Yajaira Lopez
Deltona
Summary
A seasoned Lead Cook with a proven track record at Aramark, I excel in kitchen management and meal preparation, ensuring high-quality food service. Enhancing team productivity through effective training, my expertise combines technical proficiency with strong leadership abilities.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cook
Aramark
01.2023 - Current
- Efficiently handled high-volume orders while maintaining superior food quality through precise execution of cooking methods.
- Maintained a high standard of food quality by consistently reviewing dishes for taste, presentation, and adherence to established guidelines.
- Took over line positions in event of emergency.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and developing creative recipes to utilize surplus ingredients.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed ordering processes for kitchen supplies and ingredients, optimizing budget allocation while maintaining consistent product quality.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Chef
Life Care Center of Orlando
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Customized meal plans for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
- Reduced food waste significantly, introducing composting program and revising portion sizes.
Chef
American Care Assisted Living
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Line Cook
IHOP
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Increased ticket turnover rate by quickly adapting to changing priorities and multitasking effectively.
- Improved food quality by consistently following standardized recipes and maintaining accurate portion control.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
Line Cook
Canvas Restaurant
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Streamlined pantry processes by implementing a system for proper labeling and storage of ingredients, reducing overall time spent searching for items during service.
- Prepped ingredients efficiently before each shift, ensuring smooth operation during busy meal periods.
- Contributed to successful catering events by preparing large quantities of appetizers and salads according to client specifications.
Line Cook
Rosen Hotels & Resorts
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
Line Cook
Taco Bell
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Cook
RCMA Child Development Center
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Le Cordon Bleu
Orlando, FL01-2011
High School Diploma -
Vocacional De Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico05-2000
Skills
- Meal preparation
- Kitchen management
- Food safety
- Kitchen organization
- Training management
- Food inventory management
- Large-scale food preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Ingredient knowledge
- Kitchen sanitation
- Knife safety
- Food safety monitoring
Certification
- Food Protection Manager Certification - ServSafe or National Restaurant Association.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Limited Working
Timeline
Lead Cook
Aramark
01.2023 - Current
Chef
Life Care Center of Orlando
01.2021 - 01.2023
Chef
American Care Assisted Living
01.2020 - 01.2021
Line Cook
IHOP
01.2017 - 01.2020
Line Cook
Canvas Restaurant
01.2014 - 01.2016
Line Cook
Rosen Hotels & Resorts
01.2011 - 01.2014
Line Cook
Taco Bell
01.2005 - 01.2011
Cook
RCMA Child Development Center
01.2004 - 01.2005
Associate of Arts -
Le Cordon Bleu
High School Diploma -
Vocacional De Puerto Rico
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