Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Taylor Draffen

Ofallon

Summary

Dynamic Kitchen Manager with a proven track record at Sugarfire Smokehouse, excelling in menu development and team building. Achieved operational excellence by implementing strategies that reduced waste and enhanced food quality. Skilled in inventory management and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment, driving employee engagement and customer satisfaction.

Driven leader with strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Dedicated to providing highest level of service to customers and creating pleasant work environment for staff. Knowledgeable in food safety and sanitation protocols.

Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Kitchen Manager

Sugarfire Smokehouse
02.2024 - Current
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Scheduled and received food and spice deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
  • Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
  • Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.

Sous Chef

Ruth Chris Steakhouse
09.2022 - 01.2024
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.

General Manager

Qdoba
02.2020 - 08.2022
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Training Manager

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
08.2014 - 12.2020
  • Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
  • Trained new hires to perform cross-training exercises with experienced workers.
  • Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
  • Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
  • Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
  • Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 100 employees each year.
  • Analyzed effectiveness of training programs at all levels and recommended updates.
  • Tested all training software and hardware prior to commencing training programs.

Education

High School Diploma -

Francis Howell Highschool
Saint Charles, MO
05-2011

Skills

  • Recruitment
  • Menu development
  • Kitchen staff coordination
  • Scheduling
  • Purchasing
  • Problem-solving
  • Resource allocation
  • Health inspections
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Kitchen management
  • Health code compliance
  • Food safety compliance
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Recipe creation
  • Food preparation
  • Inventory management
  • Goal setting
  • Kitchen equipment maintenance
  • Team building
  • High volume dining

Timeline

Kitchen Manager

Sugarfire Smokehouse
02.2024 - Current

Sous Chef

Ruth Chris Steakhouse
09.2022 - 01.2024

General Manager

Qdoba
02.2020 - 08.2022

Training Manager

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
08.2014 - 12.2020

High School Diploma -

Francis Howell Highschool

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