Kevin McKee
Saskatoon,sk
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Bon Temps Cafe, excelling in kitchen management and food safety. Proven ability to enhance kitchen operations and foster team collaboration, resulting in increased guest satisfaction. Skilled in innovative menu planning and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring high-quality food preparation and exceptional customer service.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Bon Temps Cafe
03.2021 - Current
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out
- Making schedules
- 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.
Prep Line Cook
Haywood's Grill
10.2018 - 04.2021
- Worked closely with other line cooks to ensure consistency across all stations, delivering a cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to effectively manage multiple orders at once while ensuring high-quality output and timely service.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in food preparation and presentation.
- Assisted in training new team members on cooking techniques, kitchen equipment usage, and company policies.
- Provided excellent customer service by swiftly addressing any concerns or special requests from guests regarding dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department regulations and ensuring safety for all staff members.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper storage techniques and monitoring expiration dates.
Prep Line Cook
Somewhere Else Bar & Grill
04.2020 - 03.2021
- Worked closely with other line cooks to ensure consistency across all stations, delivering a cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to effectively manage multiple orders at once while ensuring high-quality output and timely service.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in food preparation and presentation.
- Assisted in training new team members on cooking techniques, kitchen equipment usage, and company policies.
- Provided excellent customer service by swiftly addressing any concerns or special requests from guests regarding dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Consistently met strict deadlines for meal preparation during busy shifts, contributing to timely service delivery.
- Contributed to a positive working atmosphere, fostering teamwork among kitchen staff for seamless service delivery.
Sous Chef
Bon Temps Cafe
05.2013 - 08.2017
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
Sous Chef
Las Palapas Resort Bar and Grill
06.2006 - 05.2013
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Served as an integral part of the hiring process for new kitchen staff members, contributing valuable insights into candidate selection based on experience and skill set compatibility with existing team dynamics.
- Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
Cook's Assistant
Clarks Crossing Brew Pub
06.2003 - 06.2006
- Cleaned and maintained work areas, equipment and utensils.
- Followed food safety practices and sanitation guidelines.
- Washed, peeled and cut various foods such as fruits and vegetables to prepare for cooking or serving.
- Sanitized pots, pans, utensils, kitchen appliances and equipment using company-approved cleaning supplies.
- Maintained composure and work quality while under stress.
- Assisted in setting up and breaking down kitchen stations.
- Reduced kitchen accidents by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
- Prepared sandwiches, salads and other specialty items according to customer specifications.
- Stocked and rotated food items according to expiration dates.
- Operated food slicers, grinders and chopper in accordance with safety guidelines.
- Loaded dishes, glasses and tableware into dishwashing machines.
- Monitored food temperature, discarding items not stored correctly.
- Lifted and carried heavy materials.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Kitchen Manager
Saskaton Soccer Centre
10.1997 - 06.2003
- 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.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Facilitated special event catering coordination, ensuring timely preparation of high-quality dishes while adhering to client specifications.
- Developed creative daily specials using seasonal ingredients, incorporating fresh flavors into the menu rotation while minimizing costs associated with excess inventory stockpiling.
Pizza Maker
Vern's Pizza
10.1998 - 04.2000
- Topped pizzas with right ingredients based on orders utilizing recipe-directed amounts and distribution methods.
- Rolled and shaped dough to correct sizes and shapes based on orders to fit in oven and cook evenly.
- Learned and memorized menu items and specials to provide accurate and up-to-date information to kitchen staff.
- Prepared raw materials for cooking by cutting vegetables and preparing dough.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely to protect team members from harm and equipment from damage.
- Developed strong time management skills by juggling multiple orders during peak hours without compromising quality.
- Established a positive work environment by fostering effective communication and teamwork among colleagues, contributing to overall job satisfaction and productivity.
- Prioritized strict adherence to food safety regulations, maintaining a clean work area free from cross-contamination risks at all times.
- Handled customer complaints professionally to prevent negative reviews or loss of business.
Prep Dishwasher
Crawdaddy's Cajun Bar And Grill
02.1998 - 06.1999
- Increased overall cleanliness of restaurant by regularly sweeping and mopping floors around dishwashing station.
- Cleared, washed and stacked all plates, dining utensils, and trays quickly and without breaking.
- Demonstrated punctuality and reliability, consistently arriving on time for scheduled shifts.
- Washed equipment, surfaces, refrigerators, and other areas and applied sanitizing chemicals.
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Stepped into additional roles during busy times to boost coverage of important stations.
- Promoted environmental sustainability efforts within the restaurant by sorting recyclables from non-recyclable materials during disposal process.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, contributing to overall sanitation and safety standards.
Dishwasher
Saskatoon Inn
03.1996 - 04.1997
- Kept kitchen areas neat and clean by removing trash and organizing supplies.
- Followed supervisor instructions to complete tasks on time.
- Kept work area clean, dry, and free of debris to prevent incidents and accidents.
- Kept dishes, utensils and glassware clean and rotated following safety standards set by restaurant.
- Completed extra cleaning work on garbage cans, racks, dry storage areas, and other fixtures to keep kitchen spotless.
- Completed additional cleaning tasks within the kitchen area, contributing to an overall sanitary work environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
E.D. Feehan Catholic High School
06-2000
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Food quality
- Kitchen management
- Kitchen operations
- Team collaboration
- Grilling techniques
- Meal preparation
- Attention to detail
- Frying techniques
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Recipes and menu planning
Accomplishments
- Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
- Created signature dish which generated high-interest and became best-selling dinner entrée for [Timeframe].
- Prepared [Number] meals, including appetizers and desserts, for high-volume catering event.
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
Languages
English
Certification
- Food Safety Certified.
Interests
- Music
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Drawing and Painting
- Blogging
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Sharing recipes, cooking tips, and culinary experiences through blogs and social media platforms
- Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors in the kitchen
- I like trying new recipes and food trends
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
Timeline
Chef
Bon Temps Cafe
03.2021 - Current
Prep Line Cook
Somewhere Else Bar & Grill
04.2020 - 03.2021
Prep Line Cook
Haywood's Grill
10.2018 - 04.2021
Sous Chef
Bon Temps Cafe
05.2013 - 08.2017
Sous Chef
Las Palapas Resort Bar and Grill
06.2006 - 05.2013
Cook's Assistant
Clarks Crossing Brew Pub
06.2003 - 06.2006
Pizza Maker
Vern's Pizza
10.1998 - 04.2000
Prep Dishwasher
Crawdaddy's Cajun Bar And Grill
02.1998 - 06.1999
Kitchen Manager
Saskaton Soccer Centre
10.1997 - 06.2003
Dishwasher
Saskatoon Inn
03.1996 - 04.1997
High School Diploma -
E.D. Feehan Catholic High School
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