Sheila Smith
Royse City,TX
Summary
Dynamic Culinary Specialist with a proven track record at Red Lobster, enhancing kitchen efficiency through cross-training and mentoring. Expert in food preparation and sanitation procedures, I consistently elevated customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality meals while fostering a collaborative team environment. Committed to excellence in food presentation and guest interaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Specialist
Red Lobster Restaurant
Mesquite, TX
05.1997 - 07.2025
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Conducted regular safety checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime due to repairs or replacements.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Reduced food waste through efficient inventory management and proper rotation of ingredients.
- Upheld the highest standards of quality control throughout all stages of food production from ingredient sourcing to final plating.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing high-quality meals and maintaining timely food service.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours by quickly adapting to changing demands within the kitchen environment.
Manager
Pets Supply Plus
Fate, TX
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by overhauling customer service protocols and training staff in customer engagement techniques.
Cook
Heath Golf and Yacht Club
Heath Tx
08.2020 - 10.2023
- 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.
- 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.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
Key Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Rockwall, TX
03.2017 - 08.2020
- Counted registers and cleaned and secured shop at end of shift.
- Listened to and addressed customer concerns using creative problem-solving in accordance with company guidelines.
- Maintained high levels of employee engagement through open communication channels and creating a supportive work environment.
- Assisted with scheduling, interviewing, and other administrative tasks to boost success successful store.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient scheduling and task delegation.
- Increased customer satisfaction, successfully managing client relationships and promptly addressing concerns.
Barista
Starbucks
Greenville TX
04.2007 - 03.2018
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Maintained regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Operated espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers to create beverages.
Education
Pastry Arts - Pastry Arts
El Centro College
Dallas, TX05.2004
High School Diploma - Environmental Biology
Terrell High School
Terrell, TX05.1997
Skills
- Dining facility management
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Guest interaction
- Kitchen organization
- Cooking methods
- Food preparation
- Knife skills
- Food and beverage operations
- Preparing food
- Ingredient knowledge
- Sanitation procedures
- Food presentation
- Workstation maintenance
- Pastry skills
Timeline
Manager
Pets Supply Plus
02.2024 - 06.2024
Cook
Heath Golf and Yacht Club
08.2020 - 10.2023
Key Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
03.2017 - 08.2020
Barista
Starbucks
04.2007 - 03.2018
Culinary Specialist
Red Lobster Restaurant
05.1997 - 07.2025
Pastry Arts - Pastry Arts
El Centro College
High School Diploma - Environmental Biology
Terrell High School