Walter Davies
Fort Lauderdale,FL
Summary
Dynamic kitchen professional with a proven track record at The Melting Pot, excelling in cost control and waste reduction. Adept at training staff and enhancing productivity, I implemented efficient food preparation processes that improved customer satisfaction. Committed to maintaining high sanitation standards while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Kitchen Manager
The Melting Pot
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained and mentored new kitchen staff on procedures and best practices for efficiency.
- Collaborated with head chef to develop seasonal menus and optimize ingredient usage.
- Managed inventory levels, implementing systematic ordering processes to reduce waste.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams to enhance service quality.
- Managed daily kitchen operations, delegating tasks among staff members to optimize workflow and maintain high-quality standards.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing feedback promptly and implementing necessary adjustments to kitchen procedures.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Assisted in hiring and training new kitchen staff, fostering a positive team atmosphere for efficient productivity.
- Supported timely service by coordinating with front-of-house staff to ensure accurate order completion and prompt delivery.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by fostering open communication, constructive feedback, and mutual respect among team members.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
- Advised kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques to ensure compliance with local health codes and minimize risk of contamination.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges or emergencies within the kitchen environment.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Reduced food waste by diligently monitoring inventory levels and adjusting orders accordingly.
- Ensured proper equipment maintenance, scheduling repairs as needed for optimal functionality within the kitchen space.
- Boosted employee morale through recognition of hard work and providing support during challenging situations.
- Streamlined communication between kitchen staff during busy shifts, facilitating smooth collaboration for timely service delivery.
- Optimized food presentation techniques, enhancing visual appeal of dishes while maintaining consistent portion sizes.
- Maintained detailed records of food costs, assisting management in making informed decisions regarding budgeting and pricing strategies.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Participated in local culinary events showcasing restaurant''s offerings, helping increase visibility within the community and attract new clientele.
- Implemented effective cross-training initiatives among staff members to improve overall versatility in fulfilling various roles as needed throughout service periods.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Calculated prices of ingredients to monitor food costs and control expenses.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Prep Cook
The Riverside Market
02.2021 - 05.2025
- Optimized food prep sequence, significantly reducing customer wait times.
- Maintained sharp and functional kitchen tools, directly impacting quality and speed of food preparation.
- Facilitated collaborative kitchen environment by supporting chefs with ad-hoc tasks during peak hours.
- Played key role in special events catering, ensuring high-quality food production under pressure.
- Reduced ingredient shortages, carefully managing inventory and signaling low stock items.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes, demonstrating flexibility and keen ability to learn new recipes.
- Improved customer satisfaction with timely preparation of ingredients, speeding up overall service time.
- Minimized cross-contamination risks by diligently organizing food storage and prep areas.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, ensuring safe and hygienic work environment.
- Supported waste reduction initiatives, creatively repurposing leftover ingredients.
- Fostered positive team atmosphere, aiding in training of new kitchen staff.
- Streamlined meal prep process, cutting down food waste significantly.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by preparing ingredients ahead of busy shifts.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Prioritized and re-prioritized kitchen tasks based on fluctuating demands.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
Prep Line Cook
Stout Bar and Grill
05.2016 - 01.2020
- Prepared ingredients for menu items, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to maintain high productivity levels.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and organization of workstations throughout shifts.
- Followed recipes accurately to deliver consistent food quality and presentation.
Owner/Operator
Too Fabulous
01.1991 - 03.2010
- Managed daily operations, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies to increase brand awareness.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Analyzed financial reports to drive profitability and operational efficiency.
- Streamlined workflows, enhancing productivity through process improvements.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain a safe workplace.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
- Developed business plan, processes and procedures to provide superior Product or Service to customers.
- Kept all building areas and equipment functional and well-organized to promote business performance.
- Cultivated a positive work environment, leading to higher employee retention rates and overall job satisfaction.
- Evaluated company performance against objectives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired results.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Implemented effective financial management practices, improving cash flow and profitability.
- Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
- Overseeing inventory management, reducing waste and maintaining adequate stock levels to meet demand.
- Oversaw the hiring process, selecting highly skilled candidates who contributed significantly to company success.
- Developed and nurtured lasting customer relationships by projecting professional corporate image and responding quickly to logistical and scheduling issues.
- Facilitated open communication channels among staff members, promoting teamwork for enhanced performance.
- Maximized revenue by identifying new market opportunities and implementing targeted sales strategies.
- Fostered strong professional network and partnership building skills to connect with quality leads.
- Optimized workflow processes through careful analysis of operational needs and resource allocation.
- Contributed positively to the local community through involvement in various events or charitable organizations.
- Collaborated with industry partners to expand networking opportunities, fostering mutually beneficial relationships that drove growth for all parties involved.
- Improved safety standards by regularly reviewing protocols and implementing necessary updates.
- Implemented sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
- Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
- Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
- Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
Education
Associate of Arts - Architecture
SUNY At Binghamton
Binghamton, NY06.1977
Skills
- Cost control
- Waste reduction
- Food preparation
- Scheduling staff
- Sanitation standards
- Food safety compliance
- Ordering supplies
- Recipe execution
- Productivity improvement
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking and organization
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Verbal and written communication
- Food safety
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Safe food handling
- Staff training and development
- Flexible schedule
- Food and beverage management
- Team building
- Kitchen equipment maintenance
- Nutritional knowledge
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Food plating and presentation
- Inventory control
- Inventory management
- Product rotation
- Quality assurance
- Order accuracy
- Inventory coordination
- Policy and procedure enforcement
- Equipment maintenance
- Expediting orders
- Performance improvement
- High volume dining
- Health inspections
- Health code compliance
- Sanitation
- Supply ordering
- Portion control
- Kitchen staff coordination
- ServSafe certification
- Food preparation management
- Reliable and responsible
- POS terminal operation
- Monitoring food preparation
- Teamwork
Timeline
Prep Cook
The Riverside Market
02.2021 - 05.2025
Prep Line Cook
Stout Bar and Grill
05.2016 - 01.2020
Owner/Operator
Too Fabulous
01.1991 - 03.2010
Assistant Kitchen Manager
The Melting Pot
Associate of Arts - Architecture
SUNY At Binghamton