Kevin Pastora
Miami,FL
Summary
Dynamic Head Chef with a strong focus on menu innovation, team leadership, and food safety. Proven track record in enhancing dining experiences and optimizing kitchen operations.
Overview
2
2
Languages
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Zuma
Vail, CO
05.2026 - Current
- Coordinated daily kitchen operations, ensuring timely service and quality control of dishes served.
- Supervised kitchen staff, fostering teamwork and improving overall efficiency in food preparation.
- Ensured adherence to food safety standards, maintaining high hygiene levels in kitchen operations.
- Developed innovative menu items to enhance dining experience and align with culinary trends.
Head Chef
Zuma
Miami, FL
01.2025 - 05.2026
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing ingredient usage to minimize waste while maintaining quality.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined kitchen workflows and enhanced service speed.
- Trained new team members on culinary techniques and restaurant protocols for optimal performance.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication and guest satisfaction.
Head Chef
Zuma
New York, NY
11.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
Head Chef
Zuma
Boston, MA
09.2021 - 12.2024
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Executive Sous Chef
Zuma
Las Vegas, NV
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation standards.
- Managed inventory control to reduce waste and optimize ingredient usage across multiple outlets.
- Developed and implemented new menu items in collaboration with culinary team, enhancing guest experience.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs on cooking techniques and kitchen safety protocols, fostering skill development.
Sous Chef
Zuma
Las Vegas, NV
08.2017 - 09.2020
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
- Developed and executed seasonal menu items, enhancing guest satisfaction and dining experience.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Junior Sous Chef
Zuma
Miami, FL
05.2014 - 08.2017
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety and quality standards.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in culinary techniques and kitchen protocols.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop seasonal menus and special dishes.
- Monitored inventory levels, managing stock rotation to reduce waste and ensure freshness.
Line Cook
Zuma
Miami, FL
06.2012 - 05.2014
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Managed kitchen inventory, ensuring freshness and availability of ingredients.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline food preparation processes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations in compliance with health standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary School
Le Cordon Bleu
Miami, FL2012
Skills
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Team management
- Menu development
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Head Chef
Zuma
05.2026 - Current
Head Chef
Zuma
01.2025 - 05.2026
Head Chef
Zuma
11.2024 - 01.2025
Head Chef
Zuma
09.2021 - 12.2024
Executive Sous Chef
Zuma
09.2020 - 09.2021
Sous Chef
Zuma
08.2017 - 09.2020
Junior Sous Chef
Zuma
05.2014 - 08.2017
Line Cook
Zuma
06.2012 - 05.2014
Associate of Science - Culinary School
Le Cordon Bleu