Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Aaron Long

Hico

Summary

I am a food service professional with extensive experience in kitchen management and culinary operations on all levels from dishwasher to owner. After spending 15+ years in various kitchen positions our family expanded and my wife and I decided it would be best to put my career on pause and become a stay at home parent until both our our children were of school age. I have taken a few years off to spend with my family, but with them both now in school I am prepared to start my career in food service again.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant Developer

Central Bistro
Saint Petersburg, Florida
02.2017 - 03.2018

After selling my restaurant I was hired on for one year to develop the concept of Central Bistro. I worked with the owner to create a layout, menu, and new recipes. Being ServeSafe certified I trained all new employees on proper food handling and kitchen safety. I created a catering menu and developed a network of businesses for catering.

  • Participated in regular code reviews, ensuring high-quality standards were consistently met across all areas of restaurant.
  • Continuously updated skills through training courses, workshops, and self-study—staying current on industry trends
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations
  • Achieved consistent compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular staff training sessions.

Director of Catering

All Office Catering
Saint Petersburg, Florida
04.2014 - 12.2016
  • Rented my restaurant's kitchen out to a small catering company that I also supervised and helped develop their catering menus.
  • Reduced food waste by implementing inventory control systems that accurately tracked stock levels for various catering supplies.
  • Developed strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations, leading to increased referrals and repeat clientele.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
  • Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
  • Served catering guests by fulfilling orders, communicating requests to kitchen staff and routinely inquiring about customer satisfaction.
  • Managed food inventory and supplies, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for diverse events.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously during peak service hours to ensure timely delivery of meals without sacrificing quality.

Restaurant Owner/Operator

The Spot Bar and Grill
Saint Petersburg, Fl
05.2013 - 12.2016
  • Managed financial aspects of the business including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting to stakeholders.
  • Maximized dining experience by designing an inviting atmosphere through thoughtful interior design choices and menu selections.
  • Increased restaurant profitability with cost-effective inventory management and strategic pricing strategies.
  • Collaborated with local community organizations on various initiatives to boost brand visibility while giving back to the community.
  • Implemented high-quality food safety protocols to ensure the health and well-being of patrons and maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Cultivated a loyal customer base by consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences that exceeded expectations.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors to secure favorable pricing agreements, ensuring timely deliveries of quality products.
  • Boosted revenue through targeted marketing campaigns, special events, and promotions.
  • Expanded catering services for private events resulting in increased revenue streams from off-site offerings.
  • Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
  • Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.

Cafe Manager

All Of It Cafe
Saint Petersburg, Florida
11.2011 - 03.2013
  • Oversaw daily cafe operations to maintain smooth workflow in both front-of-house and back-of-house areas.
  • Trained cafe employees to consistently exceed customers' expectations and provide superior service.
  • Filled in for absent employees in any position in cafe, keeping operations efficient even when short-handed.
  • Handled business administration functions such as payroll, cash register counting, and supply ordering.
  • Introduced new menu items to add variety and selections and meet customer preferences.
  • Ensured compliance with food safety regulations by implementing strict sanitation protocols and employee training initiatives.
  • Expanded menu offerings to cater to diverse dietary preferences, enhancing overall customer satisfaction rates.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Marshall University
Huntington, WV
05-2021

Skills

  • Food safety
  • Food preparation
  • Adaptability in kitchen
  • Sanitation practices
  • Recipe development
  • Menu planning
  • Special dietary/allergy accommodations
  • Ingredient preparation
  • Supply restocking

Timeline

Restaurant Developer

Central Bistro
02.2017 - 03.2018

Director of Catering

All Office Catering
04.2014 - 12.2016

Restaurant Owner/Operator

The Spot Bar and Grill
05.2013 - 12.2016

Cafe Manager

All Of It Cafe
11.2011 - 03.2013

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Marshall University
Aaron Long