Awwal Khan
Bethesda
Summary
Experienced culinary professional with a strong background in kitchen operations, focusing on food preparation, quality control, and team leadership. Successfully trained and mentored junior cooks, enhancing their skills and promoting a collaborative environment that improved overall kitchen efficiency. Implemented effective inventory management practices to optimize food cost control and minimize waste, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Demonstrated ability to streamline workflows and improve service speed through innovative cooking methods, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead line cook
Tatte Bakery And Cafe
Washington
09.2025 - Current
- Led kitchen operations by coordinating food preparation, ensuring timely service, and maintaining high standards of quality.
- Trained and mentored junior cooks, fostering skill development and promoting culinary excellence within the team.
- Implemented inventory management practices to optimize food cost control and minimize waste in the kitchen.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations, maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen environment for staff and patrons.
- Streamlined kitchen workflows by introducing efficient cooking methods, resulting in improved service speed and customer satisfaction.
- Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff to coordinate meal timing and ensure seamless service during peak hours.
- Trained new cooks on recipes, preparation methods, safety procedures and sanitation guidelines.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Maintained cleanliness in the kitchen area by adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Managed a team of kitchen staff including assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Improved employee performance by providing constructive suggestions and encouragement.
- Monitored cooking temperatures and ensured that dishes were presented properly.
- Performed other related duties as assigned by the Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
- Modified standard recipes to address customer requests for substitutions or allergen concerns.
- Washed and peeled ingredients to prepare for different meals and recipes.
- Set up workstations with needed ingredients, utensils and cooking equipment.
- Maintained hygienic kitchen with regular mopping, disinfecting workspace and washing utensils and glassware.
- Prepared garnishes for later use in meal production.
- Restocked food items throughout shift to prepare necessary ingredients for cooking and timely service.
- Planned, prepared and cooked meals according to restaurant specifications.
- Mentored and trained staff by teaching cooking skills and kitchen maintenance, improving overall quality and performance.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Retained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Ensured proper food safety standards were met at all times.
- Monitored food temperatures throughout the cooking process to ensure safe consumption.
- Cooked multiple orders simultaneously during busy periods.
- Cleaned cooking and refrigeration equipment to sanitize and prevent food-borne illness.
- Adhered to portion controls and presentation specifications.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Prepped garnishes to reduce wait times during lunch and dinner rush.
- Prepared multiple orders at once for speedy service.
- Cooked menu items based on customer orders.
- Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
- Washed and cut ingredients for quick meal assembly.
- Collaborated with team to deliver timely service of items.
- Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
- Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
Sous Chef
Lighthouse shelter
Annapolis
02.2024 - 07.2025
- Developed and refined menu items to enhance culinary offerings, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and repeat visits.
- Collaborated with the kitchen team to maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative environment that improved overall kitchen efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels and ordered supplies, reducing food waste and optimizing cost efficiency in kitchen operations.
- Implemented new cooking techniques and presentation styles, elevating the dining experience and increasing positive guest feedback.
- Assisted in budgeting and cost control initiatives, contributing to improved financial performance within the culinary department.
- Coordinated special events and catering services, ensuring seamless execution and high-quality food service for diverse clientele.
- Established effective communication channels within the kitchen staff, enhancing teamwork and workflow during peak service hours.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Ensured food preparation and presentation met high standards of quality and sanitation.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Conducted frequent line checks to keep food at proper temperatures in holding zones.
- Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation.
- Implemented strategies to reduce waste and increase efficiency throughout the kitchen.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Enforced portion control guidelines to minimize costs associated with overproduction.
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- Maintained accurate records for cost analysis purposes.
- Helped staff adhere to tough restaurant requirements through practical discipline and motivation.
- Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff members in an efficient manner.
- Assisted restaurant in meeting financial targets by achieving food quality objectives.
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
- Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
- Developed daily specials utilizing seasonal ingredients.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Observed food safety and sanitation protocols to reduce germ spread.
- Cleaned and sanitized kitchen equipment, utensils and work stations.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Prepared workstations with ingredients and tools to increase efficiency.
- Created tasty dishes using popular recipes, delighting patrons and generating return business.
- Plated dishes using tasty garnishes and sauces to appeal to and delight patrons.
- Chopped and diced vegetables and fruits to stock fridge ahead of busy periods.
Assistant director
Chick-fil-A
Hagerstown
02.2022 - 08.2023
- Spearheaded training programs for staff, enhancing service quality and fostering a positive team environment.
- Developed and implemented operational strategies, resulting in improved efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with management to streamline workflows, leading to reduced wait times and increased order accuracy.
- Mentored new team members, promoting adherence to quality standards and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Oversaw inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste through proactive ordering practices.
- Coordinated promotional events and initiatives, driving customer engagement and increasing brand loyalty within the community.
- Managed daily workflow of personnel by assigning tasks, tracking progress and providing assistance when needed.
- Assisted in developing strategic plans to meet organizational goals and objectives.
- Established standards of excellence for customer service delivery throughout the organization.
- Supervised recruitment process including interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions and onboarding new hires.
- Developed and managed a team of 10 employees to ensure efficient operations of the organization.
- Provided guidance to departmental staff in resolving customer complaints.
- Coordinated financial activities, budgeting and forecasting for assigned departments.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations among all personnel.
- Implemented billing procedures, audited and reconciled accounts and recorded transactions.
- Oversaw employee relations issues such as grievances, disciplinary actions and terminations.
- Collaborated with other departments to improve interdepartmental communication.
- Conducted training sessions on new processes or products for internal staff members.
- Oversaw purchasing and inventory to retain physical assets.
- Created and enforced processes to boost company productivity.
- Facilitated regular cross-functional meetings between teams to ensure alignment on objectives.
- Prepared reports and presentations for executive leadership review.
- Managed inventory and resources to ensure availability and cost-effectiveness.
- Oversaw the maintenance and updating of organizational databases and records.
- Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
- Conducted performance evaluations and recommended areas for improvement.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss progress and address challenges.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on campaigns aimed at increasing brand awareness.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
- Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
Wok Cook/Pizza Maker/Grill Cook
True Food Kitchen
Bethesda
02.2016 - 07.2017
Grill/saute cook
Not Your Average Joes
Silver Spring
09.2013 - 11.2014
- Prepared and cooked high-quality meals consistently, ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food prep processes, enhancing overall kitchen efficiency and service speed.
- Trained new cooks in operational procedures and food preparation techniques to promote a cohesive team environment.
Grill Cook
Adega Wine Cellar & Cafe
Silver Spring
08.2012 - 10.2013
- Prepared and cooked a variety of grilled dishes, ensuring quality and consistency while maintaining kitchen standards.
- Monitored and controlled food safety practices, contributing to a clean and safe dining environment for guests.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline food preparation processes, enhancing overall efficiency and service speed.
Buyer
Whole Foods Market Inc
Silver Spring
02.2007 - 08.2012
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain processes, improving inventory turnover and reducing excess stock levels.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, enhancing product quality and ensuring consistent availability of organic inventory.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with vendors, ensuring reliable delivery schedules and adherence to quality standards.
- Analyzed sales data and customer feedback to forecast demand, facilitating proactive inventory management and reducing stockouts.
- Trained and mentored junior buyers on best practices in procurement, enhancing team efficiency and knowledge sharing.
- Led initiatives to implement sustainable sourcing strategies, aligning purchasing practices with corporate social responsibility goals.
- Utilized inventory management systems to track purchases and optimize stock levels, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
- Resolved any discrepancies between purchase orders and actual receipts of goods or services.
- Worked with suppliers to expedite open purchase orders and shipments in-transit.
- Maintained records of all purchases including item descriptions, costs, quantities received.
- Managed inventory control systems to track stock levels, deliveries and related information.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure availability of products for customers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to meet customer requirements and market demands.
- Implemented strategies for streamlining procurement processes resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor data to identify opportunities for cost savings.
- Explained product features and benefits to company staff members and customers.
- Assessed condition of shipped products upon arrival to meet quality standards.
- Monitored product margins and managed product resales.
- Stayed abreast of market trends and anticipated consumer needs and purchasing habits.
- Developed product purchasing and sales strategies according to company budgets.
- Examined, selected and purchased merchandise consistent with specification requirements.
- Collaborated with company managers regarding product pricing, promotions and markdowns.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Montgomery College
Rockville, MDSkills
- Menu development
- Food safety compliance
- Inventory management
- Culinary training
- Cost control
- Team leadership
- Quality assurance
- Kitchen operations
- Recipe modification
- Meal preparation
- Equipment sanitation
- Workflow optimization
- Customer service resolution
- Cooking techniques
- Plating presentation
- Staff mentoring
- Performance management
- Health regulations adherence
- Kitchen staff supervision
- Dietary accommodations
- Workstation organization
- Food safety knowledge
- Work delegation
- Food presentation
- Ordering and stocking
- Allergen awareness
- Menu planning
- Plates presentation
- Food cost analysis
- Spoilage prevention
- Catering management
- Inventory control
- Sanitation practices
- Food processing
- Quality control
- Kitchen organization
- Knife skills
- Safe food handling
- Cost reduction
- Training management
- Portion control
- Attention to detail
- Following cooking methods
Timeline
Lead line cook
Tatte Bakery And Cafe
09.2025 - Current
Sous Chef
Lighthouse shelter
02.2024 - 07.2025
Assistant director
Chick-fil-A
02.2022 - 08.2023
Wok Cook/Pizza Maker/Grill Cook
True Food Kitchen
02.2016 - 07.2017
Grill/saute cook
Not Your Average Joes
09.2013 - 11.2014
Grill Cook
Adega Wine Cellar & Cafe
08.2012 - 10.2013
Buyer
Whole Foods Market Inc
02.2007 - 08.2012
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Montgomery College