Dana Friend
Conshohocken
Summary
Proven leader in high-pressure culinary environments, I excelled at Sodexo Healthcare by enhancing kitchen operations and team performance. Leveraging skills in food safety and team leadership, I significantly increased customer satisfaction. My approach combines strict compliance with health standards and fostering a collaborative atmosphere, setting a high bar for quality and efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
Sodexo Healthcare
08.2022 - 02.2025
- Conducted regular inventory checks for freshness of ingredients.
- Oversaw kitchen operations by coordinating staff schedules.
- Supported head chef in managing kitchen staff for smooth operations.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Collaborated closely with head chef to develop recipes that significantly increased customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
- Fostered positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and open communication among staff.
Cook
Sodexo Dining
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Prepared diverse menu items by following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Monitored food safety standards to uphold health regulations.
- Managed kitchen inventory for optimal stock levels and reduced waste.
- Engaged with guests to gather feedback and improve menu offerings.
- Cooked meals to meet customer dietary preferences and special requests.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Implemented rotating menu concept, keeping dining experience fresh and engaging for regular customers.
- Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
- Trained and supervised cooking staff to expertly meet daily needs.
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
08.2017 - 03.2020
- Managed kitchen inventory for optimal stock levels and reduced waste.
- Engaged with guests to gather feedback and improve menu offerings.
- Prepared diverse menu items by following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Monitored food safety standards to uphold health regulations.
- Cooked meals to meet customer dietary preferences and special requests.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Implemented rotating menu concept, keeping dining experience fresh and engaging for regular customers.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
- Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.
- Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
- Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.
Team Member
Whole Foods
01.2008 - 11.2017
- Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
- Learned all required tasks quickly to maximize performance.
- Worked scheduled shifts and remained available to work during coworker absences, holidays, and busy periods.
- Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
- Developed strong cooperative relationships with coworkers and managers.
- Maintained productive, efficient approach to all tasks.
- Developed strong customer service and product knowledge skills to enhance individual and team performance.
- Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
- Addressed and resolved customer complaints in polite and professional manner.
- Assisted with inventory counts and stocking of merchandise.
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Assisted customers in selecting merchandise best suited to needs.
- Broke down boxes and cartons, disposing of refuse in proper cardboard receptacles.
- Gained recognition for delivering excellent customer service through active listening, empathetic communication, and timely resolution of concerns.
- Provided exceptional support to colleagues by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and fostering teamwork.
- Ensured smooth operations during peak periods via effective time management techniques such as delegation and task prioritization.
- Assisted in the onboarding of new team members by providing guidance, support, and training resources to ensure a smooth transition into the work environment.
- Improved customer satisfaction by quickly helping each person find desired items.
- Fostered positive work environment, leading by example and offering support to team members as needed.
- Achieved high level of customer service with thorough product knowledge and attentive assistance.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norristown High
Norristown, PAHigh School Diploma -
Center For Technical Studies
Plymouth Meeting, PASkills
- Team leadership
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
Timeline
Sous Chef
Sodexo Healthcare
08.2022 - 02.2025
Cook
Sodexo Dining
08.2020 - 06.2022
Cook
Sodexo Campus Services
08.2017 - 03.2020
Team Member
Whole Foods
01.2008 - 11.2017
High School Diploma -
Norristown High
High School Diploma -
Center For Technical Studies
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