Stephanie Torres
Sterling Heights
Summary
Dynamic chef and caterer with a proven track record, excelling in supplier relations and menu development. Experienced in crafting tailored food and beverage events and organizing one of a kind experiences for clients. Adept at problem-solving and maintaining high-quality standards, ensuring client satisfaction and repeat business. Well versed in food safety, design, and presentation. Very experienced in providing safe food options for those with mild to severe allergies, as well as in vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian cooking. History of event planning and managing, reaching out to vendors to facilitate good relationships, as well as front facing engagement with the customer.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Beverage Consultant
Pure Spirits
06.2025 - Current
- Conducted beverage tastings to evaluate quality and flavor profiles.
- Developed customized beverage programs tailored to client preferences and market trends.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients and innovative products.
- Established strong relationships with clients, fostering brand loyalty and repeat business.
- Organized successful tasting events that showcased new products while providing an engaging educational element for attendees.
Chipotle Grill Cook
Chipotle
03.2024 - 10.2024
- Operated grill equipment to prepare high-quality meals in fast-paced environment.
- Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were consistently met during meal preparation.
- Assisted in inventory management by monitoring stock levels of ingredients and supplies.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline cooking processes and improve service efficiency.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area, adhering to health regulations at all times.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility in fast-paced setting.
- Trained new team members on grill operation techniques and safety protocols.
- Participated in daily prep activities, supporting overall kitchen workflow and productivity.
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Provided support to crew members, facilitating quick food preparation and delivery.
- Ensured proper cooking temperatures were maintained for various proteins, resulting in consistent dish quality and reduced risk of foodborne illness.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to address any order modifications or dietary restrictions efficiently and accurately.
Private Chef
NDA Signed
01.2022 - 02.2024
- Created personalized meal plans tailored to clients' dietary needs and preferences.
- Prepared and presented high-quality meals using diverse cooking techniques.
- Managed kitchen inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and ingredient freshness.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and adhered to food safety regulations consistently.
- Collaborated with clients to refine menus based on seasonal availability and culinary trends.
- Developed strong relationships with local suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Worked closely with clients regarding their nutritional goals and implemented meal plans accordingly.
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in menu requests or guest counts without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Upheld confidentiality agreements with high-profile clientele while providing discrete personal chef services in various settings.
- Coordinated with event planners during large gatherings or parties, ensuring seamless service and guest satisfaction.
- Shopped for ingredients.
Canvasser Team Lead
The Blue Bench
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Engaged with community members to gather support for local initiatives
- Conducted door-to-door outreach to promote awareness of campaigns
- Developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders to enhance campaign reach
- Collected feedback and data from residents to inform strategic decisions
- Trained new canvassers on effective communication techniques and best practices
- Raised awareness for key political campaigns by distributing informative materials and engaging in persuasive conversations with residents.
- Maintained a positive attitude and high energy levels throughout long hours of door-to-door outreach, contributing to team morale.
- Boosted fundraising efforts for various organizations through persuasive dialogue and personal connections with potential donors.
Private Caterer
Various
02.2017 - 06.2019
- Coordinated catering logistics, ensuring timely delivery and setup for various events.
- Developed menus based on client preferences and dietary restrictions to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory control, optimizing ingredient usage to minimize waste and reduce costs.
- Supervised catering staff during events, providing guidance and support for efficient service delivery.
- Established strong client relationships through effective communication and understanding of needs.
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Communicated with event coordinators and facility management to obtain appropriate catering accommodations.
- Cleaned and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency.
- Served catering guests by fulfilling orders, communicating requests to kitchen staff and routinely inquiring about customer satisfaction.
- Delivered outstanding customer service throughout the entire event planning process, resulting in repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Replenished banquet stations and verified food temperatures and cleanliness of service areas.
- Collaborated with event planners, venues, and vendors to ensure seamless integration of catering services into overall event design.
- Implemented strict food safety standards, maintaining a clean and sanitary work environment at all times.
- Transported meal and beverage trays from kitchen and bar areas to serve guest tables.
- Set up and disassembled food service stations, equipment and furniture per contract specifications.
- Offered vegetarian versions of frequently ordered entrees to appeal to health conscious customers.
Student Cook Supervisor
Michigan State University Culinary Services
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Prepared diverse menu items in accordance with established recipes and safety standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, tracking stock levels and minimizing waste effectively.
- Trained new staff on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols to enhance team productivity.
- Monitored food quality and presentation, maintaining high standards for guest satisfaction consistently.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through portion control and effective resource allocation strategies.
- Streamlined meal prep processes by implementing batch cooking techniques which increased overall productivity.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Supported fellow cooks when needed by stepping into various roles within the kitchen team.
- Demonstrated versatility by effectively covering multiple stations within the kitchen as necessary.
- Handled large scale orders efficiently while maintaining consistency in food quality throughout busy shifts.
Event Planing Assistant
Party Planning Pieces
06.2007 - 08.2010
- Coordinated logistics for events, ensuring seamless execution of schedules and vendor partnerships.
- Managed event registration processes, enhancing attendee experience through efficient systems.
- Developed promotional materials, increasing event visibility and participant engagement.
- Assisted in budget tracking and cost management to optimize event resources.
- Elevated overall event quality by carefully selecting entertainment options that complemented themes and audiences.
- Increased client satisfaction by proactively addressing concerns and providing timely solutions for any issues that arose during events.
- Facilitated seamless communication between all parties involved in an event, ensuring everyone was well-informed throughout the planning process.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients and vendors alike, resulting in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI06-2014
Skills
- Supplier relations
- Food safety
- Food presentation
- Sanitation practices
- Quality control
- Team contribution
- Food preparation
- Personable and friendly
- Problem-solving skills
- Banquet coordination
- Event management
- Menu development
- Presentation skills
- Nutrition
- Wine, liquor, and food service
- Large scale events
- Catering and events
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Beverage Consultant
Pure Spirits
06.2025 - Current
Chipotle Grill Cook
Chipotle
03.2024 - 10.2024
Private Chef
NDA Signed
01.2022 - 02.2024
Canvasser Team Lead
The Blue Bench
09.2019 - 03.2020
Private Caterer
Various
02.2017 - 06.2019
Student Cook Supervisor
Michigan State University Culinary Services
08.2012 - 06.2014
Event Planing Assistant
Party Planning Pieces
06.2007 - 08.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Government
Michigan State University
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