Zae Merricks
Inverness
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Sauced Hogs Bar-B-Que, excelling in kitchen management and efficiency improvement. Proven track record in staff training and collaboration, enhancing dish quality and customer satisfaction. Highly motivated with strong attention to detail, implementing waste reduction strategies to optimize operations and elevate dining experiences.
Hardworking and enthusiastic laborer trained in every facet of successful work. Stays on top of current and expected demands, quickly realigning tasks to handle needs. Dedicated to first-rate communication and team success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook/ Manager
Sauced Hogs Bar-B-Que
Inverness, FL
04.2023 - 01.2026
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and operational efficiency.
- Trained new cooks on menu items, preparation techniques, and equipment use.
- Coordinated daily food prep activities, optimizing workflow during peak service hours.
- Monitored inventory levels, minimizing waste through effective stock management practices.
- Implemented new cooking techniques, enhancing overall quality of dishes served.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction.
- Mentored junior cooks for improved cooking techniques, resulting in higher quality dishes and increased customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated ongoing training programs for line cooks, promoting professional growth and improving overall team performance.
- Contributed to menu development, incorporating seasonal ingredients for innovative dish offerings.
- Implemented new recipes, refining existing offerings through taste tests and feedback sessions with culinary team members.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and optimizing workstations.
- Evaluated kitchen performance metrics regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted action plans accordingly.
- Upheld strict adherence to recipe specifications, guaranteeing consistency in flavor profiles across multiple service periods.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks, identifying potential issues early to minimize downtime during peak hours.
- Maximized staff productivity with effective scheduling and delegation of tasks according to individual skillsets.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
Line Cook/Manager
Lakeside Bar and Grill
Inverness, FL
02.2020 - 10.2022
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and efficient workflow.
- Trained new cooks on menu items, preparation techniques, and equipment operation.
- Coordinated daily prep schedules to optimize kitchen operations and minimize waste.
- Monitored inventory levels, placing orders to maintain stock of essential ingredients.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance food presentation and flavor consistency.
- Resolved conflicts among staff, fostering a positive team environment conducive to productivity.
- Conducted performance evaluations for kitchen staff, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Streamlined communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, reducing order errors and enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Overhauled kitchen organization system, increasing workspace functionality and expediting meal preparation times.
- Oversaw timely completion of daily prep lists, ensuring essential mise en place was readily available for efficient service execution.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly, demonstrating commitment to exceptional service and fostering repeat business.
- Assured food safety compliance by enforcing proper sanitation protocols and adherence to industry regulations.
- Monitored food quality at all stages of production, ensuring consistently high standards were met across all dishes served.
- Collaborated with management to set performance standards, leading to a more consistent dining experience for guests.
- Reduced food waste by implementing portion control measures and closely monitoring inventory levels.
- Actively participated in the hiring process, selecting top talent to contribute positively to the culinary team''s performance.
Laborer Foreman
Mann-I-Cure Landscaping
Inverness, FL
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Operated landscaping tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
- Assisted in planting, pruning, and maintaining various plants and trees.
- Collaborated with team members to complete landscaping projects on schedule.
- Followed safety protocols to ensure a hazard-free work environment.
- Maintained cleanliness of job sites by removing debris and waste materials.
- Monitored plant health, identifying issues for timely intervention or treatment.
- Adapted to changing project demands while ensuring high-quality workmanship.
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Expanded skill set through continuous learning of new techniques, tools, and equipment related to laborer tasks.
- Improved worksite efficiency by maintaining clean and organized work areas.
- Delivered consistent results under challenging weather conditions or other external factors affecting productivity.
- Ensured safety compliance through regular inspection of tools and equipment, reporting any issues promptly.
Laborer
Better Earth Landscaping
Inverness, FL
03.2019 - 05.2019
- Provided support in site preparation, including grading and leveling soil.
- Performed general housekeeping and cleaning tasks.
- Contributed to successful completion of projects by following instructions from supervisors and adapting to changing priorities.
- Promoted a positive work environment by demonstrating strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Demonstrated flexibility with shifting responsibilities based on project needs, contributing to overall productivity levels.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through attention to detail and adherence to industry standards.
- Upheld company reputation for quality workmanship through dedication to best practices within the laborer role.
Education
High School Diploma -
Citrus High School
Inverness, FL05.2016
Skills
- Workstation setup
- Kitchen management
- Efficiency improvement
- Task delegation
- Staff scheduling
- Waste reduction
- Collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Cleaning and organization
- Time management
- Highly motivated
- Attention to detail
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Line Cook/ Manager
Sauced Hogs Bar-B-Que
04.2023 - 01.2026
Line Cook/Manager
Lakeside Bar and Grill
02.2020 - 10.2022
Laborer Foreman
Mann-I-Cure Landscaping
05.2019 - 08.2019
Laborer
Better Earth Landscaping
03.2019 - 05.2019
High School Diploma -
Citrus High School