Westen Simmons
Hampton,VA
Summary
Astute supervisor dedicated to comprehensive leadership for cutting costs and maximizing quality. Great multitasker with training in management and extensive experience in food service. Committed to enhancing customer experiences while cutting overall costs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef/Bartender Supervisor
James River Country Club
07.2015 - 05.2024
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Modernized work processes to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Collaborated with other department supervisors to create a seamless guest experience throughout the establishment.
- Provided exceptional customer service, anticipating guests'' needs and exceeding their expectations consistently.
- Fostered strong relationships with regular patrons through personalized service that encouraged repeat business.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
Night Kitchen Supervisor
Craft 60
07.2016 - 04.2020
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining nightly processes and effectively managing staff.
- Improved employee retention with effective communication, training, and leadership skills.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to prevent breakdowns and ensure smooth operations.
- Coordinated efforts between front-of-house and back-of-house teams to ensure seamless service delivery during busy periods.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
Grill and Sautee' Chef
Shleshingers
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
Pipe Layer
Dominion Sitework, Inc.
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Assembled and installed underground pipe, fittings, and valves of various sizes.
- Used hand signals to direct equipment operators and alert to hazards.
- Enhanced workplace safety by consistently following standard operating procedures and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Handled all repairs for sanitary and storm water sewer structures and pipe systems.
- Used equipment such as rollers, dump trucks and front-end loaders to move important supplies.
- Graded or leveled trench bases using tamping machines or hand tools.
Manager
Hooters Of Hampton Roads
06.2004 - 02.2014
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kecoughtan High School
Hampton, VA06.2000
Skills
- Effective Communications
- Kitchen Operations
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Ingredient Knowledge
- Hospitality service expertise
- Workflow Optimization
- Banquets and catering
- Cost Control
- Menu Supervision
- New Hire Training
- Forecasting and planning
Timeline
Night Kitchen Supervisor
Craft 60
07.2016 - 04.2020
Chef/Bartender Supervisor
James River Country Club
07.2015 - 05.2024
Grill and Sautee' Chef
Shleshingers
07.2015 - 07.2016
Pipe Layer
Dominion Sitework, Inc.
06.2014 - 06.2016
Manager
Hooters Of Hampton Roads
06.2004 - 02.2014
High School Diploma -
Kecoughtan High School
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