Derrec Johnson
Lithonia
Summary
Dedicated professional experienced in environments. Focused and collaborative team player skillful in communicating and translating customer requests. Offering deep understanding of food safety, osha and health code requirements. Motivated professional with several years of experience preparing delicious meals for customers. Polished in following proper food handling methods and maintaining correct temperature of food products. Creative and artistic professional committed to strengthening kitchen team with better collaboration, recipes and cooking techniques.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
cook 1
Rhodes State College
Memphis
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items and special requests.
- Followed food safety guidelines to ensure a clean kitchen environment.
- Assisted in cooking and plating dishes according to recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and kitchen equipment throughout shifts.
- Learned cooking techniques from experienced chefs during training sessions.
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Chopped, diced and sliced vegetables and fruit ahead of rush periods.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
Cook's Assistant
Methodist University Hospital
Memphis
05.2019 - 02.2022
- Prepared ingredients for daily menu items in busy kitchen environment.
- Assisted Head Cook with meal preparation and cooking tasks efficiently.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Supported food plating and presentation for dining service during peak hours.
- Operated kitchen machinery, ensuring safety and proper use at all times.
- Trained new kitchen staff on procedures and safety protocols effectively.
- Assisted in developing new menu items based on customer feedback.
- Kept accurate records of ingredients used for each dish served.
- Plated meals according to presentation standards set by the restaurant.
- Checked temperature of cooked foods using thermometers.
- Cooked meats, poultry, fish and shellfish dishes according to recipes or customer specifications.
- Assisted Head Chef in planning, preparing and cooking meals for up to 200 guests.
- Followed safety procedures when handling hot surfaces or sharp objects.
- Supervised junior cooks during shifts as needed.
- Operated various kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers and blenders.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Wrapped, dated and labeled food items in storage for safety and freshness.
Food Preparation Worker
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
Memphis
05.2015 - 04.2019
- Prepared nutritious meals for pediatric patients following dietary guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of food preparation areas and equipment.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking food supplies and ingredients.
- Monitored food temperatures to ensure compliance with health regulations.
- Maintained clean and sanitized work area in accordance with food safety guidelines, avoiding cross-contamination of raw and prepared food products.
- Re-stocked, organized and arranged service and food stations.
- Prepared and cooked food items according to recipes, menus and supervisor's instructions.
- Ensured that all health regulations regarding food handling were followed during preparation process.
- Packaged and stored food products appropriately for proper handling and preservation.
- Maintained cleanliness of floors in the kitchen area throughout shift.
- Cleaned and sanitized work areas, equipment, utensils, dishes, or silverware.
- Prepared quality products while maintaining proper food safety practices and presentation within service goal times.
- Memorized menu items and food preparation methods to better explain selections to guests and increase sales.
- Disposed of leftover food following health code guidelines.
- Followed recipes and customer requests to prepare meals.
- Cleaned utensils, dishes, and glasses for customer use.
- Carried out routine maintenance on kitchen appliances such as dishwashers and stoves.
- Checked temperatures of freezers, refrigerators and heated ovens to ensure proper functioning.
Education
Booker T Washington High School
Memphis, TNSkills
- Food safety
- Meal preparation
- Kitchen equipment operation
- Recipe execution
- Customer service
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Staff training
- Workflow efficiency
- Grilling
- Recipe modification
- Food preparation
- Dish preparation
- Ingredients measuring
- Culinary creativity
Timeline
cook 1
Rhodes State College
08.2022 - 08.2025
Cook's Assistant
Methodist University Hospital
05.2019 - 02.2022
Food Preparation Worker
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
05.2015 - 04.2019
Booker T Washington High School