Steven Foster
Austin,TX
Summary
Quality-driven Sous Chef with years of experience preparing ingredients for fast dish assembly. Expert at estimating correct quantities of ingredients for expected number of customers. Work well independently with minimal supervision and with teammates.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
MML Hospitality/ Lamberts Down Town BBQ
Austin, TX
03.2021 - 11.2024
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Developed daily specials utilizing seasonal ingredients.
- Trained new hires in proper cooking techniques and recipes.
- Maintained accurate records for cost analysis purposes.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
- Supervised cooks and other kitchen personnel during meal services.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in service or product quality.
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
Prep Cook/2nd Line Cook
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Austin, TX
1992 - 1998
- Adhered to all regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Offered support to other stations during high-volume shifts to maintain optimal coverage and meet customer needs.
- Cooked food following specific measurements and recipes.
1st Line Cook/3rd Shift
Magnolia Cafe
Austin, TX
1999 - 2000
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Washed and peeled ingredients to prepare for use in different meals and recipes.
- Assisted in preparation of menu items such as steaks, burgers and sandwiches.
- Oversaw food product inventory, making recommendations to Management to streamline kitchen operations.
- Conducted daily inspections and maintained food sanitation and kitchen equipment safety reports.
- Modified standard recipes to account for ingredient issues or customer requests, including allergen concerns.
- Sanitized food preparation areas, grills and equipment to avoid cross-contamination from raw items.
- Recorded and reported status of various ingredient stock levels to notify manager to reorder products.
- Created nutritious, safe, visually appealing, innovative and properly prepared and flavored food.
First Line Cook/Shift Lead
Hyde Park Bar & Grill
Austin, TX
2000 - 2002
- Trained new employees on proper use of Kitchen equipment to prevent accidents.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Recorded and reported status of various ingredient stock levels to notify manager to reorder products.
- Supervised staff, providing direction in preparing specialty items, including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner food.
- Conducted daily inspections and maintained food sanitation and kitchen equipment safety reports.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
Assistant Kitchen Manager/Shift Supervisor
Manga-An Asian Diner
Austin, TX
2003 - 2006
- Oversaw meal preparation and monitored food handling to encourage safety.
- Implemented surface and equipment schedules and standards to maintain clean, neat and sanitized kitchen
- Trained employees on cooking techniques, safety standards and performance strategies.
- Motivated kitchen staff by establishing goals to increase productivity and quality.
HVAC Apprentice
Air Design Systems Inc.
Pensacola, FL
2006 - 2008
- Conducted routine maintenance on Trane/American Standard Equipment
- Kept up-to-date on knowledge by participating in training classes/certification
- Coordinated efforts with other workers involved in installing and maintaining equipment and components.
- Dispatched to various sites to perform maintenance on various HVAC equipment
- Performed all job tasks while complying with company's safety procedures and guidelines.
- Repaired equipment with new parts and replaced inoperable items.
- Maintained clean tools, test equipment, and work motor vehicles.
HVAC Installer
Air Design Systems Inc.
Pensacola, FL
2008 - 2010
- Maintained safe working environment with proper execution of HVAC guidelines and usage of PPE equipment.
- Serviced units to residential and commercial heating and air conditioning customers.
- Attended employee meetings and training to learn about new techniques, trends and technologies.
- Reported problems with company tools and vehicles to crew foreman for quick resolution.
- Wired both line and low voltage to heating and cooling equipment.
- Used troubleshooting methods on HVAC components to diagnose and repair heat pumps, fireplace, geothermal, furnaces and air conditioning equipment.
- Presented job proposals for service repair or new units for new and existing customers.
- Interpreted construction drawings and cut sheets in field.
- Inspected electrical circuits and components, employing test equipment to verify continuity and trace faults.
- Balanced systems and calibrated controls to optimize performance.
- Scheduled preventative maintenance visits to keep customer heating and air conditioning systems operating at top performance.
- Tested equipment following each install to determine efficiency and proper functionality.
HVAC-R Technician
Air Design Systems Inc.
Pensacola, FL
2010 - 2014
- Completed preventative maintenance on heating and air conditioning systems to extend life of such equipment.
- Assessed efficiency of HVAC and refrigeration systems and provided feedback to customers.
- Installed heating, air conditioning and ventilation equipment and tested for proper operation.
- Disassembled units, repaired broken components and restored to operating condition.
- Retained careful and thorough maintenance and repair records in case customers required future service.
- Promptly responded to complaints about temperature problems during massive heatwave and conducted assessments to determine causes and target solutions.
- Examined heating and air conditioning systems and air compressors for signs of defects or malfunction.
- Maintained and serviced HVAC systems and refrigeration equipment.
- Recycled and charged refrigerants.
First Line Cook
Hills Cafe
Austin, TX
2014 - 2015
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Marinated food items according to corporate-provided instructions and recipes.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Washed and peeled ingredients to prepare for use in different meals and recipes.
- Oversaw food product inventory, making recommendations to Management to streamline kitchen operations.
- Mentored and trained new hires through hands on and , demonstrative training, improving overall quality and performance.
- Recorded and reported status of various ingredient stock levels to notify manager to reorder products.
- Modified standard recipes to account for ingredient issues or customer requests, including allergen concerns.
Pit Master
Terry Black's Barbecue
Austin, TX
2015 - 2016
- Operated smokers according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Planned and prepared schedules for food preparation.
- Monitored kitchen productivity and assessed overall efficiency.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of all line workstations.
- Prepared over 100 brisket during each shift.
- Sanitized workstation before and after shift to prevent illness and food contamination.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Set up work stations prior to restaurant opening to improve speed during busy periods.
First Line Cook/Consultant
Phoebes Diner
Austin, TX
2016 - 2017
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Set up and performed initial prep work for food items such as soups, sauces and salads.
- Oversaw food product inventory, making recommendations to Owner/Management to streamline kitchen operations.
- Precooked certain items during slow periods to reduce wait times at lunch and dinner rush.
- Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers, including those with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen by regularly mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing all utensils and glassware.
- Developed new recipes based on knowledge of consumer tastes, ideal nutritional needs and budgetary considerations.
- Recorded and reported status of various ingredient stock levels to notify manager to reorder products.
- Modified standard recipes to account for ingredient issues or customer requests, including allergen concerns.
- Assisted in preparation of menu items such as steaks, burgers and sandwiches.
- Created nutritious, safe, visually appealing, innovative and properly prepared and flavored food.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods, including meats, potatoes and fish.
Patient Line Cook/Customer Service Associate
HCA Healthcare Inc./St David's Medical center
Austin, TX
2017 - 2021
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products resulting in consistently high scores on health inspections.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Created approximately 500 orders simultaneously during busy periods.
- Created nutritious, safe, visually appealing, innovative and properly prepared and flavored food.
- Washed and peeled ingredients to prepare for use in different meals and recipes.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen by regularly mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing all utensils and glassware.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Recorded and reported status of various ingredient stock levels to notify manager to reorder products.
- Conducted daily inspections and maintained food sanitation and kitchen equipment safety reports.
- Restocked all food items throughout shift to guarantee cooks had all necessary ingredients needed for service.
- Precooked certain items during slow periods to reduce wait times at lunch and dinner rush.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Sanitized food preparation areas, grills and equipment to avoid cross-contamination from raw items.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods, including meats, potatoes and fish.
- Marinated food items according to corporate-provided instructions and recipes.
- Modified standard recipes to account for ingredient issues or customer requests, including allergen concerns.
Education
HVAC Certification -
Radford M. Locklin Technical Center
Milton, FLSkills
Equipment cleaning and maintenance
- Foodservice sanitation
- Food Preparation
- Safety Understanding
- Shipping And Receiving
- Company Policies And Procedures
- Sales
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Dish preparation
- Ingredient inspection
- Teamwork
- Food Safety And Sanitation
- Training And Development
- Multi-Tasking
- Teaching
- Food allergy awareness
- Order delivery practices
- Sauce preparation
- Food presentation
- Recipe creation
- Large scale events
- Proper equipment usage
- Maintenance skills
- Roasting and baking
- Smoker safety, usage and maintenance
Timeline
Sous Chef
MML Hospitality/ Lamberts Down Town BBQ
03.2021 - 11.2024
Prep Cook/2nd Line Cook
Kerbey Lane Cafe
1992 - 1998
1st Line Cook/3rd Shift
Magnolia Cafe
1999 - 2000
First Line Cook/Shift Lead
Hyde Park Bar & Grill
2000 - 2002
Assistant Kitchen Manager/Shift Supervisor
Manga-An Asian Diner
2003 - 2006
HVAC Apprentice
Air Design Systems Inc.
2006 - 2008
HVAC Installer
Air Design Systems Inc.
2008 - 2010
HVAC-R Technician
Air Design Systems Inc.
2010 - 2014
First Line Cook
Hills Cafe
2014 - 2015
Pit Master
Terry Black's Barbecue
2015 - 2016
First Line Cook/Consultant
Phoebes Diner
2016 - 2017
Patient Line Cook/Customer Service Associate
HCA Healthcare Inc./St David's Medical center
2017 - 2021
HVAC Certification -
Radford M. Locklin Technical Center
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