Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tristen Merck

Atlanta,GA

Summary

Adept at elevating kitchen operations and culinary standards, I significantly enhanced menu offerings at Italys Pizza & Pasta, incorporating innovative dishes that consistently delighted patrons. My expertise in food safety compliance and passion for culinary excellence, coupled with a proven track record in fostering team collaboration, has consistently resulted in high customer satisfaction rates and a notable increase in return customers.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Line Cook

Italys Pizza & Pasta
11.2022 - 10.2024
  • Mentored new staff members on restaurant policies and procedures to facilitate their smooth integration into the team.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Maintained a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to strict sanitation guidelines.
  • Operated grills, fryers and ovens to cook food items.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
  • Led line cook team in meeting high-volume demands during busy services, maintaining exceptional food quality standards.
  • Provided support during staff shortages or unexpected absences, demonstrating adaptability and strong teamwork skills.
  • Received recognition for exceptional customer service, consistently earning positive feedback from patrons.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for consistent food quality and presentation.
  • Enhanced menu offerings with innovative dishes, utilizing seasonal ingredients and regional flavors.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure proper functionality and prevent costly repairs or replacements.
  • Trained junior cooks in advanced culinary techniques, elevating overall team skill level.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.

Tree Trimmer

Diaz Tree Service
06.2021 - 11.2021

I did this off and on helping my brother in law with his business whenever he needed extera help.

E-Commerce Executive

Walgreens Distribution
04.2019 - 08.2020
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to launch new products, ensuring high-quality listings and timely promotions.
  • Communicated product quality and market comparisons by creating sales presentations.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
  • Utilized social media platforms to engage with customers and promote brand awareness, fostering a loyal community of followers.

Line Cook

Ryan’s Steakhouse
01.2019 - 05.2019
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.

Food Runner

Chattahoochee Country Club
03.2016 - 07.2018
  • Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure accuracy of orders, minimizing order errors and complaints.
  • Assisted with bussing tables and cleaning up spills.
  • Acted as a liaison between the kitchen, serving staff, and guests, ensuring clear communication for efficient service delivery.
  • Assisted customers with carry-out service.
  • Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritizing duties effectively for maximum productivity.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by attentively listening to guests'' concerns and addressing them accordingly.
  • Received positive feedback from both guests and management for exceptional work performance and dedication to customer satisfaction.
  • Checked dining area supplies of linens, wrapped silverware, and replenished low stock.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly delivering food orders to tables and maintaining communication with kitchen staff.
  • Assisted servers in attending to guests'' needs, ensuring a smooth service flow during peak hours.

Line Cook

5 Guys Burgers And Fries
03.2014 - 05.2015
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.

Education

High School Diploma -

North Hall High School
Gainesville, GA
05.2014

Skills

  • Food safety
  • Food preparation
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques
  • Sanitation procedures
  • Food presentation
  • Food safety compliance
  • Food storage
  • Culinary expertise
  • Inventory control
  • Allergen awareness
  • Sauce preparation
  • Recipe creation
  • Portion control
  • Garnishing techniques
  • Special diets
  • Customer service
  • Cleaning and organization
  • Time management
  • Highly motivated
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Professional attitude
  • Team collaboration
  • Active listener
  • Food safety knowledge
  • Kitchen organization
  • Kitchen sanitation
  • Kitchen station setup
  • Kitchen sanitization
  • Following cooking methods
  • Server communication
  • Kitchen operations
  • Food allergen safety
  • Deep fryer operation
  • Prepared foods plating
  • Quality control
  • Ingredient preparation
  • Inventory management
  • Food plating
  • Order accuracy
  • Grilling techniques
  • Back of house operations
  • Ingredients measuring
  • Kitchen equipment management
  • Menu item memorization
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Food storage procedures
  • Line station oversight
  • Food safety standards
  • Entree preparation
  • Food rotation
  • Portion management

Timeline

Head Line Cook

Italys Pizza & Pasta
11.2022 - 10.2024

Tree Trimmer

Diaz Tree Service
06.2021 - 11.2021

E-Commerce Executive

Walgreens Distribution
04.2019 - 08.2020

Line Cook

Ryan’s Steakhouse
01.2019 - 05.2019

Food Runner

Chattahoochee Country Club
03.2016 - 07.2018

Line Cook

5 Guys Burgers And Fries
03.2014 - 05.2015

High School Diploma -

North Hall High School
Tristen Merck