Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
BusinessDevelopmentManager
Bennie Couch

Bennie Couch

Sou Chef
Winston Salem,NC

Summary

I have been passionate about Cooking from a very young age. Following in the footsteps of my uncle who worked as a Chef at Greensboro college for 35 years . My first expert started at a well known Italian Restaurant called Salvino's a Fine Dining in Greensboro for several years before going to George K's ,where i was trained as a sauté Chef in Fine Dining . also work as Head Chef at Holiday Inn Greensboro Airport for 10 years currently as 2024 & Head Banquet Chef at Double Tree by Hilton in Winston Salem,NC 45 years of experience in my Professional Career.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Banquet Chef

Doubletree By Hilton
05.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating and executing innovative banquet menus tailored to various event themes.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining the preparation process for large-scale events.
  • Managed food inventory, ensuring optimal freshness and minimizing waste for cost-effective operations.
  • Practiced safe work habits to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
  • Trained and mentored junior chefs, fostering a team-oriented environment focused on producing high-quality dishes. I have my SevrSafe Certification
  • Achieved success in meeting tight deadlines for multiple simultaneous events through effective time management skills.
  • Implemented creative presentation techniques that elevated the visual appeal of each dish served at banquets or special occasions.
  • Continuously researched and experimented with new culinary techniques, staying current on industry trends to ensure competitive offerings at events.
  • Wrote, maintained and updated banquet menu specifications, recipes and production forecasts.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Dated and rotated food containers, safely stored perishables and maintained sanitary work environment to maximize food safety.
  • Chopped vegetables, butchered meat and prepared sauces in advance to serve guests promptly and efficiently.

Head Chef

Holiday Inn Hotel Greensboro Airport
03.2014 - Current
  • 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.
  • Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
  • Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.

Head Banquet Chef,

IHG Hotels & Resorts / Holiday Inn Johnson City TN
04.2020 - 08.2023
  • Maximized flavor profiles by incorporating seasonal ingredients into banquet menu offerings.
  • Developed cost-effective meal plans while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation.
  • Delivered exceptional service at high-profile events, exceeding client expectations and garnering repeat business opportunities.
  • Analyzed banquet event orders and planned and coordinated functions with catering staff to meet or exceed customer expectations.
  • Grilled, roasted, baked and performed other cooking techniques to produce high volume meals.
  • Chopped vegetables, butchered meat and prepared sauces in advance to serve guests promptly and efficiently.

Banquet Sous Chef

Winston-Salem State University
03.2015 - 11.2021
  • Streamlined banquet food preparation processes, leading to increased efficiency and reduced waste in the kitchen.
  • Mentored junior cooks on proper cooking techniques, fostering skill development and growth within the team.
  • Maintained excellent communication with front-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination between culinary and service teams during events.
  • Developed new recipes that enhanced the overall dining experience for guests at various functions and celebrations.
  • Coordinated with catering sales team to ensure accurate representation of banquet offerings during client meetings or proposals.
  • Consistently met deadlines for multiple concurrent events by efficiently delegating tasks among kitchen staff members based on individual strengths and expertise levels.
  • Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
  • Supervised kitchen staff both in restaurant and for catering work.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.

Head Breakfast Cook

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
02.2002 - 10.2009

Breakfast cook at its best Omelette chef ,Open & Closing cooking large Quantity for Special Events. Soccer teams, Basketball teams, Swimming teams, Football teams, Furniture Market.

  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Contributed to consistent customer satisfaction rating by producing high-quality food and providing timely service.
  • Adjusted recipes based on ingredient availability or customer request.

Education

High School Diploma -

Walter Hines Pages High
Greensboro, NC
06.1981

Skills

  • Banquets and Catering
  • Food Safety Regulations
  • Ingredient Selection
  • Forecasting and Planning
  • Plating and Presentation
  • Grilling
  • Purchasing
  • Kitchen Management
  • Menu Planning
  • Leadership Qualities
  • Recipe Creation
  • Special Event Catering
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Food Prep Planning
  • Kitchen Equipment Operation

Timeline

Head Banquet Chef

Doubletree By Hilton
05.2021 - Current

Head Banquet Chef,

IHG Hotels & Resorts / Holiday Inn Johnson City TN
04.2020 - 08.2023

Banquet Sous Chef

Winston-Salem State University
03.2015 - 11.2021

Head Chef

Holiday Inn Hotel Greensboro Airport
03.2014 - Current

Head Breakfast Cook

Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
02.2002 - 10.2009

High School Diploma -

Walter Hines Pages High
Bennie CouchSou Chef