Spencer Pietrzak
Chef
Glen Allen,Virginia
Summary
High-performing Chef offerinng 16 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams. High-performing individual with solid background in culinary arts. Skilled in creating innovative and delicious dishes while managing kitchen staff and inventory. Efficient and committed to keeping high standards of food safety and sanitation. Top-notch professional with expertise in menu development, kitchen management and staff training. Creates unique and delicious dishes while controlling food and labor costs. Collaborative and committed to seeking feedback from customers and staff to improve kitchen workflows.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef
Collins Aerospace Corp.
Westford
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
Chef
Local Roots
Roanoke, VA
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
Chef
Elm Park Estates
Roanoke
12.2020 - 02.2021
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
Cook
Mellow Mushroom
Roanoke, VA
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Ensured adherence to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options without compromising taste or presentation.
Cook
Macados
Roanoke, VA
02.2016 - 09.2016
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
Cook
The Dog And Pig Show
Richmond, VA
01.2015 - 09.2015
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
Cook
419 West Restaurant
Roanoke, VA
08.2012 - 08.2014
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Ensured adherence to dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan options without compromising taste or presentation.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop new menu items based on customer feedback and preferences.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
Cook
Village On Pheasant Ridge, The
Roanoke, VA
11.2010 - 05.2011
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
Housekeeper
Heartland Health Care Center
Pittsburgh
01.2010 - 10.2010
- Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
- Handled requests for extra linens, toiletries and other supplies.
- Maintained a spotless environment for guests through diligent daily housekeeping tasks.
- Coordinated with the front desk to prioritize room assignments based on guest arrivals and departures.
Cook
Village On Pheasant Ridge, The
Roanoke, VA
09.2008 - 05.2009
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
Cabinet Maker
Cabinet Direct Co
Roanoke, VA
06.2007 - 08.2007
- Established a reputation for reliability by consistently meeting deadlines, even during periods of high production demand.
- Installation understanding
- Worked with clients to design and construct custom cabinets based on needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with designers and architects to create functional and visually appealing cabinetry solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
Architect Intern
Jones & Jones Architecture
Roanoke, VA
06.2006 - 08.2006
- Created detailed plans for construction projects within equipment specifications and budgeting.
- Contributed to sustainable design initiatives by incorporating energy-efficient strategies into architectural plans.
- Optimized internal processes by maintaining organized digital files for easy access during project reviews or revisions.
- Gained hands-on experience in various stages of design development, from schematic designs to construction documents preparation.
Construction Worker
Smith Packett Integra Co
Roanoke, VA
06.2005 - 08.2005
- Completed construction projects on time by adhering to strict deadlines and prioritizing tasks appropriately.
- Reduced material waste by accurately calculating requirements and optimizing usage throughout the project lifecycle.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Followed instructions and safety protocols while operating machinery and equipment.
Education
No Degree - English, Pre-Algebra, Spanish 101, 102, AutoCAD
Virginia Western Community College
Roanoke, VA05.2009
GED -
Homeschooled
Roanoke, VA05.2007
Skills
- Contract Negotiation
- Restaurant Operations
- Equipment Maintenance
- Food pairing
- BOH Operations
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Recipes and menu planning
- Food Prep Planning
- Sanitation Guidelines
- Food presentation
- Kitchen Management
- Food quality
Timeline
Chef
Collins Aerospace Corp.
06.2023 - 08.2023
Chef
Local Roots
07.2022 - 12.2022
Chef
Elm Park Estates
12.2020 - 02.2021
Cook
Mellow Mushroom
10.2016 - 03.2017
Cook
Macados
02.2016 - 09.2016
Cook
The Dog And Pig Show
01.2015 - 09.2015
Cook
419 West Restaurant
08.2012 - 08.2014
Cook
Village On Pheasant Ridge, The
11.2010 - 05.2011
Housekeeper
Heartland Health Care Center
01.2010 - 10.2010
Cook
Village On Pheasant Ridge, The
09.2008 - 05.2009
Cabinet Maker
Cabinet Direct Co
06.2007 - 08.2007
Architect Intern
Jones & Jones Architecture
06.2006 - 08.2006
Construction Worker
Smith Packett Integra Co
06.2005 - 08.2005
No Degree - English, Pre-Algebra, Spanish 101, 102, AutoCAD
Virginia Western Community College
GED -
Homeschooled