Toi Antoinette Lazard-Smith
Ville Platte
Summary
- Proactive worker with a diverse skill set in culinary management and facility maintenance, driven to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. Successfully implemented training programs that enhanced team performance and reduced food waste significantly. Strong adaptability and attention to detail, consistently meeting high standards in fast-paced settings. Looking to leverage my experience and dedication to drive operational success and exceed customer expectations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2012
2012
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Cook
Holiday Inn
Opelousas
01.2016 - Current
- Prepared and cooked a variety of dishes in accordance with established recipes and standards.
- Managed kitchen operations, including inventory control and food preparation schedules.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in the kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance menu offerings and improve overall service.
- Implemented food safety protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Utilized kitchen equipment and tools efficiently, including ovens, grills, and food processors.
- Executed high-volume meal service during peak hours while maintaining quality.
- Assisted in catering events, providing customized menus tailored to client needs.
- Monitored and adjusted cooking times and temperatures to ensure optimal results.
Kitchen Manager
St. Landry Parish Government
Opelousas
09.2023 - 08.2025
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supervised food preparation and cooking processes for quality control.
- Coordinated inventory management to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Trained staff on food handling and kitchen procedures for efficiency.
- Promoted an atmosphere of teamwork among kitchen staff members by fostering open communication between team members.
- Kept kitchen equipment properly functioning by following manufacturer's operating instructions and educating staff on proper use.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies, procedures and quality standards.
- Monitored sanitation practices to ensure that all employees adhere to health department regulations.
- Managed employee relations by providing guidance on job duties as well as disciplinary actions when needed.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws governing food service operations.
Cook
Shop Rite
Opelousas
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Prepared diverse menu items following holiday-themed recipes and standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen areas throughout shifts.
- Assisted with inventory management, ensuring adequate stock levels for operations.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Executed daily cleaning tasks to maintain a hygienic cooking environment.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
Travel cook
Taylor’s international
Wisconsin Dells
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Prepared diverse menu items in accordance with established recipes and guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations and equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management, monitoring stock levels for ingredients.
- Followed food safety standards to prevent contamination and ensure quality.
- Operated kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, and fryers safely and effectively.
- Adapted to changing menus by quickly learning new recipes and cooking methods.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
Lead Cook
Coushatta Casino
Kinder
04.2015 - 08.2021
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Developed daily menus focusing on seasonal ingredients and guest preferences.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies to maintain kitchen operations.
- Trained new cooks in food safety and proper cooking techniques.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff for smooth service during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace and equipment.
Kitchen Manager
Js Clark Leadership
Opelousas
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supervised food preparation and cooking processes for quality control.
- Coordinated inventory management to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Trained staff on food handling and kitchen procedures for efficiency.
- Implemented cost-control measures to enhance kitchen profitability and sustainability.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
Janitorial
Aramark
Lafayette
12.2014 - 07.2016
- Maintained cleanliness and hygiene standards across various facilities, ensuring a safe and inviting environment for all occupants.
- Executed thorough cleaning tasks, including floor maintenance, restroom sanitation, and waste disposal, resulting in a consistently high level of cleanliness.
- Completed routine maintenance checks on cleaning equipment, ensuring all tools were functioning properly and reducing downtime.
- Executed deep cleaning projects on a scheduled basis, improving overall facility appearance and hygiene.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism while interacting with sensitive areas within the facilities.
Kitchen Manager
Willow Charter Academy
Lafayette
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Managed kitchen operations ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supervised food preparation and cooking processes for quality control.
- Coordinated inventory management to maintain stock levels and reduce waste.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
- Performed weekly inventories of food items stored in refrigerators or freezers.
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
Cook
Evangeline Downs casino
Opelousas
06.2013 - 12.2014
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen areas throughout shifts.
- Prepared diverse menu items following holiday-themed recipes and standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Trained new staff on food preparation techniques and kitchen procedures.
- Monitored food quality and presentation before serving to guests.
- Executed daily cleaning tasks to maintain a hygienic cooking environment.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
Education
Culinary Arts
Opelousas, LASkills
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Equipment operation
- Quality control
- Cost management
- Employee training
- Team collaboration
- Sanitation practices
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Supervisory skills
- Effective communication
- ServSafe certified
- Cleaning and organization
- Plate presentation
- Nutrition awareness
- Positive and professional
- Portion control
- Food handling
- OSHA
- Recipes and menu planning
- Dish preparation
- Health code adherence
- Strong attention to safe food handling procedures
- [Type] cooking
- Food spoilage prevention
- Health and safety compliance
- Food costing
- Effective planner
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Cooking
- Event catering
- Order verification
- Ingredient inspection
- Ingredient selection
- Special diets
- Plating and presentation
- Dietary restriction support
- Cutting and slicing techniques
- Focused and disciplined
- Allergen awareness
- Ingredient knowledge
- Staff training
- Beautiful presentation of food
- Culinary creativity
- Stock management
- Temperature control
- Ingredients measuring
- Cost control
- Customer service
- Food waste reduction
- New hire training
- Food handler certification
- Multitasking and organization
- Attention to detail
- Food safety oversight
- Kitchen sanitation management
- Supply restocking
- High volume production capability
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
St. Landry Parish Government
09.2023 - 08.2025
Cook
Shop Rite
05.2022 - 07.2023
Travel cook
Taylor’s international
10.2021 - 02.2022
Kitchen Manager
Js Clark Leadership
08.2016 - 05.2017
Cook
Holiday Inn
01.2016 - Current
Lead Cook
Coushatta Casino
04.2015 - 08.2021
Janitorial
Aramark
12.2014 - 07.2016
Kitchen Manager
Willow Charter Academy
08.2014 - 05.2016
Cook
Evangeline Downs casino
06.2013 - 12.2014
Culinary Arts