Shaquille Simon
Chicago
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Rush Hospital, excelling in food preparation and sanitation compliance. Proven track record in menu development and team leadership, enhancing patient satisfaction and achieving 100% health inspection compliance. Adept at inventory control and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment to optimize efficiency.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Service Associate
Rush Hospital
Chicago
08.2024 - Current
- Prepared and delivered patient meals that met hospital dietary requirements, enhancing patient nutrition and satisfaction.
- Maintained strict sanitation protocols, achieving 100% compliance in health inspections.
- Prepared and served nutritious meals to patients and staff daily.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of food service areas consistently.
- Assisted in inventory management and restocking of supplies regularly.
Lead Cook
Senior living
Chicago
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Led the kitchen team by guiding and assisting in the training of less experienced cooks.
- Developed weekly menus with culinary team, aligning with nutrition guidelines to meet dietary needs.
- Communicated with kitchen employees, providing guidance on food preparations and addressing questions to enhance team collaboration.
- Adhered strictly to company guidelines concerning safety procedures when handling hot surfaces or sharp objects.
- Maintained detailed records of food costs, sales figures, and employee hours to support budget management and operational efficiency.
- Inspected freezer and refrigerator daily to ensure they operated correctly.
Lead Cook
Levy Food Service
Chicago
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Oversaw food preparation processes, ensuring prompt and accurate order completion.
- Trained new cooks on proper techniques for dish preparation, improving kitchen consistency.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new recipes and update existing ones in order to improve the overall dining experience.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment, collaborating with teammates to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Grilled and deep-fried meats and vegetables in a busy kitchen environment.
Lead Cook
Eurest Compass Group
Chicago
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Developed weekly menus in collaboration with culinary team and nutrition guidelines.
- Trained new cooks on safety standards and kitchen procedures to enhance team readiness.
- Coordinated communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff to ensure seamless service.
- Maintained compliance with health safety regulations during meal preparation and sanitation practices.
- Completed workstation set up and break down, properly disposing of leftover food.
Lead Cook
Chartwells Compass Group
Chicago
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Managed kitchen workflow to enhance service efficiency during peak times.
- Implemented food safety practices to ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain safe kitchen environment.
- Trained new cooks on safety standards and kitchen procedures effectively.
- Coordinated inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize waste.
Lead Cook
Compass Group
Chicago
01.2021 - 07.2025
- Led food preparation for 200+ daily meals, ensuring efficiency and consistent quality in a corporate cafeteria environment.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Trained new cooks on safety standards and kitchen procedures effectively.
- Conducted menu development and food cost analysis to balance budget constraints with nutritional standards.
- Developed weekly menus in collaboration with culinary team and nutrition guidelines.
- Partnered with Food Services Director to track inventory, reconcile invoices, and reduce waste through strategic procurement.
- Operated grill and maintained a clean, safe cooking station, supporting peak service hours.
Supervisor / Trainer
Express 24 Clean
Chicago
07.2019 - 01.2023
- Designed and implemented training programs for 10+ new hires monthly, enhancing service efficiency.
- Oversaw scheduling and workflow coordination, increasing operational effectiveness and client satisfaction.
- Maintained bookkeeping and invoicing systems, minimizing reporting errors.
Kitchen Cook
Lettuce Entertain You
Chicago
02.2021 - 10.2022
- Supported daily prep and line cooking operations during high-volume service, enhancing ticket times and increasing guest satisfaction.
- Maintained equipment functionality and cleanliness, ensuring a safe and efficient kitchen environment.
- Organized deliveries and food storage systems, reducing spoilage and ensuring inventory accuracy.
Sales Representative
Zara
Chicago
03.2016 - 12.2019
- Delivered personalized product recommendations based on customer preferences, driving repeat sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Processed transactions with 100% accuracy during high-volume periods, ensuring smooth customer experiences.
- Led floor resets and layout optimization, improving shopping flow and enhancing merchandise visibility.
Laborer / Picker & Packer
Nabisco Factory
Chicago
08.2012 - 10.2015
- Monitored product specifications to ensure quality and compliance, minimizing packing errors by 12%.
- Transported raw materials and finished goods across production lines, ensuring seamless operations.
- Logged production data daily and collaborated with supervisors to resolve discrepancies effectively.
Maintenance Technician
Theresa Property
Chicago
01.2009 - 05.2011
- Diagnosed and repaired electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems to ensure safe, functional residential environment.
- Conducted routine inspections and maintenance, reducing tenant complaints by 15%.
- Performed routine maintenance on heating and cooling systems.
- Conducted inspections of plumbing and electrical systems.
- Responded to tenant maintenance requests promptly.
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
Roosevelt College
Chicago, IL01-2012
Skills
- Food Preparation
- Meal preparation
- Cooking Techniques
- Food safety
- Sanitation Compliance
- Food Quality Standards
- Inventory Control
- Menu Planning
- Menu development
- Quality control
- Point of Sale
- Workflow Optimization
- Workflow coordination
- Time Management
- Multitasking
- Team Leadership
- Customer service
- Customer support
- Equipment Maintenance
- Workflow coordination
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler, 2019-2022
- On Premise BASSET Alcohol Certification, 2021
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Customer Focus & Orientation
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability & Work Ethic
Timeline
Food Service Associate
Rush Hospital
08.2024 - Current
Kitchen Cook
Lettuce Entertain You
02.2021 - 10.2022
Lead Cook
Senior living
01.2021 - 07.2025
Lead Cook
Levy Food Service
01.2021 - 07.2025
Lead Cook
Eurest Compass Group
01.2021 - 07.2025
Lead Cook
Chartwells Compass Group
01.2021 - 07.2025
Lead Cook
Compass Group
01.2021 - 07.2025
Supervisor / Trainer
Express 24 Clean
07.2019 - 01.2023
Sales Representative
Zara
03.2016 - 12.2019
Laborer / Picker & Packer
Nabisco Factory
08.2012 - 10.2015
Maintenance Technician
Theresa Property
01.2009 - 05.2011
High School Diploma - General Studies
Roosevelt College