Nolan Patterson
San Diego
Summary
I am a culinary professional with a background in kinesiology and healthcare who is drawn to both fields for similar reasons: improving people’s well-being in practical, everyday ways. In healthcare, recovery often begins with consistency, discipline, and small daily improvements. Kitchens operate the same way through routine, preparation, teamwork, and attention to detail that directly affects how people feel. My experience ranges from high-volume deli service to institutional cooking in a PTSD rehabilitation facility, where meals were part of a broader process of care. My academic and research projects have strengthened skills in workflow optimization, efficiency, sanitation awareness, and communication. My goal is to continue developing as a cook in environments that value craftsmanship, teamwork, and learning.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food Service Worker / Cook
The Admiral’s Experience
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner using a structured three-week rotating menu in a high-volume facility kitchen
- Served veterans in a residential rehabilitation program, maintaining professionalism, consistency, and care in meal service
- Assisted with prep, plating, and timing to ensure meals were delivered efficiently and on schedule
- Maintained sanitation standards including dishwashing, station cleaning, and safe food handling
- Supported inventory organization, food storage, and kitchen workflow to maintain operational efficiency
- Developed the ability to maintain consistency and quality across repetitive menu cycles, a skill essential in large-scale food service
- Working in a rehabilitation environment reinforced the importance of reliability and consistency in food service. Meals were not only nourishment but part of a daily structure that supported recovery.
Cook & Food Service Associate
Knockout Deli
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Prepared made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and hot items in a fast-paced service environment
- Managed multiple stations including prep, service line, and register
- Executed opening and closing procedures including prep lists, stock checks, and equipment setup
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards during high-volume service
- Balanced speed and accuracy during peak service hours
- This role strengthened multitasking, ticket management, and time efficiency—skills critical in line cooking and service environments.
Rehabilitation Intern
Hawai‘i Pacific Health
04.2023 - 07.2023
- Observed interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation settings
- Studied patient recovery workflows and daily care routines
- Developed communication and observation skills transferable to structured kitchen environments
- Selected as closing banquet speaker
- This experience strengthened my understanding of how structured routines, including nutrition and meal timing, contribute to recovery and performance.
Busser
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi
05.2020 - 11.2021
- Supported service staff in a high-volume restaurant environment
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas and service stations
- Observed professional kitchen and service coordination in a fast-paced setting
- Developed awareness of timing, pacing, and guest experience in restaurant operations
- This position built foundational restaurant discipline and understanding of how front- and back-of-house operations connect.
Education
B.S. - Kinesiology, Emphasis in Physical Therapy
San Diego State University
01.2025
Skills
- Culinary Skills
- Line cooking and prep work
- High-volume meal execution
- Food safety and sanitation
- Inventory rotation (FIFO)
- Station organization and workflow efficiency
- Time management under pressure
- Equipment care and maintenance awareness
- Team communication in fast-paced environments
- Customer service
- Quick learner
- Toast POS
- Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
- Data analysis and documentation
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- California Food Handler Certification
Languages
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Conversational)
Extracurriculars and Interests
Guitarist and live performer, Piano, Cooking and menu experimentation, Soccer
Timeline
Food Service Worker / Cook
The Admiral’s Experience
07.2025 - 02.2026
Cook & Food Service Associate
Knockout Deli
08.2023 - 05.2025
Rehabilitation Intern
Hawai‘i Pacific Health
04.2023 - 07.2023
Busser
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi
05.2020 - 11.2021
B.S. - Kinesiology, Emphasis in Physical Therapy
San Diego State University