Kristian Guilford
Chicago,IL
Summary
Championed a culture of collaboration among team members to support project goals. Leveraged a strong work ethic to contribute positively in team environments. Granted authorization to work in the US without restrictions.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Cook
Yay Company/Wolcott College Prep
Chicago, IL
08.2023 - 06.2026
- Prepared nutritious meals using fresh ingredients in accordance with dietary guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and efficiently to maintain food quality.
- Assisted in menu planning, incorporating seasonal produce and student preferences.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas following health standards.
- Collaborated with staff to streamline food preparation processes for improved service efficiency.
- Trained new team members on kitchen procedures and safety protocols to ensure compliance.
- Monitored inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers for timely restocking of kitchen supplies.
- Implemented waste reduction strategies that enhanced sustainability efforts within the school dining program.
- Streamlined meal preparation processes by implementing time-saving techniques, increasing productivity in the kitchen.
- Improved student nutrition by planning and preparing well-balanced meals, adhering to dietary guidelines and allergy requirements.
- Continuously evaluated menu offerings and gathered feedback from students and staff, making improvements as needed to enhance satisfaction with the dining experience.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, ensuring compliance with health regulations and promoting food safety.
- Trained new staff members on kitchen procedures, fostering a positive team atmosphere for efficient workflow.
- Assisted in budget management by monitoring food costs closely, making adjustments as necessary to remain within allocated funds.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, conducting routine checks and ordering supplies as needed to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Coordinated efforts with other kitchen staff members to ensure seamless operation from meal preparation through cleanup.
- Implemented creative solutions for utilizing leftover ingredients or surplus items in innovative ways that minimized waste without sacrificing quality.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency with proper food storage techniques, reducing waste and saving resources.
- Consistently met deadlines for meal preparation despite fluctuating demands or unexpected challenges in the kitchen environment.
- Kept accurate records of food stocks, supplies, and equipment maintenance needs to support efficient inventory management and kitchen upkeep.
- Cooked meals according to administrative policies, health code regulations and food service standards.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Monitored food temperatures throughout preparation and serving process.
- Trained and supervised new kitchen staff on food preparation and safety protocols.
- Communicated with supervisor to discuss menu items, ingredients and nutritional values.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Collected payments and observed customers for suspicious behavior.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
Cook
Teds Montana Grill
Bolingbrook, IL
2020 - 2023
- Developed daily specials based on seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
- Implemented feedback from patrons to enhance menu offerings and overall dining experience.
- 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.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen operations and improve efficiency.
- Prepared and cooked diverse menu items following standardized recipes.
- Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were consistently met during meal preparation.
- Measured and mixed ingredients according to precise recipes for best results.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced Type environment.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Conducted regular quality checks on ingredients, ensuring only best were used in meal preparation.
- Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
- Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
- Maintained high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, ensuring safe dining environment.
- Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
- Optimized use of kitchen equipment to speed up cooking times without compromising food quality.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
Grill Cook/Prep Cook
Tacombi
Chicago, IL
05.2020 - 2022
- Operated grill stations to maintain food quality and safety protocols.
- Prepared ingredients by marinating proteins and chopping vegetables for daily service.
- Assisted in keeping kitchen workspace clean and organized.
- Collaborated with team members to improve food preparation efficiency during busy periods.
- Monitored inventory levels, contributing to timely supply replenishment.
- Followed recipes closely for consistent flavor and presentation.
- Adapted to menu changes and learned new cooking techniques to improve offerings.
- Supported training of new staff on grill operations and safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean work environment in compliance with health department regulations.
- Reduced food waste through efficient ingredient preparation and proper storage practices.
- Contributed ideas for grilled dishes based on seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
- Expedited order completion through effective multitasking during peak dining hours without compromising quality.
- Managed daily preparation of diverse menu items tailored to guest preferences while ensuring timely order delivery.
- Delivered consistent dish quality by adhering to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
Cook
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Created daily menu for students and customers
- Assisted kitchen lead with food prep for the day
- Set up and stock food stations as needed
- Cooked and prepared food according to the menu
- Ordered kitchen and food supplies when needed
- Properly stored food items according to its necessary temperature
- Properly cleaned and sanitized kitchen tools and equipment
- Break down and clean grills and stations at the end of the day
- Maintained a clean and sanitized work area at all times
- Ensured food safety and sanitation standards were consistently met during meal preparation.
- Prepared and cooked diverse menu items following standardized recipes.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Executed meal service timelines to ensure timely delivery of food to dining areas.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline kitchen operations and improve efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management to maintain adequate stock levels of ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- 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.
- 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.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Trained new kitchen staff, ensuring they met restaurant's high standards.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School
Bolingbrook, IL06.2018
Culinary Arts
Wilco Career Center
Romeoville, ILSkills
- Reliability
- Meal presentation
- Cooking techniques
- Grilling techniques
Cash handling
Time management
Food seasoning
Sauce preparation
Catering
Organizational skills
Knife skills
Deep frying
Meal Preparation
Baking
Culinary experience
Chopping vegetables
Food Preparation
Restaurant Experience
Measuring ingredients
Busser
Cash register
Boiling cooking technique
Sous vide
Recipe adherence
Basic knife skills
Sales
Retail math
Kitchen Experience
Retail sales
Dough preparation
Plating
Cooking
Meat slicing
Food Safety
POS
Restaurant experience
Food doneness testing
Food portioning
Food mixing
Food garnishing
Food handling
Batter preparation
Broiling
Basic Computer Skills
Mathematical Skills
Ability to multi-task and Attention to detail
Communication skills
Seasoning proficiency
Kitchen safety
Food preparation
Cleanliness standards
Cooking techniques
Food presentation
Sanitation protocols
Sauce making
Vegetable chopping
Portion control
Temperature control
Allergen awareness
Order accuracy
Food storage
Meat cutting
Quick-learning
Willingness to learn
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Cleaning and organization
Dependable and reliable
Following instructions
Attention to detail
Highly motivated
Efficient multitasking
Heavy lifting
Safe food handling
Equipment sanitation
Active listener
Team collaboration
Cutting techniques
Stock rotation
Inventory stocking
Proper portioning
Food plating
Grilling techniques
Ingredient preparation
Measurements and weights
Food spoilage prevention
Taste testing
Knife safety
Punctual and honest
Cutting and slicing techniques
Policy and procedure compliance
Problem-solving abilities
Reliability
Certification
- ServSafe
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification
- Food Handler Certification
Languages
English - Fluent
Timeline
School Cook
Yay Company/Wolcott College Prep
08.2023 - 06.2026
Grill Cook/Prep Cook
Tacombi
05.2020 - 2022
Cook
Lewis University
01.2017 - 12.2019
Cook
Teds Montana Grill
2020 - 2023
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School
Culinary Arts
Wilco Career Center