ingredients and supplies.
- Implemented process improvements that reduced food waste while maintaining quality standards.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
COOK
Black Box Pizza
Abilene, TEXAS
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
MOVER
Little Joe Movers
ABILENE, Texas
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Coordinated loading and unloading of items to ensure timely delivery.
- Operated dollies for safe transportation of goods.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols during all moving operations.
- Maintained inventory accuracy by documenting items during packing and unpacking processes.
- Oversaw team performance, providing feedback to improve service quality.
- Coordinated loading and unloading of household goods to ensure safe transport.
- Trained new team members on proper lifting techniques and safety protocols.
COOK
Taco Casa
Abilene, Texas
02.2018 - 07.2021
- Adapted quickly to changing menu items and special requests from customers.
- Trained new staff on food preparation techniques and safety standards.
- Implemented best practices for food safety and hygiene compliance in kitchen operations.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Developed system for inventory management, reducing waste and cutting costs.
- Improved meal presentation with innovative plating techniques, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
- Prepared diverse cuisines to meet customer dietary needs and preferences, elevating dining experience.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Maintained cleanliness in kitchen area through regular cleaning routines. and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Replenished kitchen stock to ensure availability of ingredients for meal preparation. and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Planned menus for different events, seasons and customer requests.
COOK
Taco Bueno
Abilene, Texas
03.2016 - 11.2017
- Prepared menu items following standardized recipes and portion guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock levels met operational needs.
- Operated cooking equipment, including grills, fryers, and ovens, with proficiency.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.
Education
No Degree -
Abilene High
Abilene, TX 05.2001 -
Skills
Customer service
Cooking
Cleaning and organization
Food handling
Multitasking and organization
Food preparation
Kitchen organization
Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
Frying
Cooking techniques
Sanitation
Supply restocking
Surface cleaning
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Sanitation practices
Grilling
Food presentation
Money handling
Team leadership
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Time management
Customer relations
Team motivation
Staff training and development
Goal setting
Staff management
Workload management
Conflict resolution
Staff supervision
Team building
Strategic planning
Staff development
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
Timeline
Cook
SUBWAY®Restaurants
02.2026 - 04.2026
Murphys
Assistant Manager
09.2025 - 12.2025
Cook
Taco Casa
12.2022 - 01.2025
COOK
Black Box Pizza
03.2022 - 11.2022
MOVER
Little Joe Movers
08.2021 - 01.2022
COOK
Taco Casa
02.2018 - 07.2021
COOK
Taco Bueno
03.2016 - 11.2017
No Degree -
Abilene High
05.2001 -
fast pace
I thrive in fast-paced environments where priorities can change quickly and teamwork is essential. I stay organized, adapt to new challenges, and remain focused under pressure while maintaining a high standard of work. I enjoy managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and finding efficient solutions to keep projects moving forward. My ability to learn quickly and communicate effectively helps me contribute positively in dynamic workplaces.