Forward-thinking professional offering more than 15 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times. Excellent and proven culinary skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Chef
Twist Davis Group
10.2018 - Current
Increased guest satisfaction by developing innovative and diverse menu offerings tailored to corporate clientele.
Managed kitchen operations for efficient production, maintaining high quality standards and minimizing food waste.
Mentored junior chefs in the development of culinary skills, resulting in increased productivity and enhanced teamwork.
Optimized inventory management through strategic purchasing and vendor negotiations, reducing overall costs.
Enhanced employee satisfaction with effective communication, providing ongoing feedback and professional development opportunities.
Developed strong relationships with local suppliers, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices to support menu creativity.
Created signature dishes that became highly requested by clients, driving repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Ensured consistent quality across multiple locations by standardizing recipes and training staff on proper execution techniques.
Conducted regular performance evaluations for kitchen staff, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for growth within the company.
Managed budgetary constraints effectively while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction through creative menu planning and cost control strategies.
Boosted employee retention rates by fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged collaboration and professional growth.
Contributed to company growth by constantly improving operational efficiency and providing exceptional customer service.
Participated in community outreach programs as a culinary ambassador, conducting cooking demonstrations and sharing expertise with the public.
Introduced modern cooking techniques into traditional recipes to create innovative dishes while preserving cultural authenticity.
Managed all food supply orders with manufacturers and vendors and kept track of inventory.
Trained employees in various cooking techniques, food safety regulations and corporate policies.
Instituted positive kitchen atmosphere by promoting regular training and ensuring that employees felt valued for hard work.
Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
Educated employees in effective methods to avoid cross-contamination and ways to prepare dishes for patrons with food allergies.
Generated employee schedules and work assignments and determined appropriate compensation rates.
Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance, and cleanliness of production and service areas.
Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
Head Chef
Mad Social
08.2016 - 08.2018
Lowered BOH labor costs by 3% in first three months
Worked closely with the General Manager to develop end-of-period recaps
Developed knowledge of French-American fine dining and homemade desserts using scratch cooking
Elevated restaurant's reputation by consistently creating high-quality, innovative dishes and maintaining top-notch presentation standards.
Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff scheduling and proper inventory management.
Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
Implemented new recipes and modern cooking techniques to continuously improve the menu offerings and overall dining experience for guests.
Sous Chef
Marion Street Cheese Market
06.2014 - 07.2016
Enhanced overall restaurant efficiency by streamlining kitchen operations and implementing effective time management strategies.
Boosted customer satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering high-quality dishes and maintaining strict adherence to food safety standards.
Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
Assisted in budget planning and cost management efforts, helping the establishment maintain profitability without sacrificing quality or service standards.
Lead Line Cook
J Rocco Italian Table
04.2013 - 06.2014
Assisted in the grand opening of the restaurant and worked with the Head Chef on recipe development
Leader of weekend brunch service
Assisted Sous Chef with line cooking
Developed knowledge of Italian cuisine and making pasta from scratch
Worked with team to serve approximately 1000 people at Bacon fest
Assisted in restaurant promotion for industry chefs and vendors at Chicago Gourmet, serving approximately 500 people
Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining food preparation processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
Maintained high-quality food standards by ensuring consistent execution of recipes and presentation techniques.
Trained junior cooks on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and kitchen etiquette, promoting a positive work environment.
Line Cook
Viand Bar and Grill
12.2010 - 04.2013
Developed knowledge of French cuisine, seafood, stocks, soups, sauces, fish and meat fabrication, and health and safety operations
Practiced cooking skills in multiple stations, including cold side, grill, and sauté
Gained experience in hotel banquets and catering
Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
Dishwasher & Prep
Chicago Tribune
06.2007 - 08.2009
Began as dishwasher and was promoted to salad station
Developed knife skills and learned to work as part of a team
Ensured consistent cleanliness by adhering to strict sanitation procedures for all dishes, utensils, and equipment.
Supported overall restaurant operations by promptly restocking clean dishes and utensils in designated areas.
Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with kitchen staff members.
Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace for fellow staff members.
Education
High School Diploma -
North High School
Sheboygan, WI
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts And Hospitality Mangement
Kendall College
Chicago, IL
Skills
Certifications and Licenses
Food handler certificate
Food Handler
Menu Planning
Dish Development
Kitchen Management
Guest Experiences
Customer Service
Food Trend Awareness
Culinary Techniques
Budget Management
Multitasking Abilities
Accomplishments
Led team in numerous culinary competitions and high volume events including Baconfest Chicago, Heritage Fire Minneapolis, Rosé Fest Saint Paul, etc
Featured in multiple local and national media publications and television productions for culinary accomplishments and signature dish spotlights
Personally prepared and orchestrated catered meals and dishes for The Minnesota Vikings, The Minnesota Twins, The Jonas Brothers, amongst other sports teams and well-known celebrities
Certification
Certified Food Production Manager, ServSafe, State of Minnesota- 11/2021-Present
Culinary Staging - 2009-2014
Stage History
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse -Chicago, IL
Girl & The Goat - Chicago, IL
Alinea - Chicago, IL
Longman & Eagle - Chicago, IL
The Purple Pig Restaurant - Chicago, IL
Spiaggia - Chicago, IL
Timeline
Corporate Chef
Twist Davis Group
10.2018 - Current
Head Chef
Mad Social
08.2016 - 08.2018
Sous Chef
Marion Street Cheese Market
06.2014 - 07.2016
Lead Line Cook
J Rocco Italian Table
04.2013 - 06.2014
Line Cook
Viand Bar and Grill
12.2010 - 04.2013
Dishwasher & Prep
Chicago Tribune
06.2007 - 08.2009
High School Diploma -
North High School
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts And Hospitality Mangement
Kendall College
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