Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Debbie McGuire

Merritt

Summary

Dynamic retired chef with extensive experience at Cactus Ridge Retirement Home, recognized for optimizing food preparation processes and enhancing customer satisfaction. Proven ability to train and mentor staff while maintaining high food safety standards. Passionate about community engagement and culinary innovation, with a strong commitment to quality and teamwork.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience

Work History

Retired Chef

Cactus Ridge Retirement Home Most Recent
09.1969 - 07.2013
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
  • Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
  • Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
  • Implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure consistent taste and presentation of dishes.
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused work environment.
  • Organized and led team participation in community events, raising restaurant's profile and engaging with potential customers.
  • Customized meal plans for guests with dietary restrictions, ensuring welcoming and inclusive dining experience.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by introducing feedback system to gather insights and make informed improvements.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency, implementing new inventory management system.
  • Improved kitchen safety, conducting comprehensive training on proper equipment use and emergency procedures.
  • Elevated restaurant's reputation, securing positive reviews through meticulous attention to food quality and presentation.
  • Enhanced dining experience by crafting innovative menu items tailored to seasonal ingredients.
  • Achieved consistent on-time service, optimizing kitchen workflows and staff scheduling.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.

Head Chef, Kitchen Manager

Murphys Bar and Grill
04.2004 - 05.2008
  • Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.

Education

No Degree - Finished Highschool By Correspondence With Diploma

South Okanagan Secondary School
Oliver BC
06-1994

Skills

Have volunteered and been in office work since 1970 when I was secretary of family run roofing business

Have been active in my church in the Oliver area, since being Baptised August 9th, 2009

Have played an active role in volunteering and growing in my faith

Medical issues forced by retirement in 2013, I have since retired and am seeking to become more involved in church activities

My hobbies include sewing, quilting, painting and artwork

Languages

English

Additional Information

Please find attached a reference provided by Pastor Bart Thomas of the

Park Drive Pentecostal Church in Oliver.

Timeline

Head Chef, Kitchen Manager

Murphys Bar and Grill
04.2004 - 05.2008

No Degree - Finished Highschool By Correspondence With Diploma

South Okanagan Secondary School

Retired Chef

Cactus Ridge Retirement Home Most Recent
09.1969 - 07.2013

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Debbie McGuire