Tafari Powell
Bar Harbor
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven culinary professional with over 9 years of experience in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments. Proven expertise in menu planning and execution, kitchen supervision, line leadership, and food safety compliance. Known for mentoring team members, maintaining high culinary standards, and driving kitchen efficiency. Proven ability to consistently uphold, quality and presentation while collaborating within diverse teams and fostering a positive workplace culture. Seeking to leverage my leadership and technical skills as an integral part of a dynamic and growth-oriented kitchen team.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Expeditor/Lead Line Cook
Side Street Cafe
04.2025 - Current
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and best practices to maintain quality standards.
- Partnered with Sous Chef to streamline ticket flow and maintain food presentation standards.
- Trained new cooks on recipes and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Assisted with catering events, showcasing the restaurant''s culinary expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Ordering and Inventory Steward/Sauté Cook
TGI Fridays
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking supplies and notifying staff of shortages.
- Manage orders for restaurant and keeping inventory.
- Handle all invoices and uploading for reference.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline meal preparation processes.
- Monitored compliance with health regulations during service operations.
- Performed thorough cleaning tasks after each shift, maintaining a spotless work area for colleagues and patrons alike.
- Accepted opportunities to learn new skills, improve performance and cross-train for other positions.
Grill/Saute Line Cook
Jay Peak Resort
11.2023 - 04.2024
- - Executed high-volume production on grill and saute stations in a fast-paced resort kitchen.
- - Assisted sous chefs in managing prep schedules and station cleanliness.
- - Maintained consistent plating standards and minimized prep waste.
Grill/Saute/Prep Cook
SideStreet Cafe
07.2020 - 10.2023
- - Supported kitchen leadership in daily operations, shift transitions, and inventory checks.
- - Ensured consistent food quality and safe preparation practices across multiple stations.
- Implemented improved food storage practices, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
Banquet/Breakfast/Prep Cook
Sunday River Resort
11.2022 - 04.2023
- - Delivered large-scale banquet service and daily breakfast/lunch service in alignment with resort standards.
- - Coordinated with culinary leads to manage timing, prep list execution, and plating logistics.
Breakfast & Prep Cook
Two Cats Restaurant
06.2022 - 10.2022
- - Managed early morning prep for high-volume breakfast service.
- - Monitored station setup and ensured food storage compliance.
Cook 1 Saute & Grill Station Lead
Beaches Resort
05.2021 - 07.2021
- - Oversaw saute and grill operations during peak resort occupancy.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
Education
Associate Degree - Food Preparation Management & Tourism Awareness
Challenge Travel And Tourism College
02-2014
Certified Culinary Training - Line Cooking & Hospitality Skills
Sandals Hotel Training Program
08-2014
High School Diploma -
York Castle High School
07.2013
Skills
- Culinary Leadership & Supervision
- Line lead(Grill, Saute, Breakfast, Banquet)
- Menu Planning & Execution
- Food Safety & Sanitation (HACCP Compliance)
- High-Volume Meal Preparation
- Staff Training & Performance Monitoring
- Time Management & Station Coordination
- Problem-solving and Attention to detail
- Food presentation
- Kitchen operations
- Purchasing and Receiving
- Team Collaboration & Communication
Certification
- - Culinary Food Handling & Safety
- - Resort Hospitality Culinary Training Sandals Certified
- - Team Leadership & Service Excellence (Internal Resort Training)
- Tourism Action Club
Awards
- Deputy Head Boy Challenge Travel & Tourism College, - Junior Leader St. Ann's 4H Clubs, - Promoted to Cook 1 at two top-tier resorts
Timeline
Expeditor/Lead Line Cook
Side Street Cafe
04.2025 - Current
Ordering and Inventory Steward/Sauté Cook
TGI Fridays
11.2024 - 03.2025
Grill/Saute Line Cook
Jay Peak Resort
11.2023 - 04.2024
Banquet/Breakfast/Prep Cook
Sunday River Resort
11.2022 - 04.2023
Breakfast & Prep Cook
Two Cats Restaurant
06.2022 - 10.2022
Cook 1 Saute & Grill Station Lead
Beaches Resort
05.2021 - 07.2021
Grill/Saute/Prep Cook
SideStreet Cafe
07.2020 - 10.2023
Associate Degree - Food Preparation Management & Tourism Awareness
Challenge Travel And Tourism College
Certified Culinary Training - Line Cooking & Hospitality Skills
Sandals Hotel Training Program
High School Diploma -
York Castle High School
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