Kenia Palacios
Powell
Summary
Dynamic restaurant professional with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Demonstrated success in optimizing daily operations, implementing process improvements, and ensuring high standards of food safety and quality control. Committed to fostering a culture of teamwork and outstanding guest experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Front of House Supervisor
ARAMARK Smokey's Grill
Knoxville, TN
09.2023 - Current
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored staff on service standards and operational procedures.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance workflow and reduce wait times.
- Managed inventory control, optimizing stock levels to meet customer demand.
- Trained new employees on company policies, procedures, and service standards to ensure consistent guest experiences across the team.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling unexpected situations or challenges that arose during service hours, effectively addressing issues to maintain customer satisfaction levels.
- Collaborated with chefs to create seasonal menus and promotional offers.
- Monitored food preparation, production, and plating for quality control.
Deli Clerk
Publix Deli
Knoxville, TN
08.2016 - 09.2023
- Maintained high standards of food safety and sanitation in deli operations.
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided excellent service.
- Prepared and packaged a variety of deli items for display and sale.
- Operated slicing machines and scales to ensure accuracy in portioning products.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Precisely measured, weighed, sliced, and packaged deli products according to customer requests while minimizing waste.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to food safety guidelines and promptly addressing any hazards.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Provided an enjoyable shopping experience for customers by engaging in friendly conversations while efficiently preparing their orders.
- Took special orders for event catering and party trays, assisting customers by recommending additional items, condiments, and garnishes.
- Boosted sales by actively promoting seasonal items, weekly specials, and bundled deals to customers at the deli counter.
- Managed deli equipment maintenance, ensuring all machines operated safely and efficiently.
- Properly labeled and stored food and fresh ingredients in cooler or freezer to optimize freshness.
Kitchen Manager
ORNL Oakridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN
02.2019 - 09.2022
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for kitchen staff, enhancing performance and efficiency.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing supply usage.
- Led menu planning initiatives, incorporating seasonal ingredients to enhance culinary offerings.
- 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.
- 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.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training initiatives.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
Restaurant Shift Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
Harriman, TN
10.2008 - 07.2016
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored team members, enhancing service efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control practices.
- Implemented staff scheduling to optimize labor costs while maintaining service levels.
- Oversaw cash handling procedures, maintaining accurate records and minimizing discrepancies in daily financial reports.
- Monitored employee food handling, safety and uniform requirements.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedures, and customer service expectations, contributing to a well-prepared workforce.
- Trained restaurant employees to prepare food, operate cash registers and keep restaurant clean throughout shift.
- Checked and monitored inventory levels to reorder items.
- Communicated with health inspectors during inspections and resolved issues found.
Education
Associate in Culinary Arts -
Pellissippi State Community College
Knoxville, TN12-2019
Associate of Science - Administrative Office Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Harriman TN
Harriman, TN08-2016
Skills
- Bilingual English/ Spanish
- Workplace safety
- Hospitality industry
- Food safety compliance
- Guest relations
- Task delegation
- Quality control
- Staff motivation
- Staff supervision
- Health department inspections
- Restaurant operations
- Team building
- Team leadership
- Food safety
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Front of House Supervisor
ARAMARK Smokey's Grill
09.2023 - Current
Kitchen Manager
ORNL Oakridge National Laboratory
02.2019 - 09.2022
Deli Clerk
Publix Deli
08.2016 - 09.2023
Restaurant Shift Manager
McDonald's Restaurant
10.2008 - 07.2016
Associate in Culinary Arts -
Pellissippi State Community College
Associate of Science - Administrative Office Technology
Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Harriman TN