Sara Pequeno
Phoenix
Summary
Experienced foodservice operations professional with 5+ years managing restaurant-level staff, kitchen teams, purchasing, and food safety compliance. Strong record of improving service quality, maintaining cost control, and ensuring superior guest experiences. Knowledgeable in staffing, scheduling, P&L support, and daily restaurant management, combining culinary expertise with logistics and supply chain proficiency to maximize efficiency and profitability.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Southwest Foodservice Excellence
07.2023 - Current
- Manage daily foodservice operations for multiple units, maintaining compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company quality standards.
- Supervise, schedule, and train employees to optimize labor resources and deliver consistent, high-quality food service.
- Monitor inventory levels and oversee ordering, receiving, and vendor communications to maintain cost control and reduce waste.
- Support P&L objectives by tracking expenses, analyzing cost reports, and implementing corrective actions when needed.
- Partner with district and general managers to execute company initiatives, audits, and operational improvements.
Head Baker / Bakery Manager
Valley Keto
03.2019 - 03.2023
- Oversaw daily production and service operations, managing staffing, scheduling, and product quality.
- Trained employees on proper baking, cleaning, and food handling techniques to meet health and safety standards.
- Controlled food and labor costs through accurate forecasting and efficient production management.
- Maintained vendor relationships, managed purchasing, monitored invoices, and resolved billing discrepancies.
- Contributed to menu development and implemented standard operating procedures that improved operational consistency.
Lead Line Cook
IHOP
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Ensured fast, accurate, and high-quality food production during peak hours in a high-volume restaurant.
- Supported back-of-house operations, assisting in staff training and enforcing safety and sanitation standards.
Shift Supervisor
Del Taco
10.2015 - 12.2017
- Led front- and back-of-house operations during assigned shifts, managing employee performance and customer satisfaction.
- Reconciled cash drawers, performed opening and closing procedures, and ensured smooth shift transitions.
- Maintained compliance with all foodservice, safety, and brand standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Maricopa Community Colleges
Glendale, AZ05-2028
High School Diploma -
Boulder Creek High School
Anthem, AZAssociate of Arts - Baking & Pastry
The Art Institute of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ12-2018
Skills
- Restaurant Operations Management
- Team Leadership & Staff Training
- Food Safety & Sanitation (HACCP / ServSafe)
- Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Labor Scheduling & Cost Control
- Vendor Relations & Purchasing
- Budgeting & P&L Support
- Guest Experience & Service Recovery
- Health Department Compliance
- Kitchen Efficiency & Quality Assurance
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler / Manager Certification (current or in progress)
- POS Systems: Toast, Aloha, Micros
- Scheduling & Inventory Tools: HotSchedules, MarketMan, FoodLogic
- Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Southwest Foodservice Excellence
07.2023 - Current
Head Baker / Bakery Manager
Valley Keto
03.2019 - 03.2023
Lead Line Cook
IHOP
06.2018 - 02.2019
Shift Supervisor
Del Taco
10.2015 - 12.2017
Associate of Arts - Baking & Pastry
The Art Institute of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Maricopa Community Colleges
High School Diploma -
Boulder Creek High School