AUTUMN SIMMONS
Detroit,MI
Summary
Culinary professional with expertise in recipe development, event- management, and demonstrated ability in American pastry kitchen operations. Eager to pursue editorial training at the intersection of food, history, "placemaking", and culture.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Legacy Network Advisee
James Beard Foundation
09.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with James Beard-nominated chefs to refine recipe development skills by creating original American pastry recipes.
- Strengthened writing and baking skills by testing and editing recipes contributed by America's Test Kitchen.
- Launched a food writing blog, currently in development, under the guidance of a James Beard-awarded media professionals.
Chef De Cuisine
Good Cakes and Bakes
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks amongst 10 team members according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
- Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Ensured proper storage of perishable items according to HACCP guidelines, minimizing risks associated with foodborne illness outbreaks or spoilage costs.
- Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
Event/Wholesale Account Manager
Good Cakes And Bakes
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Cultivated relationships with local food vendors and suppliers, securing seven new wholesale accounts that boosted brand exposure in the Metro Detroit area.
- Managed event logistics for high-volume, local, and out-of-state vendor-driven events, including the NFL Draft (2024), Vegandale Chicago (2023-2024), Plantopia Chicago (2023), Detroit and Ferndale Pride (2023-2024), and VegFest Detroit (2023-2024).
- Delegated and oversaw responsibilities for a team of ten event planning staff members to ensure the successful and timely execution of event logistics and run-of-show.
- Oversaw the contracting process, menu development, ingredient supply contracts with local food vendors, delivery schedules, and overall execution for events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology
Spelman College
Atlanta, GAContinuing Education - Hospitality Business Management
Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
Lansing, MISkills
- Recipe development and standardization
- Culinary expertise
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft 365
- Strategic project management
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Timeline
Legacy Network Advisee
James Beard Foundation
09.2023 - Current
Chef De Cuisine
Good Cakes and Bakes
01.2023 - 08.2024
Event/Wholesale Account Manager
Good Cakes And Bakes
08.2022 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Anthropology
Spelman College
Continuing Education - Hospitality Business Management
Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
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