Jennifer Whitson
Minneapolis
Summary
Creative cook and baker with over 20 years in the culinary industry. Expertise in maintaining high quality standards in food preparation and accommodating dietary needs. Skilled in crafting and adapting menus to meet customer preferences. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and a dependable team player with strong leadership and time management abilities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pastry Chef
The Lowbrow
Minneapolis
04.2025 - Current
- Created innovative dessert recipes enhancing the theme of the restaurant
- Make sure that desserts are ready to grab & go for wait staff.
- protect plated desserts from strong odors in the walk-in.
- Researched dessert trends to incorporate into menu offerings.
- Prepared doughs, fillings and icings according to recipes.
- Maintained a clean working environment by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Maintained inventory of baking supplies and ingredients for efficient workflow.
- Ensured proper storage of products to prevent spoilage or contamination.
Cahier
Kowalski's Markets
Edina
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Processed customer transactions efficiently at Kowalski's Markets.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and recommendations.
- Operated point-of-sale systems for quick service delivery.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of checkout area regularly.
- Educated customers on promotions and loyalty programs.
- Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
- Performed other duties as assigned by management.
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
- Built and maintained productive relationships with employees.
Owner / Head Chef
Crumbs Provisions
Belfast
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Founded and successfully operated restaurant business featuring elevated from scratch breakfast and lunch classics as well as daily fresh baked cookies, cakes, scones, and muffins.
- Created items for deli case including prepared meals and a variety of cold salads.
- Worked with the bank, city officials, designers, equipment suppliers, and contractors to complete building renovations to bring new restaurant into existence.
- Oversaw all aspects of operations and drove culture of outstanding customer service, and quality food preparation to build a local and nationwide loyal customer base.
- Trained and managed employees including prep cooks, sous chef, and front of house staff to provide consistent service to guests.
- Adapted the business model and product offering to maintain double digit CAGR for top line and bottom line for all five years of operation.
Chef
Belfast Bay Inn
Belfast
07.2018 - 11.2018
- Created breakfast and happy hour items from scratch for a variety of culinary preferences.
- Researched culinary trends to incorporate into menu offerings.
- offered a consistent products for the entire summer & fall season.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly cleaned, maintained, stored and calibrated regularly.
Pastry Chef
UnCruise Adventures
Seattle
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Created all pastry items from scratch and adhering to any dietary needs of the guests.
- Assisted the savory kitchen in nightly plating and prep work.
- created products that were not available on the boat.
- Monitored food quality and safety standards in the kitchen.
- Maintained inventory of baking supplies and ingredients for efficient workflow.
Education
ServeSafe Food Protection Manager -
Serve Safe
Bangor, ME03.2028
AOS - Culinary Arts
New England Culinary Institute
Burlington, VTBA - Communications
San Diego State University
San Diego, CASkills
- Recipe creation
- Team leadership
- Customer service
- Food safety regulations
- Time management
- Task prioritization
- Microsoft office
- Friendly, positive attitude
Certification
ServeSafe Food Protection Manager, 03/01/24, 01/01/28
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pastry Chef
The Lowbrow
04.2025 - Current
Cahier
Kowalski's Markets
01.2025 - 01.2026
Chef
Belfast Bay Inn
07.2018 - 11.2018
Owner / Head Chef
Crumbs Provisions
01.2018 - 01.2024
Pastry Chef
UnCruise Adventures
05.2017 - 09.2017
ServeSafe Food Protection Manager -
Serve Safe
AOS - Culinary Arts
New England Culinary Institute
BA - Communications
San Diego State University