Experienced lead line cook and sous chef with expertise in a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, baking, and sautéing. Skilled in training and mentoring kitchen staff, maintaining inventory levels, and ensuring kitchen equipment is properly maintained. Strong communicator with a focus on creating a positive work environment and building relationships with customers and coworkers.
LEAD LINE COOK — Overlake Golf and Country Club
Bellevue, Washington, May 2024 - Present
LEAD PREP COOK — Pasta and Co
Seattle, Washington, March 2023 - Present
Curtis Cruell
Phone 718-***-****
Email ****************@*****.***
Address Mill Creek, WA 98012
• Kitchen Sanitization • Entree Preparation
• Relationship Building • Stock Rotation
• Food handling • Food Preparation
• Quality Control • Supply Management
• Cleaning procedures • Team Coordination
• Knife skills • Training management
• Ingredient preparation • Grilling techniques
• Garnishing techniques • Recipe execution
• Ordering and stocking • Customer service
• Time management
• Supervised team members to ensure efficient workflow during peak hours.
• Demonstrated expertise in a variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, baking, roasting, and sautéing.
• Created weekly specials using seasonal produce to boost sales revenue.
• Trained new kitchen staff on the proper use of kitchen equipment and safety protocols.
• Inspected deliveries upon arrival to verify quality standards were met.
• Performed kitchen maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment and restocking ingredients.
• Organized refrigerator shelves in an orderly fashion for easy access during busy shifts.
• Collaborated with chefs to create innovative menu items that increased customer satisfaction ratings.
• Trained, supervised, and mentored kitchen staff on proper food handling techniques and safety regulations. PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
SKILLS
EXPERIENCE
SOUS CHEF — TSC Stripe
Seattle, WA, February 2023 - February 2024
SOUS CHEF — Nordstrom Cafe/Bar and Grill
Bellevue, Washington, November 2019 - December 2021
• Created a positive atmosphere by communicating effectively with customers and coworkers.
• Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Ensured that all kitchen equipment was properly maintained and in good working order.
• Maintained accurate records of food usage, sales figures, labor costs, inventory levels.
• Assisted in creating innovative menus featuring seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.
• Diced, sliced, and cut vegetables for use in dishes.
• Prepared cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables and cutting meat.
• Verified all food products were properly labeled and stored.
• Prepared food items using quality predetermined method in quick and consistent manner. Used approved food recipes and production standards to verify proper quality, serving temperatures and standard portion control.
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• Prepared soups, salads, and sandwiches.
• Took orders from customers and prepared items requiring short preparation time. Maintained freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items and rotating stock.
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• Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstation Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines
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• Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings, and introducing innovative dishes
• Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team
• Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on- one sessions
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• Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food
• Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients
• Guided kitchen personnel in line cooking, food preparation and dish plating.
• Created a positive work environment through effective communication and team building initiatives.
• Maintained high quality standards for food production and presentation ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Guided kitchen personnel in line cooking, food preparation and dish plating.
• Checked inventory and ordered supplies as needed.
• Demonstrated new cooking techniques and equipment to staff.
• Trained cooks and food preparation workers in cooking techniques and kitchen processes.
• Prepared ingredients and cooked meals according to established recipes.
• Implemented creative solutions to reduce waste while optimizing labor costs.
• Utilized advanced culinary techniques such as braising, curing, smoking and pickling to create unique dishes. LINE COOK — Nordstrom Cafe/Bar and Grill
Bellevue, Washington, November 2017 - November 2019 LEAD BREAD PACKER — Grand Central Bakery
Seattle, Washington, May 2016 - November 2017
• Managed kitchen staff of up to 20 personnel including hiring, scheduling, training, evaluating performance.
• Hired and coached new personnel in restaurant and kitchen standards.
• Collaborated closely with chefs to create new recipes utilizing seasonal ingredients.
• Supervised and coordinated activities of cooks and workers engaged in food preparation.
• Checked quality of raw and cooked food products to meet standards.
• Assisted executive chef with kitchen operations and preparation.
• Maintained a clean and organized work area, including all cooking surfaces, utensils, and equipment.
• Adapted well under pressure in high volume environments while maintaining focus on quality execution.
• Worked with other members of the kitchen staff to ensure efficient service.
• Opened or closed kitchen as dictated by department scheduling.
• Collaborated with team members to complete tasks quickly and efficiently during peak hours of operation.
• Proficiently operated various kitchen appliances such as grills, ovens, fryers and other equipment.
• Utilized grills, fryers and ovens to heat food to appropriate serving temperatures.
• Consistently maintained professional attitude when interacting with customers or team members.
• Accurately read food orders from tickets or monitors in order to prepare requested items correctly.
• Prepared dishes according to restaurant recipes and specifications within set time frames.
• Assisted in the daily preparation of food items in accordance with recipes.
• Trained newly hired line workers regarding store recipes and policies.
• Ensured that production was within company standards for speed, quality, and quantity.
• Verified accuracy of completed orders prior to shipment.
• Accurately weighed and packaged bread products according to customer specifications.
• Assisted in loading trucks for delivery routes as needed.
• Operated forklift safely to move pallets of product from one area to another.
• Adhered to all safety regulations while on the job.
• Followed written instructions for each order accurately and efficiently.
• Assisted in training new employees on proper operation of packaging machinery.
• Developed strong working relationships with fellow staff members.
• Conducted quality control inspections of all finished product.
• Labeled packages with product information and weight.
• Sorted and packed food products on assembly line, meeting tight deadlines.
• Stocked station with packaging materials to keep production line flowing smoothly.
• Placed packages on pallet jack or hand cart to transport to shipping area.
• Inspected products and removed defective items from conveyor line.
• Carefully inspected each package before shipment to ensure quality control standards were met. LEAD BREAD PACKER — Essential Baking Company
Seattle, Washington, April 2015 - May 2016
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
— Ebc East New York
Brooklyn, NY, Jun 2008
• Followed written instructions for each order accurately and efficiently.
• Assisted in training new employees on proper operation of packaging machinery.
• Conducted quality control inspections of all finished product.
• Verified accuracy of completed orders prior to shipment.
• Sorted and packed food products on assembly line, meeting tight deadlines.
• Placed packages on pallet jack or hand cart to transport to shipping area.
• Provided excellent customer service by answering inquiries regarding shipping times and costs.
• Updated inventory counts with RF scanner and reported low-stock items or shortages.
• Contributed to team goals by cross-training in shipping and receiving tasks.
• Reviewed work orders and shipping documents to verify correct information.
• Assembled, line and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
• Counted products and weighed finished boxes to support accuracy.
• Ensured all packages met company standards for weight, size, and dimensions prior to shipment. EDUCATION