Stephen Connell
Lakeland,FL
Summary
Seasoned Grill Cook Prep with relevant experience in fast-paced kitchen environments. Showcases strong food preparation skills, grill mastery, and adherence to safety and cleanliness protocols. Known for enhancing menu items through innovative cooking methods and presenting dishes with flair. Contributed to the success of previous workplaces by consistently delivering high-quality meals that exceeded customer expectations. I have been in the service industry my entire adult life, splitting my time between the front and back of house. I work hard. I show up on time and I leave my personal problems out of my work place. I am mostly proficient in flat top but have dabbled in Fry, saute', pizza and even short order for a sports bar for a short time. In my free time I enjoy cooking and learning new recipes and being inventive with the things I cook.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Grill Cook/Prep/ Server/Bartender
Bd's Mongolian Grill
Lakeland, FL
10.2008 - 01.2025
- Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- Operated various pieces of kitchen equipment including ovens, stoves, grills, slicers, mixers, safely and correctly.
- Set up work stations prior to restaurant opening to improve speed during busy periods.
- Helped train and develop new talent.
- Used flare and showmanship to enhance guest experience.
- Took special requests from customers into consideration while preparing their orders.
- learned a vast array of cocktails and prompt bar service.
- Used Toast and Aloha POS efficiently to handle cash and debit transactions.
Server
Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar
Lakeland, FL
02.2023 - 09.2024
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, garnishes, ingredients, and preparation methods.
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Kept up with a fast pace and high volume dining experience while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
- Set up banquets and private events.
- Wine pairing and beer and craft cocktail knowledge.
Server
Fords Garage
Lutz, FL
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Stayed informed about daily specials, new menu items, promotions.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Promoted desserts, appetizers, and specialty drinks to optimize sales.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of orders.
- Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
Line Cook
GrillSmith
Lakeland, FL
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct food temperature for high scores on health inspections.
- Tracked inventory levels of all products used in the kitchen on a daily basis.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- Ensured that all dishes were prepared according to recipe specifications.
- Performed workstation prep prior to shift start.
- Worked saute', grill and inside expo.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while remaining organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Learned proper cook times and temperatures on various meats. Steaks,Chicken, Pork and an array of fish (cobia,sword,amber jack, salmon, etc.)
Bartender
TA Slammers
Lakeland, FL
03.2019 - 08.2021
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Completed regular bar inventories and daily requisition sheets.
- Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
- Remained calm and poised during busy periods, promoting great customer service to guests.
- Organized bar supplies in stock room to support timely and efficient retrieval and replenishment.
- Became an effective security personnel to stop violence or negativity from occurring while maintaining a level head and poise.
- Monitored guests' alcohol consumption levels to prevent over-intoxication or underage drinking.
- Checked identification cards for proof of age prior to serving alcohol beverages.
Server
Patio 850
Lakeland, FL
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Developed rapport with guests and assisted in generating repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
- Collected dirty dishes and glasses from tables or counters, preparing areas for next diners.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Suggested wine or cocktail pairings with signature menu items or daily specials.
- Set up for and breakdown for caterings and banquets.
- Set up tables in between patrons to reduce wait times.
- Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
Bartender
Lakeland Brewing Co.
Lakeland, FL
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Operated cash register and Point of Sale (POS) system for transactions and made proper change for cash transactions.
- Adhered to state regulations regarding serving alcohol responsibly.
- Developed good working relationships with fellow employees through effective communication.
- Managed accurate bar tabs and processed cash and credit card transactions.
- Persuaded highly intoxicated customers to stop drinking and arranged alternative transportation.
- Maintained a professional poise in a very high energy and fast paced environment.
Cook
Lakeland Brewing Co.
Lakeland, FL
04.2017 - 09.2017
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Took inventory counts before and after shifts to complete food inventory or storage sheets.
- Learned both Southern American and Middle eastern cuisine menu items.
- Worked directly with the executive chef daily to ensure proper recipe execution and presentation.
Pizza Maker/ Expo/ Line Lead
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
Lakeland, FL
01.2016 - 06.2017
- Complied with safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain health and well-being of customers and other staff.
- Assisted other cooks in preparing salads, sandwiches, desserts and appetizers.
- Operated a brick oven to cook pizzas, calzones and fresh pretzels.
- Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
- Used pizza cutter to slice whole pizzas according to customer size specifications.
- Slapped fresh dough and hand twisted pretzels and calzones.
- Crafted pizzas using proper amount of dough and quantities of toppings according to specifications.
- Insured proper SOP's were being used across the board by all my kitchen staff.
- Cut kitchen labor and hours according to our labor expectations as pertaining to sales.
- With only one other cook could run the entire efficiently and correctly with zero comps or refires.
Education
High School Diploma -
Lakeland High School
06-2008
Skills
- Food preparation
- Food storage
- Kitchen safety
- Grilling expertise
- Sauce making
- Food presentation
- Temperature control
- Vegetable chopping
- Order accuracy
- Seasoning proficiency
- Meat cutting
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Cleanliness standards
- Positive and professional
- Strong work ethic
- Supply restocking
- Cash handling
- Hospitality service expertise
- High volume dining
- Wine pairing
- Wine service
- Buffet setup and takedown
- POS operation
- Tableside etiquette
- Liquor, wine, and food service
- Food and beverage pairings
Certification
- I am ServSafe certified.
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Server
Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar
02.2023 - 09.2024
Line Cook
GrillSmith
07.2022 - 12.2022
Server
Fords Garage
09.2021 - 05.2023
Bartender
TA Slammers
03.2019 - 08.2021
Server
Patio 850
03.2018 - 03.2019
Bartender
Lakeland Brewing Co.
09.2017 - 01.2018
Cook
Lakeland Brewing Co.
04.2017 - 09.2017
Pizza Maker/ Expo/ Line Lead
Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
01.2016 - 06.2017
Grill Cook/Prep/ Server/Bartender
Bd's Mongolian Grill
10.2008 - 01.2025
- I am ServSafe certified.
High School Diploma -
Lakeland High School
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