Wayne Karst
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented professional with substantial experience in executing diverse cooking techniques and preparing high-quality dishes in fast-paced kitchen environments. Well-versed in ingredient preparation, menu adherence, and sanitary standards maintenance. Skilled in developing and implementing customer attraction strategies to meet and exceed set goals. Instrumental in marketing in-house signature sauces, elevating dining experience, and boosting retail sales. Adept at training kitchen staff and fostering team-oriented atmosphere to maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety. Strong communicator; excel at resolving customer issues and building long-term productive relationships at all organizational levels.
Professional culinary expert with strong skills in high-pressure kitchen environments. Proven ability to prepare diverse dishes while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation. Solid track record of collaborating effectively with team members and adapting to changing needs. Known for reliability, culinary creativity, and strong focus on achieving outstanding results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Isetta Cafe Bistro
West Vancouver BC
03.2025 - Current
- Prepared diverse menu items in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Mentored junior staff members in culinary skills and techniques, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain efficient workflow during peak hours.
- Operated kitchen equipment and tools to ensure food safety standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring freshness and availability of ingredients.
- Trained new staff on kitchen procedures and best practices for food preparation.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company
Kenora, ON
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Maintained rigorous company standards by preparing diverse food components, including cutting, chopping, mixing, and crafting sauces, dressings, and soups from scratch. Crafted smoked meats like pork shoulder and brisket employing specialized methods, while infusing distinctive flavors into menu offerings. Oversaw restaurant opening and closing procedures, adhering strictly to established protocols to uphold tidy and orderly kitchen environment. Ensured safe environment for team members by maintaining hygiene and safety standards during shifts, while cleaning and sanitizing kitchen equipment and areas.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Enriched dining experiences and fostered repeat patronage by ensuring meticulous food quality inspection pre-service and cultivating customer relationships.
- Achieved 100+ high-quality dishes monthly by executing full menu items using grilling, frying, sautéing, and other culinary techniques to prescribed recipes and company benchmarks.
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
The Kingston Brewing Company
Kingston, ON
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Steered inventory levels of dishwasher chemicals to ensure timely ordering and stock maintenance as well as uphold efficient kitchen functionality. Upheld rigorous sanitation standards by meticulously cleaning work areas, equipment, utensils, and kitchenware by hand or machine, while contributing to pristine and safe kitchen environment.
- Key Accomplishment:
- Facilitated smooth kitchen operations by actively supporting five to eight cooks and kitchen staff daily, preparing ingredients, and ensuring all necessary items were readily available.
- Maintained meticulous attention to detail adhere to recipes based on company standards as well as utilized kitchen equipment, including immersion blenders and food processors, with precision.
- Demonstrated intermediate knife skills through chopping, slicing, and trimming various foods.
- Enhanced description of proficiency level to reflect consistent application of skills, while contributing significantly to the overall kitchen efficiency and food quality.
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Tir Nan' Og Irish Pub
Kingston, ON
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Optimized kitchen efficiency and enhanced safety protocols by cleaning and well-organizing workspace.
- Key Accomplishments:
- Met demands of 200+ customers annually by excelling under pressure throughout peak lunch and dinner services along with demonstrating exceptional focus and speed.
- Oversaw efficient operation of commercial dish-washing machines and personally washed 150 dishes daily during peak hours, while maintaining impeccable cleanliness standards and operational efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma -
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Kenora, Ontario01.2003
Skills
- High-Volume Kitchen Efficiency
- Proficient in kitchen equipment use
- Understanding of health regulations
- Sanitation compliance expertise
- Customer service expertise
- Food Storage & Rotation
- Menu Item Execution
- Culinary Techniques
- Dietary Restrictions Awareness
- Quality & Inventory Control
- Food Safety & Hygiene
- Order Management
Certification
SafeCheck Advanced Food Safety Certification – 2024
Timeline
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Isetta Cafe Bistro
03.2025 - Current
Line Cook/Prep Cook
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company
01.2021 - 01.2024
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
The Kingston Brewing Company
01.2018 - 01.2021
Prep Cook/Dishwasher
Tir Nan' Og Irish Pub
01.2015 - 01.2018
High School Diploma -
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School