Brenda L Hardesty
Chico
Summary
Dynamic institutional cook with a proven track record at the California Institute for Women, excelling in menu planning and food safety compliance. Recognized for enhancing meal quality and reducing food waste through innovative techniques. Strong team leader, fostering collaboration and improving customer satisfaction by accommodating diverse dietary needs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Institutional Cook
California Institute for Women
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Assisted in the development of emergency preparedness plans related to food service operations during natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances that could impact normal facility operations.
- Trained new staff members on institutional cooking practices, kitchen safety, and equipment usage.
- Continuously updated knowledge on industry trends, best practices in institutional cooking, and nutrition guidelines through professional development and training opportunities.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper portion control and storage methods.
- Collaborated with dietitians to develop nutritionally balanced meal plans for diverse populations.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing patron feedback promptly and making necessary improvements to better serve their needs.
- Enhanced kitchen efficiency with effective planning, inventory management, and cost control measures.
- Improved meal quality by implementing new recipes and incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Regularly reviewed ingredient inventory levels to minimize spoilage risk and maintain optimal stock rotation practices.
- Streamlined food preparation processes through the implementation of standardized procedures and time-saving techniques.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, leading by example, and recognizing staff achievements to encourage growth and high performance within the institutional cooking team.
- Increased customer satisfaction by accommodating special dietary needs and preferences in meal offerings.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, including staff scheduling, task delegation, and quality control checks.
- Utilized various cooking techniques to prepare a wide range of cuisines for different types of institutions including schools, hospitals, prisons, and military facilities.
- Ensured food safety compliance by strictly adhering to sanitation guidelines and regular equipment maintenance.
- Evaluated menu offerings seasonally to incorporate fresh produce available in local markets or from on-site gardens when possible.
- Worked closely with other department heads to coordinate meal service logistics and ensure seamless integration of food preparation with facility-wide activities or events.
- Cooked meals according to administrative policies, health code regulations and food service standards.
- Measured, weighed, and mixed appropriate ingredients according to recipe directions.
- Trained and supervised new kitchen staff on food preparation and safety protocols.
- Communicated with supervisor to discuss menu items, ingredients and nutritional values.
- Followed proper procedures for use of government-provided commodities.
- Planned menus complying with established health guidelines and budget limitations.
Salesperson
Betts Thrift Shop
03.2012 - 04.2014
- Forged strong customer relationships.
- Developed relationships with clients for increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Enhanced revenue by maintaining regular customer interaction.
- Worked with team members to achieve collective sales targets.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resulting in numerous positive reviews and referrals.
- Engaged customers in social conversations to create pleasant and easy shopping experience.
- Enhanced product knowledge by attending training sessions and staying current with industry trends.
- Coached new hires on sales techniques, contributing to their development as successful team members.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Greeted customers and offered assistance with selecting merchandise, finding accessories and completing purchases.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
Recreational County Janitor
Butte County Probation
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Maintained clean and comfortable environments in commercial buildings by vacuuming, cleaning windows, and dusting.
- Improved facility cleanliness by performing daily maintenance tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
- Reduced the spread of germs by sanitizing high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handrails.
- Kept building spaces premises clean inside and outside.
- Maintained a positive and professional demeanor while interacting with building occupants, promoting a respectful work environment.
- Supported waste management efforts by collecting trash, recycling materials, and disposing of them properly.
- Contributed to a welcoming environment by maintaining clean and organized common areas such as lobbies and conference rooms.
- Maintained a well-stocked inventory of cleaning supplies to ensure all necessary equipment was available for use.
- Inspected facility and grounds and picked up trash or other debris impacting appearance or movement flows between spaces.
- Maintained floor cleaning and waxing equipment.
- Provided backup support for other janitorial team members during absences or busy periods, ensuring seamless service.
- Upheld company policies regarding health codes, safety regulations, hazardous materials disposal protocols while completing assigned tasks diligently.
- Followed procedures for use of chemical cleaners and power equipment to prevent damage to floors.
- Mixed, used, and properly stored hazardous chemical cleaners to reduce risk of injury or illness.
- Deep cleaned or replaced flooring, performing stripping, sealing and finishing tasks.
- Responded immediately to calls from personnel to clean up spills and wet floors.
Education
GED -
El Prado Adult School
Corona, CA01.2025
Skills
- Knife skills
- Food safety regulations
- Cooking techniques
- Meal preparation
- Menu planning
- Food storage
- Food presentation
- Sanitation procedures
- Special dietary requirements
- Large-scale cooking
- Recipe adaptation
- Nutritional advice
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Reliability
- Multitasking
- Team leadership
- Food safety
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Safe food handling
- Food preparation
- Safe handling procedures
- Cleaning procedures
- Relationship building
- Customer interaction
Timeline
Institutional Cook
California Institute for Women
08.2023 - 01.2025
Recreational County Janitor
Butte County Probation
01.2021 - 07.2023
Salesperson
Betts Thrift Shop
03.2012 - 04.2014
GED -
El Prado Adult School
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