- Drawing and Painting
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Adventure Travel
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
- Cooking
- Engaging in food photography and sharing culinary creations on social media
- Baking
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- I like trying new recipes and food trends
- Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors in the kitchen
Carol Gonzales
Crossett
Summary
Professional in dining services with robust background in managing culinary operations and enhancing guest experiences. Known for fostering team collaboration, driving efficiency, and adapting to evolving needs. Skilled in staff training, budget management, menu development, and ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. Trusted leader with results-focused approach.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of School Cafeteria
Crossett School District
- 06.2020
- Advised on allergy-conscious meal options, ensuring safe dining experiences for all students regardless of dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
- Improved cafeteria efficiency by streamlining food preparation and serving processes.
- Managed budgetary constraints effectively, keeping expenses within allocated funds while maintaining high-quality offerings.
- Trained cafeteria staff in proper food handling techniques, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Conducted regular evaluations of staff performance, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Maintained a safe, orderly, and inviting cafeteria environment by upholding strict standards for cleanliness, organization, and decorum among both staff and students.
- Increased student participation in meal programs through creative marketing initiatives aimed at showcasing tasty yet nutritious options available in the cafeteria.
- Managed daily operations for a smooth and timely service of meals to students and staff.
- Collaborated with school administrators to understand specific needs and align cafeteria services accordingly.
- Implemented new menu items, addressing student preferences and nutritional requirements.
- Reduced food waste by implementing inventory management practices and adjusting portion sizes.
- Ensured a clean and sanitary environment by establishing routines for cleaning duties and enforcing strict hygiene standards.
- Monitored food consumption trends among students, making necessary adjustments to menu planning to maintain satisfaction levels.
- Addressed any concerns or complaints from students, parents, or staff regarding cafeteria services promptly and professionally.
- Developed schedules for staff members, optimizing labor hours and maintaining adequate coverage during peak times.
- Organized special events such as themed lunches or holiday celebrations to create an enjoyable dining atmosphere for students and staff alike.
- Inspected kitchen appliances, equipment and work areas to verify functional operation and cleanliness.
- Delegated daily staff responsibilities and job duties to improve quality of service, individual accountability and sanitary standards.
- Conducted counts of ingredients and items in kitchen and storage areas to maintain accurate inventory counts.
- Used [Software] to analyze daily financial statements, balance statements and reimbursable meals.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
School Cafeteria Worker
Crossett School District
08.2012
- Maintained positive relationships with students, fostering an enjoyable cafeteria atmosphere during meal times.
- Served as a positive role model for students displaying appropriate behavior while working in a high-pressure environment.
- Helped maintain a safe environment for students with allergies through careful ingredient selection and cross-contamination prevention measures.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in events such as nutrition education programs and wellness fairs.
- Enhanced food safety by implementing proper sanitation practices and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Improved student nutrition by planning and preparing healthy meal options in the school cafeteria.
- Reduced food waste by effectively managing inventory, rotating stock, and monitoring expiration dates.
- Collaborated with school staff and administrators to accommodate special dietary needs of students.
- Contributed to successful state health inspections by adhering to strict food safety guidelines and regulations.
- Provided exceptional customer service through friendly interactions with students, addressing any concerns or questions they had about available menu items.
- Educated students on the importance of balanced diets, promoting healthy eating habits within the school community.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities related to child nutrition trends and best practices.
- Organized bulk food storage areas to improve accessibility for faster meal prep times.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts and mentored new cafeteria workers to improve overall team performance.
- Ensured timely meal service by coordinating efforts with fellow cafeteria workers during high-traffic periods.
- Aided in menu development, incorporating diverse food choices that appealed to various student tastes and preferences.
- Cooked food per recipe requirements in large batches for routine school breakfasts, lunches, and special events.
- Prepared ingredients and recipe components ahead of time.
- Cleaned and sanitized surfaces, tools, and equipment.
- Followed all proper handling procedures for prepared foods, ingredients, and leftovers.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Served food according to temperature, safety, and presentation guidelines.
- Restocked condiments, beverages, and utensils per expected use levels.
- Provided exemplary service to students, staff, and visitors.
- Maintained adequate levels of condiments and well-stocked drink stations to keep service flowing smoothly.
- Received and stored incoming supplies according to procedures.
- Tracked meal purchases and accepted payments at cash register.
- Operated dishwashers and other kitchen equipment according to safety guidelines.
- Processed payments for orders and provided customers with change.
- Answered customer questions about food and beverage items and assisted with menu selections.
- Monitored food and beverage supplies, assisting with restocking when needed.
- Assisted with bussing tables and cleaning up spills.
- Arranged tables and chairs for special occasions and events.
- Established rapport with customers by providing friendly and attentive service.
- Greeted customers and provided menus upon arrival to dining room.
- Monitored dining room inventory and replenished as necessary.
- Collaborated with other dining room and bar staff to facilitate efficient service.
- Assisted customers with carry-out service.
- Addressed customer complaints and inquiries to verify satisfaction.
- Provided attentive service and proactively assessed guest needs.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through attentive service and quick response to issues.
- Set up advertising signs and displays on shelves, counters and tables.
Director of Dining Services
Chartwells Food Service
07.2020 - Current
- Streamlined operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff schedules and task assignments.
- Established effective communication channels between kitchen and front-of-house teams for smooth daily operations.
- Improved inventory management system, minimizing waste and maximizing product freshness.
- Oversaw successful catering events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.
- Developed tailored dietary offerings for guests with specific needs or restrictions.
- Enhanced overall dining experience by implementing innovative menu selections and presentation techniques.
- Launched seasonal menus featuring locally-sourced ingredients, appealing to diverse clientele tastes while supporting regional agriculture businesses.
- Collaborated with marketing team to develop promotional strategies that attracted new customers and increased revenue.
- Fostered a positive work environment by cultivating strong teamwork amongst all departments.
- Implemented customer feedback systems to continually improve upon services offered.
- Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality food and service.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Inspected equipment and machinery for proper working condition and directed staff to clean and repair as needed.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
- Championed sustainable practices within the dining facility, leading to reduced environmental impact.
Education
No Degree - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Monticello
Monticello, ARNo Degree - General Studies
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Camden, ARHigh School Diploma -
Crossett School District
Crossett, AR05-1991
Skills
- Employee Skill Enhancement
- Effective Team Management
- Sanitation Compliance
- Food Safety Standards Compliance
- Culinary Menu Planning
- Marketing Strategies
- Allergy Management Knowledge
- Effective Time Management
- Friendly Professional Attitude
- Intrinsic Motivation
- Anticipating problems
- Adaptability to Change
Certification
- Food Safety Manager Certification - National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or ServSafe.
- Allergen Awareness Training - State-Specific Providers.
- Workplace Harassment Prevention Certificate – U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Similar Organizations.
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program – Cornell University ILR School or similar organizations.
Interests
Timeline
Director of Dining Services
Chartwells Food Service
07.2020 - Current
School Cafeteria Worker
Crossett School District
08.2012
- Food Safety Manager Certification - National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or ServSafe.
- Allergen Awareness Training - State-Specific Providers.
- Workplace Harassment Prevention Certificate – U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or Similar Organizations.
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate Program – Cornell University ILR School or similar organizations.
Manager of School Cafeteria
Crossett School District
- 06.2020
No Degree - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Monticello
No Degree - General Studies
Southern Arkansas University Tech
High School Diploma -
Crossett School District
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