Word
Thomas Willoughby
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Forward-thinking professional offering more than 20 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and efficient in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven interpersonal skills. Accountable Chef successful in building effective culinary staff. Interested in promoting positive kitchen environments and willing to pitch in and help with tasks. Background working in fine dining and corporate establishments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
BOH Trainer/Chef Manager
The Crunkleton
11.2023 - Current
- Enhanced BOH team efficiency by streamlining training processes and implementing best practices.
- Reduced employee turnover rate by providing comprehensive and engaging training sessions for new hires.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction with consistent quality control measures in the BOH operations.
- Boosted staff morale through effective communication, recognition, and constructive feedback during training sessions.
Manager
Cheat's Cheesesteaks
04.2021 - 11.2023
- Assisted in preparation, set up, and execution of multiple successful pop up events.
- Assisted in initial set up and organization of brick and mortar location.
- Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Line Cook
The Crunkleton
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
- Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
Lead Line Cook
Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Prepared estimated 50-70 orders simultaneously during peak lunch and dinner periods with 98% accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Communicated closely with chef and managers to fully understand special orders for customers, including those with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
Kitchen Manager
Viva Chicken
08.2016 - 07.2020
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and increase efficiency in different areas.
- Hired, trained and managed all kitchen staff, including employee development, issuing disciplinary action and conducting performance reviews.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
Executive Chef
Treehouse Whiskey and Fork
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work efficient and consistent.
- Oversaw all business operations for restaurant, including customer service, sales, strategic planning, policy development and inventory control.
- Used root cause analysis to conduct assessments and develop improvements.
Sous Chef
Fish Market Bar And Grill
05.2012 - 08.2015
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to source best ingredients at best prices.
- Mentored more than 18 kitchen staff at all levels to prepare each for demanding roles.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
Sous Chef
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
09.2009 - 02.2012
- In charge of interviewing, training, and both the ordering & maintenance of inventory.
- Studied & trained under the tutelage of the Executive Chef, ensuring that the staff was motivated, trained, & able to execute within a fast-paced environment.
- Opening responsibilities included design, interviewing, hiring, scheduling, & training.
- Part of a team that built the first Northern Virginia location of this concept into a weekly $85,000 establishment.
Line Cook to Corporate Trainer to Sous Chef
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Intl
10.2004 - 02.2012
- Prepared identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail and quality.
- Handled portion control activities according to specified instructions provided by chef.
- Trained new staff members & helped coordinate staff meetings to reinforce company guidelines as well as assist in the maturation of the staff as a whole.
- Developed several opening teams along the east coast, helping to promote the brand.
- Augmented the production & execution of lunch & dinner menus for fine dining steakhouse exceeding $90,000 in weekly sales.
Education
No Degree - Computer Programming, General Studies
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC05-2002
Skills
- Leadership
- Self-Motivated
- Detail Oriented
- Interpersonal relationships
- Speed
- Hiring
- Team building
- Organization
- Sales
- Scheduling
- Written communication
- Efficient multitasking
- Accuracy
- Verbal communication
- Sanitation Procedures
- Culinary Expertise
- Cooking Techniques
- Kitchen Equipment Operation
- Grilling Techniques
- Knife Skills
- Food Safety Compliance
Software
Excel
Inventory Express
POS
Adobe
Outlook
Hot Schedules
Compete
Fusion Prep
ITD Prep Pal
Certification
- Serve Safe certified
Timeline
BOH Trainer/Chef Manager
The Crunkleton
11.2023 - Current
Line Cook
The Crunkleton
08.2021 - 04.2022
Manager
Cheat's Cheesesteaks
04.2021 - 11.2023
Lead Line Cook
Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen
07.2020 - 08.2021
Kitchen Manager
Viva Chicken
08.2016 - 07.2020
Executive Chef
Treehouse Whiskey and Fork
08.2015 - 08.2016
Sous Chef
Fish Market Bar And Grill
05.2012 - 08.2015
Sous Chef
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
09.2009 - 02.2012
Line Cook to Corporate Trainer to Sous Chef
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Intl
10.2004 - 02.2012
No Degree - Computer Programming, General Studies
Central Piedmont Community College
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