Damon Simmons
Charleston
Summary
Dynamic Grill Cook with a strong work ethic and proven ability to manage high-volume orders at Charleston Place Hotel. Skilled in safe food handling and efficient multitasking, I consistently enhanced customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality dishes while maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Adaptable team player committed to culinary excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Grill Cook
Charleston Place Hotel
02.2020 - 05.2023
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Efficiently managed time by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Adjusted gas and electric grills to specified temperatures for quality food output.
- Cooked regular menu items and seasonal offerings according to corporate standards and guidelines.
Fry Cook
Martins BBQ
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers or griddles.
- Cleaned, stocked, and restocked workstations and display cases.
- Enhanced food quality by ensuring proper cooking times and temperatures for various fried foods.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Contributed to a positive team environment, collaborating with fellow cooks and staff members.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Operated fryers and grills by pouring oil and placing food items on surface to fry or grill.
- Stored food in designated containers and storage areas to prevent cross-contamination and spoilage.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective time management and multitasking skills.
- Tested temperatures of food at specified intervals by using food thermometers.
- Cleaned and maintained fryers and grills to keep appliances in working condition.
- Stayed informed of daily menu to help coordinate cooking times.
- Assisted in training new hires on proper frying techniques, safety protocols, and company policies.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety standards, ensuring proper handling and storage of ingredients.
- Wrapped up and stored unused food in appropriate containers and placed in refrigerator to avoid spoilage.
- Increased order accuracy by effectively communicating with waitstaff regarding customer orders and dietary restrictions.
- Marinated food items according to provided instructions and recipes.
- Reduced ticket times, resulting in increased table turnover rates during peak hours.
- Read food order slips or received verbal instructions to properly prepare and cook food.
- Participated in ongoing training programs to further develop culinary skills and expertise as a Fry Cook.
- Reduced food waste, closely monitoring product usage and inventory levels.
- Supported the overall efficiency of the kitchen by assisting other cooks when needed during busy periods.
- Managed kitchen staff to supervise preparation of foods and explain steps for readying specialty items.
- Minimized downtime by performing routine maintenance on fryers and kitchen equipment.
- Trained new employees in fry cook duties, elevating team performance.
- Enhanced safety, conducting regular checks to prevent accidents and injuries.
Grill Cook
Marriot Hotel
03.2019 - 09.2021
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- 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.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- 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.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
Grill Cook
Applebee's
01.2013 - 09.2018
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Cleaned and maintained kitchen equipment regularly.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Efficiently managed time by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Demonstrated initiative by taking on additional responsibilities during busy periods or when shortstaffed.
- Collaborated with fellow cooks to streamline kitchen processes for increased efficiency.
- Adjusted gas and electric grills to specified temperatures for quality food output.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Cooked regular menu items and seasonal offerings according to corporate standards and guidelines.
- Trained new staff members on grill station operations, resulting in improved overall performance of the team.
- Established and maintained productive staff relationships for positive working environments.
- Verified order accuracy and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
- Provided support to crew members, facilitating quick food preparation and delivery.
- Coordinated with front house staff to ensure accurate order flow and customer satisfaction.
- Developed daily specials using fresh, seasonal ingredients to provide variety for customers.
- Participated in regular staff meetings, providing valuable insights into improving kitchen productivity and customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced dining experience by maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in grill area.
- Managed food stock levels to ensure fresh ingredients were always available for grilling.
Grill Cook
Ocharlies
03.2006 - 06.2009
Line Cook
Red Lobster
06.2005 - 05.2008
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- 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.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- 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.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
Grill Cook
Longhorn Steakhouse
10.2004 - 04.2007
- Managed grill station during busy periods, effectively handling multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining quality standards.
- Maintained clean, organized grill stations for hygienic, orderly food preparation.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Regularly cleaned and maintained grilling equipment to ensure peak performance at all times.
- Adhered to strict food safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and ensure a safe dining experience for guests.
- Restocked and rotated food items according to expiry dates to minimize waste.
- Efficiently managed time by prioritizing tasks according to importance and urgency.
- Followed recipes and kitchen procedures for consistent food quality, presentation and standards.
- Effectively communicated with fellow team members to coordinate dish preparation during peak service hours.
- Stored and handled goods correctly to maintain freshness and condition.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing any concerns or special requests promptly and professionally.
- Demonstrated initiative by taking on additional responsibilities during busy periods or when shortstaffed.
- Collaborated with fellow cooks to streamline kitchen processes for increased efficiency.
- Adjusted gas and electric grills to specified temperatures for quality food output.
- Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
- Trained new staff members on grill station operations, resulting in improved overall performance of the team.
- Cooked regular menu items and seasonal offerings according to corporate standards and guidelines.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently preparing high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
- Verified order accuracy and quality ahead of service to maintain standards.
- Closely followed recipes and presentation guidelines to maintain consistency across menu items.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper portion control and efficient cooking techniques.
Education
Yes - Culinary
Middleton High
Charleston Sc 04.2009
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Quick-learning
- Willing to learn
- Multitasking and organization
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptable
- Efficient
- Food preparation
Timeline
Fry Cook
Martins BBQ
02.2021 - 02.2022
Grill Cook
Charleston Place Hotel
02.2020 - 05.2023
Grill Cook
Marriot Hotel
03.2019 - 09.2021
Grill Cook
Applebee's
01.2013 - 09.2018
Grill Cook
Ocharlies
03.2006 - 06.2009
Line Cook
Red Lobster
06.2005 - 05.2008
Grill Cook
Longhorn Steakhouse
10.2004 - 04.2007
Yes - Culinary
Middleton High
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