Terri Niwa
Westown, NEW PLYMOUTH,TKI
Summary
Passionate culinary professional with a proven track record in kitchen operations management and signature dish creation, notably at Cafe Green Door. Ex NPGHS/Scotland's Hostel student. Excelled in food and beverage pairing and managing costs through innovative marketing strategies. Skilled in team leadership, staff management, events catering and schedule implementation, consistently enhancing dining experiences through meticulous attention to detail, timeliness and creative flair.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Sole Chef/Cafe Owner
Cafe Green Door
New Plymouth, New Plymouth
05.2016 - Current
- Designed menus
- Maintained all safety and hygiene regulations.
- Supervised all daily café operations, such as shift scheduling and supply ordering.
- Managed operating records for the café, including rosters, and marketing.
- Trained all employees on appropriate procedures.
- Coordinated large private functions, seminars, and off-site catering.
- Managed all aspects of the business, from equipment maintenance to bookkeeping.
Head Chef/Restaurant Co-Owner
Treehouse Bar & Bistro
New Plymouth, New Plymouth
11.2006 - 02.2016
- Designed innovative recipes for a wide range of dishes.
- Directed kitchen personnel to ensure seamless operations.
- Trained new kitchen staff in food safety regulations and proper cooking techniques.
- Managed supply chain to keep appropriate food stock.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Maintained accurate records of inventory, sales, labor costs, and other operational costs.
- Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally while maintaining high standards of customer service.
- Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff members in a professional manner.
- Created weekly work schedules for kitchen personnel based on anticipated business volume.
- Analyzed financial data related to labor costs, inventory expenses, menu pricing changes., making recommendations as needed.
- Developed marketing strategies aimed at increasing restaurant revenue.
- Organized special events such as banquets or catering services when required.
Manager
Hell Pizza
New Plymouth, New Plymouth
12.2004 - 11.2006
- Prepared dough for pizzas, including kneading and rolling out the dough.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment and surfaces in accordance with health and safety regulations.
- Checked ingredients for freshness before using them to make pizza toppings.
- Organized workstations with necessary ingredients, tools and equipment to ensure efficient service.
- Assisted other cooks during peak hours or when needed.
- Trained new staff members on proper cooking methods, safety procedures and customer service standards.
- Stocked refrigerators with prepared ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, meats.
Kitchen Assistant
Chaos Cafe
New Plymouth, New Plymouth
01.2003 - 12.2004
- Cleaned and sanitized work surfaces, equipment, utensils, dishes, and pots.
- Stocked supplies such as food items and utensils in serving stations, cupboards, refrigerators, and salad bars.
- Assisted cooks with meal preparation tasks including washing vegetables, cutting meats, weighing ingredients for recipes and portioning meals for customers.
Cleaner
Woodleigh School
New Plymouth, New Plymouth
01.2003 - 12.2004
- Swept and mopped floors, vacuumed carpets, and dusted surfaces.
- Cleaned bathrooms, including toilets, sinks, countertops, mirrors, and floors.
- Maintained cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working condition.
- Washed windows both inside and outside of the facility.
- Stripped, sealed and polished floors.
- Monitored building security and safety by locking doors or avoiding hazards.
Education
Certificate - Te Reo Rangatira
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
New Plymouth, NZ12-2002
Diploma of Fine Arts - Fine Arts
Western Institute of Technology At Taranaki
New Plymouth, NZ01-1996
Sixth Form Certificate -
New Plymouth Girls High School
New Plymouth, NZ12-1994
Skills
- Kitchen operations management
- Signature Recipe Design
- Purchasing
- Schedule implementation
- Current LCQ
- Available 7 days from Jan 26 2025
Timeline
Sole Chef/Cafe Owner
Cafe Green Door
05.2016 - Current
Head Chef/Restaurant Co-Owner
Treehouse Bar & Bistro
11.2006 - 02.2016
Manager
Hell Pizza
12.2004 - 11.2006
Kitchen Assistant
Chaos Cafe
01.2003 - 12.2004
Cleaner
Woodleigh School
01.2003 - 12.2004
Certificate - Te Reo Rangatira
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Diploma of Fine Arts - Fine Arts
Western Institute of Technology At Taranaki
Sixth Form Certificate -
New Plymouth Girls High School
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