Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nicole Stiffler

Coopersberg

Summary

Dynamic Sous Chef with a proven track record at Buckeye Tavern, excelling in menu development and team leadership. Expert in food safety and kitchen organization, I enhanced productivity and guest satisfaction through innovative recipe creation and effective staff training, resulting in increased return rates and rave reviews. Passionate about culinary excellence and customer service.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Sous Chef

Buckeye Tavern
06.2022 - Current
  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation standards in kitchen areas.
  • Collaborated with chefs to develop new recipes and menu items.
  • Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, enhancing productivity during service hours.
  • Engaged with team members to foster a positive kitchen atmosphere.
  • Adapted quickly to changing priorities during peak service times.
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Assisted in meal preparation, ensuring consistency and quality of dishes.

Sous Chef

The Shelby
08.2019 - 06.2022
  • Prepared and plated dishes according to restaurant standards, maintaining quality and presentation.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate food preparation and service during peak hours.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ensuring timely restocking of supplies while minimizing waste.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and safety protocols for efficient operations.
  • Implemented process improvements that enhanced kitchen workflow and reduced preparation time.
  • Ensured compliance with health regulations by maintaining cleanliness and organization in work areas.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
  • Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
  • Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
  • Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
  • Assisted in menu planning and ingredient selection to ensure seasonal availability and freshness.

Line Cook

Applebees
11.2016 - 08.2019
  • Ensured kitchen cleanliness and adhered to food safety regulations during food preparation.
  • Operated kitchen equipment, including grills, fryers, and ovens, with proficiency and care.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain efficient workflow during peak service times.
  • Adapted quickly to changing menus and special requests while maintaining high-quality output.
  • Trained new staff on cooking techniques, food safety procedures, and operational best practices.
  • Contributed to positive guest experiences through timely meal preparation and presentation excellence.
  • 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.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Checked food temperature regularly to verify proper cooking and safety.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
  • Prepared and cooked menu items according to established recipes and quality standards.

Education

High School Diploma -

Parkland High School
Allentown, PA
05.2015

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Kitchen leadership
  • Food safety
  • Inventory management
  • Safe food handling
  • Food presentation
  • Menu planning
  • Food preparation
  • Customer service
  • Kitchen organization
  • Cooking techniques
  • Allergen awareness
  • Safety management
  • Supervising food prep
  • Knife skills
  • Ingredient knowledge
  • Menu development
  • Safe handling
  • Menu memorization
  • Staff training
  • Detail-oriented
  • Portion control
  • Ordering and requisitions
  • Equipment usage
  • Staff motivation
  • Plating
  • Sanitation procedures
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Garnishing and plating
  • Special diets
  • Kitchen equipment operation

Timeline

Sous Chef

Buckeye Tavern
06.2022 - Current

Sous Chef

The Shelby
08.2019 - 06.2022

Line Cook

Applebees
11.2016 - 08.2019

High School Diploma -

Parkland High School
Nicole Stiffler