Allister Poniente
Spring Valley
Summary
Dedicated Food Service Worker experienced in patient meal tray assembly and delivery within healthcare settings. Delivered high-quality food preparation and maintained strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards. Focused on enhancing patient satisfaction through effective communication, team leadership, and exceptional customer service.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2
2
years of post-secondary education
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Service Worker
VA Medical Center
San Diego
04.2026 - Current
- Assembled patient meal trays based on physician-prescribed therapeutic diets to meet specific nutritional needs.
- Delivered meals to patients, ensuring accuracy and quality while adhering to timelines for optimal patient satisfaction.
- Retrieved and sanitized trays from patient care units, upholding strict sanitation standards to ensure patient safety.
- Prepare cold food items and assist with daily food production.
- Operate commercial dishwashing equipment and sanitize utensils, dishes, and food service equipment.
- Follow HACCP, infection prevention, and food safety regulations.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas in accordance with VA and Joint Commission standards.
- Collaborate with dietitians, supervisors, and healthcare staff to ensure patients receive appropriate nutritional care.
Senior Cook/Retail Store Manager
UCSD
La Jolla
09.2024 - 04.2026
- Led daily food service operations in a high-volume university dining facility, ensuring efficient workflow and exceptional customer service.
- Prepared and cooked meals while maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
- Supervised and coordinated staff during assigned shifts, providing direction and support to ensure smooth operations.
- Trained, mentored, and onboarded new employees on food preparation, sanitation, safety procedures, and customer service standards.
- Monitored food production, portion control, and product quality to minimize waste and ensure consistency.
- Assisted with inventory management, receiving deliveries, stocking, and ordering supplies.
- Operated and balanced POS systems while assisting customers with orders and resolving service concerns.
- Ensured compliance with HACCP, food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and departmental policies.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and dining environment.
- Collaborated with supervisors and management to improve operational efficiency and support daily dining operations.
Key Holder Supervisor
BevMo
Chula Vista
10.2022 - 12.2024
- Opened and closed the store while maintaining security procedures.
- Assisted customers with product selection and recommendations.
- Operated POS systems and processed cash and credit card transactions.
- Maintained inventory accuracy and stocked merchandise.
- Supported daily store operations and ensured excellent customer service.
- Managed inventory control and product placement for optimal customer experience.
- Supported the Store Manager in daily operations activities as needed.
Area Manager
85c Bakery Cafe
San Diego
11.2014 - 08.2022
- Managed daily operations for multiple bakery café locations.
- Supervised, coached, and developed managers and team members.
- Oversaw hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
- Ensured compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
- Managed inventory, food ordering, labor costs, and operational performance.
- Maintained high standards of food quality and customer satisfaction.
- Resolved customer concerns professionally while fostering a positive guest experience.
- Worked collaboratively with executive leadership to improve operational efficiency and achieve business goals.
- Conducted performance evaluations to support staff development initiatives.
- Inspected store facilities regularly to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
- Developed strategies for increasing sales, market share and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other departments such as Human Resources or Marketing on initiatives related to Area Management duties.
- Implemented training initiatives to coach staff on best practices and protocol for enhanced profitability.
- Evaluated schedules, orders and forecasts to plan processes and meet timetables.
Grill/Prep Line Cook
Chipotle
Carmel Valley
01.2013 - 05.2014
- Prepared food according to standardized recipes and food safety procedures.
- Assisted with menu item preparation including chopping vegetables, marinating meats and preparing sauces.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline workflow during peak service times.
- Assisted with stocking and food preparation during high-volume meal periods.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation throughout kitchen and dining areas.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely, including slicers, mixers, and food processors.
- Assembled customer orders accurately and efficiently.
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.
- Operated POS systems and handled cash transactions.
- Organized food storage areas ensuring that all items were properly labeled and dated.
Education
Certificate of Technical Studies - Food And Nutrition
Southwestern College
Chula Vista, CA 08.2017 - 12.2019
Some College (No Degree) - Food And Nutrition
Art Institute of San Diego
San Diego, CASkills
- Patient Meal Service
- Meal Tray Assembly
- Food Preparation
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- HACCP
- Infection Control
- ServSafe Certified
- Commercial Kitchen Operations
- Dishwashing & Sanitation
- Cash Register Operation
- Basic Cash Management
- Inventory Management
- Food Service Software
- Customer Service
- Employee Training
- Team Leadership
- Team Leadership
Certification
ServSafe Food Handler Certification
June 2026-June 2029
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Food Service Worker
VA Medical Center
04.2026 - Current
Senior Cook/Retail Store Manager
UCSD
09.2024 - 04.2026
Key Holder Supervisor
BevMo
10.2022 - 12.2024
Certificate of Technical Studies - Food And Nutrition
Southwestern College
08.2017 - 12.2019
Area Manager
85c Bakery Cafe
11.2014 - 08.2022
Grill/Prep Line Cook
Chipotle
01.2013 - 05.2014
Some College (No Degree) - Food And Nutrition
Art Institute of San Diego