Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Software
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Armando Cota

Chef De Cuisine
Escondido,CA

Summary

Talented kitchen leader and team motivator successful at maintaining staff focus and productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Experienced with California cuisine, sourcing ingredients, controlling budgets and boosting restaurant profiles.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications

Work History

Chef Manager

Cute Cakes
09.2024 - 11.2024
  • Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
  • Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for cost-effective sourcing of high-quality ingredients, reducing overall expenses without compromising on quality.
  • Developed comprehensive menus with a focus on seasonal ingredients and regional flavors, resulting in a unique dining experience.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating innovative and high-quality dishes tailored to diverse dietary preferences.

Chef De Cuisine

Grand Restaurant Group
08.2022 - 09.2024
  • Regularly reviewed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement or adjustments to menu offerings based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Managed budgetary constraints by negotiating favorable vendor contracts without sacrificing ingredient quality or availability during seasonal fluctuations.
  • Implemented creative daily specials to showcase unique ingredients or techniques while maintaining consistent customer favorites.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and exceptional dining experiences for all customers.
  • Created menus and designed corresponding recipes for Business Name.
  • Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
  • Developed seasonal menus with a focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers, resulting in rave reviews from guests and critics alike.

Executive Chef

Avensole Winery And Restaurant
05.2018 - 07.2022
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Verified compliance in preparation of menu items and customer special requests.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control and customer service for restaurant.
  • Assisted customers in planning corporate events, social galas and gourmet dinners.
  • Produced innovative menu offerings to promote company awareness and customer satisfaction.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation and safety processes.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action and performance reviews.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.

Sous Chef

Avensole Winery And Restaurant
05.2014 - 05.2018
  • Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
  • Modernized work processes to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to source best ingredients at best prices.
  • Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Managed 10 culinary personnel in service to 1100 guests weekly..
  • Reduced food costs 10% by using seasonal ingredients, setting standards for portion size and minimizing waste.

Education

Culinary Certificate - Culinary Arts

Art Institute of California/ San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
01.2014 - 07.2016

Skills

Forecasting and planning

Accomplishments

  • Awarded 2nd place in 2018 for the Oak Grove So-Cal Chefs Open
  • Awarded 1st place in the Peoples Choice Category in 2020 for the Oak Grove So-Cal Chefs open
  • Awarded 3rd place for the 2021 Oak Grove So- Cal Chefs Open


Affiliations

American Culinary Federation


Software

  • Microsoft Office
  • Toast
  • Open Table
  • Shamrock Menu Wizard
  • US Foods- Food Inventory

Certification

  • Culinary Certificate

Timeline

Chef Manager

Cute Cakes
09.2024 - 11.2024

Chef De Cuisine

Grand Restaurant Group
08.2022 - 09.2024
  • RBS
05-2022
  • Serve Safe
03-2021

Executive Chef

Avensole Winery And Restaurant
05.2018 - 07.2022
  • Culinary Certificate
07-2016

Sous Chef

Avensole Winery And Restaurant
05.2014 - 05.2018

Culinary Certificate - Culinary Arts

Art Institute of California/ San Bernardino
01.2014 - 07.2016

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