Benito Castillo
San Tan Valley
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Proof Artisanal Pizza and Pasta, excelling in menu planning and team leadership. Proven ability to create innovative dishes while ensuring food safety and quality control. Adept at resolving conflicts and optimizing kitchen workflows, driving high customer satisfaction in fast-paced environments. I Love to cook it is my passion and learning new things is part of the drive I live for to keep expanding my culinary skillset.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
Chilis's Bar and Grill
Sierra Vista
10.2022 - 07.2025
- Maintained a clean working environment by sweeping, mopping floors, washing surfaces and emptying trash cans.
- Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.
- Adhered to food safety standards when storing and preparing foods.
- Prepared meals according to recipes and menus, adjusted ingredients and cooking times accordingly.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
- Provided guidance to junior cooks regarding food preparation methods and techniques.
- Inspected kitchens for sanitary conditions before the start of each shift.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Prepared and served meals by reviewing recipes and combining and cooking ingredients.
- Interacted with waitstaff regarding special orders for customers with food allergies and gluten intolerance.
- Grilled and deep fried various foods from meats to potatoes.
- Used standardized recipes and other instructions to prepare food.
- Enforced proper sanitation practices to prevent spoiling or contamination of foods.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- 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.
- Followed established procedures and requirements for safe food handling, storage and service.
Sous Chef
Proof Artisanal pizza and pasta
Tucson
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Developed daily specials utilizing seasonal ingredients.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Supervised cooks and other kitchen personnel during meal services.
- Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff members in an efficient manner.
- Trained new hires in proper cooking techniques and recipes.
- Enforced portion control guidelines to minimize costs associated with overproduction.
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- 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.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with line cooks while providing constructive feedback where necessary.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Monitored food products, driving quality, freshness and integrity.
- Assisted restaurant in meeting financial targets by achieving food quality objectives.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus.
- Maximized customer satisfaction and team operations by executing command-based structure and staff performance oversight.
- Established and maintained regular maintenance schedule, keeping kitchen tools and equipment in operable condition.
- Improved performance of team members resulting in high-quality meals produced daily.
- Directed staff in restaurant kitchen and field to maintain department objectives, standards, guidelines and budget.
- Supervised kitchen food preparation in demanding, high-volume environments.
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel.
- Helped staff adhere to tough restaurant requirements through practical discipline and motivation.
Cook
Oreganos Pizza
Tucson
01.2021 - 10.2021
- Checked quality of food products to meet high standards.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Prepared variety of foods according to exact instructions and recipe specifications.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Checked completed orders for correct quantity and quality.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Received and stored food and supplies.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Requested supplies and equipment orders, explaining needs to managers.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
- Monitored supply inventory and rotated stock to maintain optimal freshness and reduce waste.
- Executed advanced thawing and food pre-preparation for future meals.
- Adhered to regulatory standards regarding safe and sanitary food prep.
- Memorized new menu items and ingredients quickly to help customers select items meeting needs and preferences.
- Operated kitchen equipment in alignment with OSHA protocols and manufacturer instructions.
- Executed proper techniques when preparing menu item ingredients.
Cook
Sheraton Hotel & Resorts
Tucson
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Stored foods correctly using correct storage containers and labelling systems.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen area.
- Prepared high-quality dishes according to established recipes.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes and garnishing of dishes to ensure that food was prepared in accordance with the restaurant's recipes and presentation standards.
- Reviewed operational records to determine amount of food used in order to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
- Checked quality of raw materials before use.
- Supervised team members during meal service to ensure accuracy of orders.
- Organized special events such as banquets or buffets requiring complex menus or decorations.
- Developed creative ideas for special events or promotions involving food preparation or presentation.
- Inspected kitchen equipment for cleanliness and functionality prior to use.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service issues.
- Kept up to date with current culinary trends, as well as health and safety regulations.
- Adjusted seasonings of dishes according to customers' tastes.
- Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
- Suggested and prepared promotional dishes according to ingredient availability and customer preferences.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts And Science
The Art Institutes
Tucson, AZ05-2017
High School Diploma -
Buena High School
Sierra Vista, AZ05-2011
Skills
- Food safety
- Time management
- Event coordination
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Creativity in cooking
- Customer service
- Effective communication
- Meal preparation
- Inventory management
- Quality control
- Kitchen sanitation
- Menu planning
- Food plating
- Food plating and presentation
- Recipe creation
- Kitchen management
- Sanitation practices
- Vegan cooking
- Stress management
- Conflict resolution
- Equipment operation
- Staff coordination
- Kitchen equipment operations
- Workflow optimization
- Complex Problem-solving
- Ingredient knowledge
Affiliations
- I have been exploring new markets lately to look at all sorts of ingredients cooking has always taught me there is plenty more to learn.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- My personal award for me this year is that i have as of july 15 2025 have taught over 14 people how to cook something wether it be making their first steak or teaching them how to cook a salmon fillet for the first time and they ended up enjoying it. passing on knowledge is the only way to keep technique and tradition alive and im more than glad to do it.
Timeline
Cook
Chilis's Bar and Grill
10.2022 - 07.2025
Sous Chef
Proof Artisanal pizza and pasta
08.2021 - 03.2022
Cook
Oreganos Pizza
01.2021 - 10.2021
Cook
Sheraton Hotel & Resorts
05.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts And Science
The Art Institutes
High School Diploma -
Buena High School
Similar Profiles
Rebekah HernandezRebekah Hernandez
Server at Chilis's Bar and GrillServer at Chilis's Bar and Grill
Samantha WimsettSamantha Wimsett
To-Go Specialist at Chilis's Bar and GrillTo-Go Specialist at Chilis's Bar and Grill
Johnathan GonzalezJohnathan Gonzalez
Server at Chilis's Bar and GrillServer at Chilis's Bar and Grill
Emmaleigh HazelwoodEmmaleigh Hazelwood
Manager at Chilis's Bar and GrillManager at Chilis's Bar and Grill
Alec CynovaAlec Cynova
Owner/ Lead Hairstylist at Cultivate StudioOwner/ Lead Hairstylist at Cultivate Studio