ZAIRA M VEGA ORTIZ
Davenport
Summary
Experienced culinary professional with a strong background in meal preparation and food safety compliance. Proven ability to manage high-volume orders while maintaining quality and efficiency in fast-paced environments. Skilled in menu planning, ingredient preparation, and inventory management, contributing to successful kitchen operations. Committed to continuous learning and innovation, delivering exceptional dining experiences through teamwork and problem-solving.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook
Rainforest Cafe
Orlando
09.2020 - 07.2025
- Prepared ingredients and menu items for high-volume service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations.
- Collaborated with team members and management to align efforts and achieve shared objectives.
- Operated grills, fryers, and ovens to cook food items efficiently.
- Prepared ingredients and dishes according to restaurant standards, ensuring high-quality meals.
- Executed food preparation tasks with precision, contributing to the seamless operation of the kitchen.
Line Cook Trainer
T-Rex Cafe
Orlando
08.2015 - 03.2020
- Trained new line cooks on food preparation and safety standards.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth workflow and efficiency.
- Developed training materials and resources for staff development programs.
- Trained line cooks in culinary techniques and kitchen operations, ensuring consistent quality and efficiency.
- Guided line cooks in adhering to safety and sanitation standards, contributing to a safe and clean kitchen environment.
- I have developed skills in different stations, such as the fryer, the grill, the oven, the salad station, and presentation and delivery.
General Manager
Pizza Hut
Guaynabo
02.2010 - 03.2015
- Directed daily operations across multiple departments to ensure efficient workflow.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations for team development.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversaw budget management and resource allocation for all projects.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align business objectives and operational goals.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture through effective communication and leadership.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for business growth and expansion.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
- Established key performance indicators to monitor progress and drive improvements.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
- Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
- Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Directed safety operations and maintained clean work environment to adhere to FDA and OSHA requirements.
- Maximized time and employee productivity, consolidating data, payroll and accounting programs into centralized systems.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Business Administration And Management
MBTI INSTITUES
SAN JUAN, PR01-2010
Skills
- Food preparation
- Kitchen safety
- Culinary techniques
- Equipment operation
- Quality control
- Inventory management
- Menu development
- Cost control
- Staff training
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Leadership development
- Recipe preparation
- Grill operation
- Plating techniques
- Kitchen equipment management
- Food storage procedures
- Kitchen sanitization
- Food safety knowledge
- Grilling techniques
- Professional attitude
- Food allergen safety
- Frying techniques
- Stock rotation
- Ingredients measuring
- Entree preparation
- Ingredient stocking
- Kitchen operations
- Food plating
- Punctual and honest
- Foodservice sanitation
- Ingredient preparation
- Food presentation
- Ordering and stocking
- Allergen awareness
- Line station oversight
- Portioning
- Supply management
- Recipe adaptation
- Contamination control
- Prepared foods plating
- Back of house operations
- Portion control
- Line management
Certification
- FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATION
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Line Cook
Rainforest Cafe
09.2020 - 07.2025
Line Cook Trainer
T-Rex Cafe
08.2015 - 03.2020
General Manager
Pizza Hut
02.2010 - 03.2015
Graduate Certificate - Business Administration And Management
MBTI INSTITUES
Similar Profiles
Tiffany SimmonsTiffany Simmons
Waitress at Rainforest CafeWaitress at Rainforest Cafe
Shane AycockShane Aycock
Server Trainer at Rainforest CafeServer Trainer at Rainforest Cafe
Michael BaberMichael Baber
Server at Rainforest CafeServer at Rainforest Cafe
Francisco BabativaFrancisco Babativa
Food Server at Rainforest CafeFood Server at Rainforest Cafe
Christopher JamesChristopher James
Master Sergeant- Infantry Senior Sergeant at ArmyMaster Sergeant- Infantry Senior Sergeant at Army