Stephanie Downing
Lakewood
Summary
Calm, passionate, results-driven kitchen manager with a proven track record. Skilled in inventory management and labor optimization, I foster a positive work environment while mentoring staff. Recognized for reducing food waste and enhancing customer satisfaction through exceptional service and high-quality meal preparation.
I am a proactive and goal-oriented professional with strong organizational skills and experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
I bring a positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Chef and Trainer
Cheesecake Factory Inc
04.2025 - Current
- Prepare and cook high-quality meals in a fast-paced kitchen following precise corporate recipes while ensuring adherence to food safety standards.
- Train and mentor new kitchen staff on menu knowledge, recipes, food preparation techniques and sanitation protocols.
- Collaborate with team members to streamline kitchen operations and improve efficiency.
- Implement portion control measures, reducing food waste and managing costs.
- Supported front-of-house staff by ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Consistently being versatile by efficiently working across various stations within the kitchen as needed.
- July 2025 Team member of the month.
- Oct 2025 Food and Safety team member award.
General Manager
All Natural Foodie
05.2016 - 11.2024
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels and reduce loss and waste.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Managed P&L analysis, weekly and monthly.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
Executive Kitchen Manager
Serdendipity Cafe
03.2008 - 04.2016
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity while cultivating strong vendor relationships.
- Calculated prices of ingredients to monitor food costs and control expenses.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Managed inventory control and procurement processes for cost reduction and waste minimization.
- Hired and managed entire kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Overcame staffing challenges during peak periods by cross-training employees in various roles.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality by creating a fun environment.
Head Line Chef
Old Fort Pub
05.2004 - 03.2008
- Upheld strict adherence to recipe guidelines, ensuring consistency in taste and quality across all menu offerings.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper storage techniques and inventory management practices.
- Cultivated positive relationships with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and dining room teams.
- Collaborated closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, optimizing profitability without sacrificing quality.
- Contributed positively towards workplace morale through active participation in team meetings aimed at continuous improvement.
- Mastered a broad range of cooking techniques, demonstrating versatility and adaptability in meeting diverse customer needs.
- Introduced creative daily specials that became popular favorites among patrons, leading to repeat business growth over time.
- Increased customer satisfaction with well-executed dishes, maintaining consistent quality and presentation standards.
- Developed seasonal menus showcasing fresh ingredients, providing diners with diverse and enticing options.
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, creating a safe workspace for staff and customers alike.
- Trained new employees on kitchen procedures, promoting adherence to established protocols for cleanliness and organization.
- Mentored junior staff to strengthen their culinary skills, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks for optimal functionality, prolonging the lifespan of essential tools.
Line Chef
Gatsby's Waterfront Grill
02.1999 - 06.2004
- Prepared high-quality dishes in line with restaurant standards and customer preferences.
- Executed precise cooking techniques for diverse menu items, enhancing flavor and presentation.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes and improve efficiency.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to ensure availability of essential ingredients and supplies.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in workstations, adhering to sanitation compliance guidelines.
- Assisted in menu development by suggesting seasonal ingredients and innovative dish concepts.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss menu changes and kitchen workflow improvements.
- Provided support during catering events, ensuring high-volume food preparation and service.
- Developed strong multitasking abilities, managing multiple orders simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Fostered a positive work atmosphere through enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong work ethic, leading to increased team morale.
CAD Drafter
Army
11.1994 - 10.1998
- Developed detailed technical drawings for military equipment, ensuring accuracy and compliance with specifications.
- Coordinated with engineers to gather design requirements and implement revisions efficiently.
- Executed quality control procedures on CAD drawings, minimizing discrepancies and ensuring high standards.
- Prepared project documentation to facilitate clear communication among team members and stakeholders.
- Managed multiple drafting projects simultaneously, adhering to strict deadlines and project specifications.
- Updated CAD software regularly to leverage new features and enhance drafting capabilities.
- Participated in design review meetings, providing insights and recommendations for design improvements.
- Troubleshot technical issues within CAD software, resolving problems quickly to minimize disruptions to the drafting process.
- Coordinated effectively with other departments within the organization to streamline information sharing related to specific projects.
- Assisted in reducing material costs through diligent material take-offs and accurate calculations of required quantities.
Fast Food Cashier
Hardee's Restaurant
05.1993 - 10.1994
- Managed cash drawer responsibly, ensuring accurate daily accounting of funds received and disbursed.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new menu items and promotions, effectively communicating relevant information to customers.
- Handled high-pressure situations calmly during busy periods or equipment malfunctions, keeping operations running smoothly under challenging circumstances.
- Served as a reliable employee with consistent punctuality and attendance record, setting an example for colleagues to follow suit.
- Awarded employee of the month.
Wait Staff Member
Bonny Bs Pizza
05.1990 - 06.1993
- Maintained cleanliness in dining area, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere for customers.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Assisted in training new waitstaff members, fostering a team-oriented work environment.
- Set up dining room to promote welcoming environment and meet or exceed hospitality and service standards.
- Accurately managed cash transactions while handling high-volume shifts, ensuring balanced registers at the end of each shift.
- Received numerous positive reviews from customers contributing to an increase in repeat business for the restaurant.
- Helped maintain inventory levels by accurately recording stock usage and communicating needs to management.
Education
High School Diploma -
Chelsea High School
Chelsea, OK05-1993
Skills
- Hands-on adaptable manager of operations
- Keen eye and high level of standards
- Positive calm attitude even under pressure
- Team management and encouraging leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Record keeping
- Conflict resolution
- Labor optimization
- Inventory management
- Purchasing and cost control
- Kitchen oversight
- Customer service
Timeline
Line Chef and Trainer
Cheesecake Factory Inc
04.2025 - Current
General Manager
All Natural Foodie
05.2016 - 11.2024
Executive Kitchen Manager
Serdendipity Cafe
03.2008 - 04.2016
Head Line Chef
Old Fort Pub
05.2004 - 03.2008
Line Chef
Gatsby's Waterfront Grill
02.1999 - 06.2004
CAD Drafter
Army
11.1994 - 10.1998
Fast Food Cashier
Hardee's Restaurant
05.1993 - 10.1994
Wait Staff Member
Bonny Bs Pizza
05.1990 - 06.1993
High School Diploma -
Chelsea High School