Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Nora Leighton

Fairfield

Summary

Dynamic culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in back-of-house operations across diverse establishments, including high-volume, full-service restaurants. Proficient in managing grill, sauté, fryer, and cold stations, demonstrating a strong ability to maintain quality and efficiency in fast-paced environments. Proven track record of collaborating with kitchen teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences while adhering to safety and sanitation standards.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Line Cook

Appalachian Brewing Co.
04.2025 - Current
  • Prepared and cooked menu items following recipes and safety standards.
  • Managed food inventory, minimizing waste through efficient stock rotation.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
  • High Volume

Grill Cook

Rik's Cafe
04.2022 - 04.2025
  • Grill menu items (steak, poultry, pork, seafood) to temp
  • Create specials based on current inventory
  • Worked cold side and saute stations prior to grill
  • High volume restaurant
  • Open and close kitchen (includes prep work and cleaning duties)

Grill Cook

Nepenthe Brewing Co.
04.2024 - 10.2024
  • Open and close kitchen
  • Grill menu items to order with accuracy and efficiency
  • Prep work
  • Follow recipes
  • High volume establishment

Line Cook/ Prep Cook

Dan's Restaurant & Taphouse
09.2021 - 04.2022
  • Follow recipes
  • Prep vegetables, meats, marinades, dressings, etc.
  • Fryer station
  • Cold side station: salads and desserts
  • Stocking and prep duties throughout shift
  • Open and close kitchen
  • Full service restaurant

Line Cook

Farmacy Cafe & Catering
10.2020 - 06.2021
  • Breakfast and lunch restaurant
  • Grill, fryer, and cold side stations
  • From scratch kitchen
  • Prep work
  • Follow recipes
  • Wash dishes
  • Open and close kitchen

Farm Maintenance/ Landscaping

Affinity Farms
03.2020 - 10.2020
  • Weed whacking
  • Pressure washing
  • Fill sink holes
  • Pull weeds
  • Operate Kubota tractor
  • Operate Bush Hog
  • Replaced water line- digging

Baker/ Prep Cook

Common Ground
06.2019 - 03.2020
  • Prep batters/ doughs based on inventory
  • Prepared ingredients for daily menu items, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
  • Increased production efficiency through effective time management and multitasking during busy periods.

Line Cook

Beans & Bagels
12.2017 - 06.2019
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations to comply with health regulations.
  • Implemented process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency in the kitchen.
  • Trained new team members on kitchen protocols and food handling procedures
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.

Prep Cook

La Paz
08.2016 - 11.2017
  • Prepared ingredients by chopping, slicing, and measuring for various menu items.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workstations to ensure efficient workflow.
  • Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.

Pizza Maker/ Delivery Driver/ Dishwasher

James Gang Pizzeria
01.2006 - 11.2016

Pizza Maker:

  • Crafted high-quality pizzas using traditional methods and fresh ingredients.
  • Operated pizza ovens, ensuring optimal cooking temperatures for consistent results.
  • Managed inventory levels, minimizing waste through efficient stock rotation practices.

Dishwasher:

  • Operated industrial dishwashing equipment to maintain cleanliness and efficiency.
  • Organized and sorted dishes, utensils, and cookware for optimal workflow.

Delivery Driver:

  • Delivered food efficiently, ensuring timely arrival and customer satisfaction.
  • Navigated routes using a map to optimize delivery times

Education

High school or equivalent -

Middletown High School
Middletown, MD
06.2011

Associate - Music

Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD
06.2016

Skills

  • Detail- Oriented
  • Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Time management

Certification

  • ServSafe

Timeline

Line Cook

Appalachian Brewing Co.
04.2025 - Current

Grill Cook

Nepenthe Brewing Co.
04.2024 - 10.2024

Grill Cook

Rik's Cafe
04.2022 - 04.2025

Line Cook/ Prep Cook

Dan's Restaurant & Taphouse
09.2021 - 04.2022

Line Cook

Farmacy Cafe & Catering
10.2020 - 06.2021

Farm Maintenance/ Landscaping

Affinity Farms
03.2020 - 10.2020

Baker/ Prep Cook

Common Ground
06.2019 - 03.2020

Line Cook

Beans & Bagels
12.2017 - 06.2019

Prep Cook

La Paz
08.2016 - 11.2017

Pizza Maker/ Delivery Driver/ Dishwasher

James Gang Pizzeria
01.2006 - 11.2016

Associate - Music

Frederick Community College

High school or equivalent -

Middletown High School
Nora Leighton