Derrick Copeland
Suffolk
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at IHOP, excelling in food preparation and customer service. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction through beautiful presentation and efficient multitasking. Skilled in kitchen organization and sanitation practices, consistently reducing food waste while maintaining high-quality standards. Committed to fostering teamwork and a positive dining experience.
Experienced with various cooking techniques and kitchen operations. Utilizes culinary skills to create flavorful and visually appealing dishes. Knowledge of food safety practices and efficient kitchen workflows.
Culinary professional known for high standards and exceptional results in kitchen. Extensive experience in preparing and presenting diverse dishes. Strong focus on team collaboration and flexibility, ensuring consistent quality and innovation in every meal.
Dependable Cook with expertise preparing foods in fast-paced settings. Team-minded professional knowledgeable in food safety, attractive presentation, and stock management. Efficient multitasker with talents in recipe management and development.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
IHOP
04.2025 - Current
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare and serve food quickly.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
Warehouse Worker
Lineage Logistics LLC
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as 88 pounds.
- Maintained clean workspaces by enforcing strict housekeeping guidelines for storage areas, dock bays, and equipment zones.
- Reduced order processing times with streamlined picking, packing, and shipping procedures.
- Operated various types of warehouse machinery safely, adhering to all relevant guidelines and protocols.
Floor Technician
Sentara Obici Hospital
06.2014 - 09.2023
- Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale projects such as stripping and waxing floors efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of various flooring materials and appropriate cleaning methods for each type.
- Maintained a professional appearance while interacting with clients and responding to their concerns or requests regarding floor care services.
- Used Buffer machine equipment to clean and maintain hardwood, ceramic, and laminate floors.
- Managed time effectively to ensure all assigned tasks were completed within designated deadlines without compromising quality.
- Increased building appearance by performing routine floor care tasks including sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
- Enhanced workplace safety by promptly addressing spills, debris, and other potential hazards on the floor.
- Upheld strict adherence to safety guidelines while using chemicals and equipment to prevent accidents or injuries on the job site.
- Adapted to changing priorities and tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to learn new skills.
- Ensured proper mixing and disposal of cleaning chemicals, adhering to health and safety standards.
- Trained new staff on use of floor cleaning equipment and safety procedures, enhancing team efficiency and safety awareness.
- Used power scrubbing and waxing machines to scrub and polish floors.
Cook
Hardees
10.2012 - 04.2015
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
- Reduced food waste significantly by implementing proper portion control and storage techniques.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality, visually appealing dishes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
Cook
Fire Mountain Restaurant
02.2007 - 07.2012
- Communicated closely with servers to fully understand special orders for customers.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Contributed to positive guest experiences by accommodating special dietary needs and requests.
- Supported kitchen staff training and development, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
- Tasted, smelled, and pierced food with fork to verify sufficient cooking.
- Showcased excellent knife skills for precise cutting and preparation of various ingredients.
- Adhered to recipe guidelines while demonstrating creativity in plating and garnishing dishes for enhanced visual appeal.
- Mentored junior cooks in refining culinary skills through hands-on guidance.
- Improved menu offerings, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking methods.
- Developed and maintained clean and organized kitchen workspace, setting standard for team.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and customer requests, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Server
Hardees
04.2004 - 02.2007
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
Education
Arts And Sciences
Lakeland High School
Suffolk, VA08-2005
Skills
- Customer service
- Cooking
- Cleaning and organization
- Food handling
- Food preparation
- Multitasking and organization
- Kitchen organization
- Frying
- Cooking techniques
- Sanitation
- Sanitation practices
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Grilling
- Food waste reduction
- Beautiful presentation of food
- Culinary creativity
Timeline
Cook
IHOP
04.2025 - Current
Warehouse Worker
Lineage Logistics LLC
10.2023 - 03.2025
Floor Technician
Sentara Obici Hospital
06.2014 - 09.2023
Cook
Hardees
10.2012 - 04.2015
Cook
Fire Mountain Restaurant
02.2007 - 07.2012
Server
Hardees
04.2004 - 02.2007
Arts And Sciences
Lakeland High School
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