Julia Menchaca
Norwalk
Summary
Experienced food service professional with a strong track record in preparing high-quality meals in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled in food safety, ingredient prep, and efficient kitchen operations. Known for strong work ethic, reliability, teamwork, and delivering consistent, excellent results.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Preparation Specialist
Panera Bread
05.2021 - Current
- Prepares and assembles meals with precision, following portion guidelines and presentation standards
- Maintains a clean, organized, and fully stocked workstation in line with food safety regulations
- Monitors temperatures and handles ingredients according to proper food safety and sanitation protocols
- Trains and mentors new team members in food prep, kitchen procedures, and workplace safety
- Supports high-volume service and large catering orders by managing time and tasks efficiently
- Minimizes waste and improves cost control through careful portioning and inventory rotation
- Helps improve workflow by organizing prep and storage areas for better efficiency
- Demonstrates strong reliability with consistent attendance and punctuality for all scheduled shifts
- Provides reliable shift coverage and consistently contributes to a positive team environment
Line Cook
Hawaiian Gardens Casino
03.2018 - 04.2020
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously, maintaining a high level of accuracy and customer satisfaction
- Collaborated with team members to ensure a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen environment
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and a commitment to learning
- Prepared and cooked meats, poultry, and fish according to restaurant standards and customer preferences
- Plated and presented dishes to match established restaurant specifications
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards by sanitizing surfaces and checking food temperatures regularly
- Trained new kitchen staff in food safety, cooking techniques, and kitchen protocols
- Improved kitchen efficiency by reorganizing workflows and reducing cooking time
- Managed inventory and stock rotation to ensure freshness and minimize waste
- Demonstrated safe operation of kitchen equipment to maintain a productive, safe work environment
Line Cook
Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
01.2010 - 06.2018
- Supported high-volume kitchen operations by coordinating with line cooks to expedite orders and maintain consistent timing
- Prepared signature dishes with precision, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation across hundreds of daily orders
- Organized and maintained prep and cook stations for peak efficiency during busy shifts
- Handled raw chicken and perishable items according to strict food safety and sanitation standards
- Monitored food stock rotation and freshness to reduce waste and uphold quality
- Adapted quickly to last-minute changes in orders or prep needs while keeping service flowing smoothly
- Communicated with servers and kitchen staff to streamline front- and back-of-house coordination
- Maintained a calm, customer-focused approach during high-pressure service periods
Education
High School Diploma -
Escuela Revolucion
Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua. MX.Skills
- Safe food handling & storage
- Temperature control & monitoring
- Allergen awareness
- Knife handling & ingredient prep
- Kitchen sanitation & cleaning procedures
- Efficient meal preparation & cooking techniques
- Time management in high-volume environments
- Team collaboration & communication
- Menu and meal planning
- Customer-focused service
- Reliable and punctual with strong attendance record
- Inventory rotation & basic stock management
Certification
California Food Handler Card
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Food Preparation Specialist
Panera Bread
05.2021 - Current
Line Cook
Hawaiian Gardens Casino
03.2018 - 04.2020
Line Cook
Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant
01.2010 - 06.2018
High School Diploma -
Escuela Revolucion
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