Adept at driving culinary excellence and kitchen efficiency, I significantly enhanced dining experiences and operational productivity at Johnny's Chicken And Waffle. My expertise in menu development and cost control, coupled with a strong work ethic and team leadership, led to a notable increase in customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef/Chef Consultant
Johnny's Chicken And Waffle
02.2019 - 07.2021
Improved overall dining experience by collaborating closely with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
Spearheaded recipe development process, incorporating diverse flavors while adhering to traditional culinary principles.
Implemented regular menu rotations based on seasonality, ingredient availability, and current culinary trends.
Mentored junior chefs in refining their skills through hands-on instruction and constructive feedback.
Conducted employee evaluations regularly, identifying areas for improvement while recognizing outstanding performance amongst team members.
Boosted customer satisfaction by effectively addressing and resolving culinary concerns and complaints.
Reduced food waste by implementing proper inventory management techniques and utilizing ingredients in creative ways.
Managed budgetary aspects of kitchen operations, optimizing costs without sacrificing quality or guest satisfaction levels.
Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through the implementation of strategic workflow processes.
Led team-building initiatives among kitchen staff, fostering a positive work culture conducive to collaboration and open communication.
Enhanced restaurant reputation by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and innovative menu offerings.
Developed strong vendor relationships to ensure consistent availability of quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Increased revenue with the development of specialty menus for seasonal promotions, events, and catering services.
Contributed to restaurant growth by participating in community events and showcasing culinary expertise at local food festivals.
Trained new chefs in advanced cooking techniques, elevating the skill level of kitchen staff and maintaining consistency in dish preparation.
Cultivated a loyal clientele base by providing personalized attention to guests'' dietary needs and preferences.
Maintained a safe, sanitary work environment by enforcing strict adherence to health codes and regulations.
Continuously researched new culinary techniques, equipment, and best practices to maintain a cutting-edge approach in the kitchen.
Launched successful catering division within the restaurant business offering customized menus for special events.
Collaborated with marketing team on targeted promotional campaigns highlighting unique dishes or theme nights.
Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
Cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
Modernized work processes to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Assisted with menu development and planning.
Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
Implemented successful cross-marketing strategies such as food and wine pairings.
Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
Executive Chef/Chef Consultant
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
02.2016 - 02.2021
Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
Directed special projects such as restaurant redesigns or expansions which contributed significantly towards long-term business growth.
Collaborated with other executive team members to develop strategic plans for business growth and profitability.
Developed unique and appealing menus for special events, resulting in increased bookings and positive customer feedback.
Oversaw recruitment efforts for kitchen staff members, ensuring a talented workforce committed to excellence in culinary execution.
Played a key role in the establishment of new restaurant locations, providing expert guidance on menu development, kitchen design, and staff training.
Spearheaded successful catering operations for corporate events and private parties, leading to repeat business from satisfied clients.
Reduced food costs by implementing efficient inventory control systems and streamlining purchasing processes.
Mentored junior chefs, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged skill development and career advancement.
Collaborated with marketing teams to create effective promotional materials, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer interest.
Established strong relationships with local vendors to ensure access to high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
Enhanced restaurant reputation by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative dishes in a competitive market.
Managed financial aspects of the kitchen operation, including budgeting and cost analysis, contributing to overall fiscal responsibility within the organization.
Hard Rock Hotel
Loews Hotels & Resorts
05.2010 - 07.2015
Established strong vendor relationships for reliable delivery of fresh ingredients at competitive prices without compromising quality.
Ensured compliance with all relevant health codes, licensing regulations, and industry best practices through ongoing education and training initiatives for the entire team.
Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, providing feedback and opportunities for growth within the company.
Increased revenue by designing cost-effective menus that maximized ingredient utilization while maintaining appealing flavors and presentations.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
2009
High School Diploma -
Oak Ridge High School
Orlando, FL
05.2006
Skills
Food Safety
Menu Planning
Cost Control
Menu development
Strong Work Ethic
Hospitality service expertise
ServSafe Certification
Team Leadership
Hiring, Training, and Development
Inventory Control
Kitchen Management
Safe Food Handling
Operations Management
Customer Service
Kitchen Operations Oversight
Kitchen Staff Management
Food Prep Planning
Vendor Relationship Management
Special Events
Catering and Events
Coaching and Mentoring
Staff Training
Creative Thinking
Food pairing
Staff Scheduling
Food presentation
Attention to Detail
Recipe creation
Nutrition knowledge
Recipes and menu planning
Staff Management
Fine Dining
Staffing
Ingredients Selection
Purchasing
Delegating Work
Performance review
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Meal Preparation
Regulatory Compliance
Presentation management
Sanitation Guidelines
Recipe Management
Food Stock and Supply Management
Vendor Relations
Food spoilage prevention
Plating and Garnishing
Process Improvements
Quality Assurance
Equipment Maintenance
Problem and Complaint Resolution
BOH Operations
Performance Assessments
Purchasing management
Restaurant Operations
Fine-dining expertise
Customer Retention
Sanitation Standards
Workflow Optimization
Recipe Development
Waste Reduction
Policy Development
Order Management
Allergy awareness
Forecasting and planning
Menu Supervision
Food Service Safety Training
Resource Management
Accomplishments
Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.
Designed whole new menu, including meal selections, beverages and pricing.