IAN WANJOHI
COOK
Summary
Adept at enhancing kitchen operations and boosting customer satisfaction, I leveraged my expertise in food preparation and team leadership at Homeland Lounge to significantly reduce food waste and streamline service. My knack for grilling and exceptional customer service skills have consistently elevated dining experiences, achieving notable efficiency in high-pressure environments. Diligent Cook possessing excellent cooking skills and strong knowledge of food safety. Proficient in maintaining well-stocked, organized and clean kitchen areas to maximize productivity. Dedicated team player with punctual nature and open communication style dedicated to working hard.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Homeland Lounge
02.2023 - 07.2024
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- 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.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Cook
Hannas Grill Naivasha
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Collaborated with management team to develop new menu items.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
Pizza Chef
Pizza and Chicken House
01.2020 - 11.2020
- Managed high-pressure situations during peak hours, maintaining focus on efficient service and consistent product quality.
- Assisted in inventory management, accurately tracking ingredient usage and placing timely orders for replenishment.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely to protect team members from harm and equipment from damage.
- Wiped down counters and food prep stations using bleach and clean cloths.
- Collaborated with team members to improve workflow efficiency and overall kitchen performance.
- Implemented daily prep tasks which contributed to smooth shift transitions between morning, afternoon, and evening crews.
- Maximized flavor profiles by skillfully combining complementary ingredients within unique pizza creations.
- Contributed to increased sales with innovative menu offerings that attracted repeat business from satisfied customers.
- Streamlined the pizza assembly process, increasing productivity without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Cook
Sports View Hotel Kasarani
08.2016 - 12.2019
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Improved meal presentation with innovative plating techniques, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations, maintaining record of excellence in health inspections.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
- Coordinated with front of house to ensure smooth service during busy periods, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Followed strict standards for food handling and safety, minimizing risks to customers.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
Senior Cook
Cafe Deli Westlands
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Spearheaded efforts to maintain accurate recipe files, ensuring consistency across all dishes produced within the establishment.
- Demonstrated versatility by mastering various cooking stations within the restaurant''s fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Mentored junior cooks, providing guidance on advanced cooking techniques and best practices.
- Supported front-of-house staff with timely dish preparation and efficient communication during busy shifts.
- Developed new menu items that increased overall sales and attracted repeat customers.
- Assisted in the design of weekly specials, incorporating seasonal ingredients for maximum freshness.
- Assisted executive chef in planning catering events, creating custom menus tailored to clients'' needs.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Managed food costs by sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and negotiating pricing agreements.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
Cook
The Luke Hotel
03.2013 - 10.2014
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Managed opening and closing shift kitchen tasks.
- Managed time effectively to ensure timely meal preparation, even during peak hours.
- Developed system for inventory management, reducing waste and cutting costs.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Barista/Line Cook
Nairobi Club
02.2010 - 08.2012
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Operated espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers to create beverages.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and building rapport with patrons.
- Prepared specialty drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes and mochas.
- Promoted additional items with beverages, increasing store sales.
- Used POS system to accurately enter orders and process payments.
- Conducted regular quality control checks to uphold highest standards of food and beverage service.
Education
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Mururia High School
Kiambu 04.2001 -
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Mountain View School
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
Certificate Mass Food Production -
Utalii College
Nairobi, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
Diploma Culinary Arts -
Career Training Centre
Westlands, Nairobi Province, Kenya 04.2001 -
Skills
Cooking
Food handling
Grilling
Customer Service
Food Preparation
Sanitation
Food presentation
Frying
Supply Restocking
Cleaning and organization
Ingredients measuring
Menu Planning
Food Waste Reduction
Knife Skills
Food plating and presentation
Pastry Making
Grilling expertise
Food Costing
Special Diets Knowledge
Kitchen Organization
Multitasking Abilities
Food Production
Team Leadership
Flexible Schedule
Efficient multitasking
Timeline
Cook
Homeland Lounge
02.2023 - 07.2024
Cook
Hannas Grill Naivasha
01.2021 - 12.2021
Pizza Chef
Pizza and Chicken House
01.2020 - 11.2020
Cook
Sports View Hotel Kasarani
08.2016 - 12.2019
Senior Cook
Cafe Deli Westlands
01.2015 - 04.2016
Cook
The Luke Hotel
03.2013 - 10.2014
Barista/Line Cook
Nairobi Club
02.2010 - 08.2012
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Mururia High School
04.2001 -
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
Mountain View School
04.2001 -
Certificate Mass Food Production -
Utalii College
04.2001 -
Diploma Culinary Arts -
Career Training Centre
04.2001 -
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