Steven Douglas
Detroit,Michigan
Summary
Dynamic seasonal Chef with over 15 years of diverse culinary experience, specializing in leadership roles across hot line operations, prep work, and banquet settings. Proven expertise in grill techniques and a strong commitment to service excellence drive a passion for creating memorable dining experiences. Eager to expand culinary skills and continuously learn new recipes that enhance revenue and elevate customer satisfaction. Dedicated to delivering high-quality dishes while fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef/Manager
Henry Ford Hospital
West Bloomfield, MI
03.2024 - Current
- Oversaw daily food preparation, cooking, and plating within assigned kitchen sections, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and adherence to recipe standards.
- Managed kitchen operations during service, maintaining efficient workflow and assuming leadership responsibilities in the Head Chef's absence.
- Prepared ingredients, maintained mise en place, and executed menu items with precision in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Supervised, trained, and mentored line cooks, commis chefs, and junior kitchen staff to improve performance and maintain operational standards.
- Enforced food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations while ensuring all dishes met restaurant quality standards.
- Monitored inventory, managed stock levels and food orders, minimized waste, and supported cost-control initiatives to maximize kitchen efficiency.
- Oversaw culinary operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented menu offerings to enhance patient satisfaction and nutritional value.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Led initiatives to improve kitchen workflows, enhancing overall service delivery in high-pressure environments.
Lead Cook
Sunrise Senior Living
Bloomfield Hills, MI
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Prepared high-quality meals in accordance with standardized recipes, production schedules, and specialized dietary requirements, consistently meeting quality and resident satisfaction standards.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations and led kitchen staff during shifts, ensuring efficient workflow and seamless service in the absence of the Dining Services Coordinator.
- Maintained 100% compliance with food safety, sanitation, and temperature monitoring procedures, contributing to successful health inspections and a safe dining environment.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by maintaining organized inventory, reducing food waste, and assisting with accurate ordering to ensure adequate stock levels and cost-effective operations.
- Trained and supported new kitchen team members on food preparation, safety procedures, and quality standards, helping build a productive and collaborative work environment.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented menus tailored to residents' dietary needs and preferences.
Batch Cooking/Serving
Detroit Country Day Middle School
Beverly Hills, MI
10.2022 - 08.2023
- Prepared and batch-cooked 300–800+ meals daily for students and staff, following standardized recipes, portion control, and school nutrition guidelines.
- Set up and maintained serving stations, delivering efficient meal service while providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced cafeteria environment.
- Monitored food preparation, holding, and serving temperatures to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations, contributing to successful health inspections.
- Assisted with food preparation, ingredient portioning, and replenishment of serving lines to maintain uninterrupted meal service during peak periods.
- Maintained clean, organized kitchen and dining areas by following sanitation procedures and safe food-handling practices.
- Received, stored, and rotated inventory using FIFO methods, helping reduce food waste and ensure product freshness.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to improve workflow, meet daily production goals, and deliver meals on time with consistent quality.
- Recognized for reliability, teamwork, and the ability to maintain high-quality service in a high-volume food service environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Line Cook/Dietary Aide
Detroit Medical Center
Detroit, MI
08.2011 - 10.2022
- Prepared and served high-quality meals for patients and cafeteria guests, ensuring 100% compliance with prescribed diets, standardized recipes, and portion control.
- Assembled and delivered accurate meal trays, contributing to timely meal service and high patient satisfaction.
- Maintained strict food safety and sanitation standards, supporting successful health inspections and a safe kitchen environment.
- Managed inventory, monitored food production, and reduced waste through accurate recordkeeping and efficient stock rotation.
- Collaborated with dietary and kitchen teams to deliver consistent, high-volume meal service while maintaining quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Prepared and cooked a variety of menu items in compliance with health and safety standards.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure freshness and minimize waste during food preparation.
Line Cook/Prep
Plaza Deli
Southfield, MI
03.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed daily food preparation and service operations, ensuring consistent product quality, recipe compliance, and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards by overseeing equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, and compliance with health regulations.
- Controlled inventory through accurate stock rotation, ordering support, and waste reduction practices to improve operational efficiency.
- Coordinated food production and service during peak hours, ensuring timely order fulfillment and smooth kitchen workflow.
- Delivered outstanding customer service by resolving concerns, recommending menu items, and fostering a positive dining experience while supporting overall restaurant performance.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to optimize workflow and reduce preparation time.
Line Cook/ Prep/ Dishwasher
Coach Insignia
Detroit, MI
06.2007 - 03.2009
- Managed assigned kitchen station during service by ensuring proper setup, ingredient readiness, and seamless execution of menu items according to recipe, temperature, and plating standards.
- Coordinated with chefs, expediters, and kitchen staff during peak service to maintain efficient workflow, accurate ticket timing, and high-quality guest service.
- Maintained strict food safety and sanitation compliance, including proper storage, FIFO rotation, and continuous upkeep of a clean and organized workstation.
- Performed high-volume prep duties including ingredient processing, batch cooking of sauces and stocks, and maintaining full readiness of all prep stations prior to service.
- Supported overall kitchen efficiency by communicating inventory needs, preventing shortages, and ensuring continuous production flow across multiple stations.
- Executed warewashing and back-of-house support functions, ensuring all kitchen tools, equipment, and service items were cleaned, sanitized, and restocked promptly.
- Contributed to smooth kitchen operations by assisting with daily cleaning, waste management, and maintaining health-code standards across all prep and service areas.
- Prepared high-quality ingredients following menu specifications and safety standards.
Education
Serv Safe - Food Handler
ServSafe - Allergens
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Experience with food safety compliance
- Culinary skills
- Inventory management
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification — National Restaurant Association
Timeline
Chef/Manager
Henry Ford Hospital
03.2024 - Current
Lead Cook
Sunrise Senior Living
08.2023 - 03.2024
Batch Cooking/Serving
Detroit Country Day Middle School
10.2022 - 08.2023
Line Cook/Dietary Aide
Detroit Medical Center
08.2011 - 10.2022
Line Cook/Prep
Plaza Deli
03.2009 - 08.2011
Line Cook/ Prep/ Dishwasher
Coach Insignia
06.2007 - 03.2009