Dawn Vavra
Minneapolis
Summary
Culinary professional with extensive experience in food preparation and kitchen management at prestigious establishments, including Lafayette Club. Proven expertise in inventory management and sanitation practices that optimize kitchen efficiency and uphold food safety standards. Demonstrated leadership in training teams and implementing quality control measures, achieving significant reductions in error rates. Strong communication skills and a commitment to excellence ensure consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Shift Leader
Walgreens
Eden Prairie
12.2019 - 02.2026
- Scheduled team members for shifts aligned with business needs and customer demand.
- Verified accuracy of daily sales reports prior to submission for management review.
- Inspected food preparation areas to uphold sanitation standards consistently.
Cook
Lafayette Club
Minneatonka
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Monitored temperature of freezers and refrigerators to ensure optimal storage conditions.
- Sanitized workstation before and after each shift to prevent illness and food contamination.
- Operated kitchen equipment according to OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Trained new staff members on proper usage of kitchen tools and equipment.
- Chopped, cut, sliced, and diced ingredients for efficient meal preparation.
- Set up workstations prior to restaurant opening to enhance operational speed during peak hours.
- Assessed kitchen productivity and workflow to identify areas for improvement.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations in food product storage.
Cook II
Eurest Compass Group
Minnetonka
05.2018 - 12.2018
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to prepare fridge for busy periods.
- Set up work stations pre-opening to reduce preparation time.
- Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
- Enforced sanitation practices to prevent food spoilage and contamination.
- Adhered to food safety standards during storage and preparation of foods.
- Cleaned kitchen surfaces, utensils, and dishes to maintain hygiene standards.
- Prepared meals following recipes, adjusting ingredients and cooking times as necessary.
- Received and stored food supplies, ensuring proper organization.
Grill Cook
Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
Welch
08.2017 - 11.2018
- Executed advanced thawing and food preparation for upcoming meals.
- Chopped, diced, and sliced ingredients for stir-fries, salads, and appetizers.
- Maintained cleanliness of work area by sweeping floors and sanitizing surfaces.
- Set up workstations prior to restaurant opening to enhance efficiency during peak hours.
- Grilled vegetables, including onions, peppers, and mushrooms, for burgers and sandwiches.
- Restocked kitchen supplies as needed to ensure uninterrupted service.
- Stored foods in designated areas following proper wrapping, dating, and rotation practices.
- Portioned food onto plates, added garnishes and sauces for timely handoff to wait staff.
Cook
Little Six Casino
Shakopee
05.2009 - 09.2009
- Facilitated open communication between upper management and staff to enhance collaboration.
- Implemented quality control measures that significantly reduced error rates.
- Managed departmental budget, ensuring all expenses adhered to allocated funds.
- Directed and supervised daily operations of a team of 15 employees.
- Trained new employees on company policies, job duties, and performance expectations.
- Maintained positive relationships with staff and management to promote teamwork.
- Addressed interpersonal conflicts within the team, fostering a harmonious work environment.
Education
Associate of Science - Sales Marketing And Management
South Central
Faribault, MN06-1985
Skills
- Food preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Inventory management
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Recipe adherence
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Quality control
- Recipe adaptation
- Safe food handling
Timeline
Cook
Lafayette Club
06.2024 - 09.2024
Shift Leader
Walgreens
12.2019 - 02.2026
Cook II
Eurest Compass Group
05.2018 - 12.2018
Grill Cook
Treasure Island Hotel & Casino
08.2017 - 11.2018
Cook
Little Six Casino
05.2009 - 09.2009
Associate of Science - Sales Marketing And Management
South Central