Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Autumn Hinkle

Chattanooga

Summary

Dynamic Lead Cake and Pastry Decorator at The Guilty Grind, recognized for enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative dessert designs and effective time management. Proven expertise in cake sculpting and team training, driving sales growth with seasonal offerings while fostering a collaborative environment. Committed to maintaining high-quality standards and food safety compliance.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Cake and Pastry Decorator

The Guilty Grind
02.2024 - 07.2025
  • Streamlined bakery operations by implementing effective time management techniques in decorating tasks.
  • Increased bakery sales by introducing a variety of new seasonal dessert offerings and eye-catching displays.
  • Achieved consistent positive feedback from customers through attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship in all decorating projects.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and innovative cake designs.
  • Optimized scheduling process for decorators'' workload, balancing deadlines while minimizing overtime costs.
  • Created detailed records of each project completed, supporting accurate billing processes and client communication efforts.
  • Mentored new hires in proper use of tools and equipment, ensuring safe work practices and adherence to industry standards.
  • Worked alongside bakers to develop new recipes incorporating both taste and visual appeal, expanding bakery offerings.
  • Continuously researched industry trends and competitor strategies, utilizing the gained knowledge to maintain a competitive edge in cake and pastry decoration.
  • Designed specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, and graduations.
  • Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
  • Kept work area safe and sanitized by washing utensils, tools, and countertops.
  • Verified accuracy of orders while meeting strict deadlines on producing completed products.
  • Disposed of damaged and expired goods to uphold safety standards and provide fresh products.
  • Used variety of baking and decorating tools such as mixers, carving tools, and confectionery products.
  • Packaged and priced each product according to company pricing procedures.
  • Prepared special creams and frostings for cakes and other dessert specialties.
  • Followed food safety standards when handling ingredients.
  • Operated ovens and bakery equipment to prepare products according to recipes.
  • Prepared all pastry items in accordance with standards of quality, quantity control, taste, and presentation.
  • Monitored temperatures of ovens, proof boxes and other equipment.
  • Replenished and rotated food items, following correct food cooling and storage procedures.
  • Processed customer orders and payment transactions.
  • Determined baking times for various items.
  • Cut and shaped dough for pies, rolls and other pastries.
  • Precisely arranged display cases throughout workday to highlight finished products.
  • Boosted efficiency by maintaining an organized workspace, optimizing workflow processes for maximum productivity.
  • Determined quantity of product to prepare for next day operation by maintaining detailed production schedule.
  • Collaborated with clients to create unique and personalized cake designs, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Front of House Manager

Logan's Roadhouse
10.2022 - 02.2024
  • Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.
  • Resolved guests complaints while maintaining positive customer environment.
  • Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
  • Developed strong relationships with guests, addressing complaints promptly and ensuring a positive dining experience.
  • Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
  • Demonstrated leadership by keeping up with cleanliness and organization and delegating roles to employees.
  • Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and implemented strategies to improve customer satisfaction.
  • Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guests' satisfaction.
  • Improved staff retention by fostering a supportive work environment and providing ongoing training opportunities.
  • Reduced wait times for customers by optimizing seating arrangements and implementing effective table management practices.
  • Collaborated with culinary team to ensure seamless coordination between kitchen and dining room operations, enhancing overall service speed and quality.
  • Conducted regular training sessions on new menu items and service techniques, keeping team informed and engaged.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
  • Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
  • Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
  • Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.

1st Cook

Disneyworld
08.2021 - 03.2022
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and maintaining a clean workspace.
  • Enhanced team performance through regular debriefing sessions, discussing areas of improvement and celebrating shared successes.
  • Maintained high-quality standards by consistently preparing dishes according to established recipes and presentation guidelines.
  • Collaborated with the culinary team to develop creative and seasonal menus, keeping up-to-date with industry trends.
  • Mitigated risk of cross-contamination by diligently following proper sanitation practices when handling allergens or raw ingredients.
  • Showcased culinary expertise in various styles of cooking, adapting techniques to accommodate unique ingredients and evolving menu offerings.
  • Expedited orders during peak service times, working closely with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth operations.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing dietary restrictions and customizing menu items to meet individual needs.
  • Assisted in training new staff members, ensuring they were well-versed in kitchen procedures and safety protocols.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.

Education

High School Diploma -

Penn Foster
Scranton, PA
07-2017

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Whitney M Young Job Corps Center
Simpsonville, KY
10-2017

Skills

  • Food safety compliance
  • Quality control standards
  • Negotiation and persuasion
  • Menu planning proficiency
  • Recipe development expertise
  • Innovative flavor pairings
  • Team building and training
  • Customized dessert creation
  • Strong leadership
  • Food safety
  • Stock rotation
  • Glazing and icing application
  • Cake sculpting
  • Baking machinery
  • Social media promotion
  • Icings and fondant
  • Design Techniques
  • Cake decoration
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Hospitality and accommodation
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management

Timeline

Lead Cake and Pastry Decorator

The Guilty Grind
02.2024 - 07.2025

Front of House Manager

Logan's Roadhouse
10.2022 - 02.2024

1st Cook

Disneyworld
08.2021 - 03.2022

High School Diploma -

Penn Foster

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Whitney M Young Job Corps Center
Autumn Hinkle