Blake Bethem
Fredericksburg,VA
Summary
Veteran Restaurant Owner with hands-on experience in all areas of restaurant operations. Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills. Ambitious, hard working with a proven track record of creating successful food service operations, managing staff and increasing profits. Extensive experience in menu design, ordering supplies and creating innovative solutions to food service challenges. Well-versed in hospitality standards.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Owner /Executive Head Chef
Vivify Burger And Lounge
09.2013 - 11.2023
- Set employee schedules, delegated work, and monitored food quality and service performance.
- Recruited, hired, and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
- Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
Restaurant Owner / Executive Chef
Bistro Bethem
05.2004 - 08.2017
- Sourced vendors, negotiated contracts, and managed efficient deliveries of high-quality supplies.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
Chef De Cuisine
Bistro 309
07.2000 - 05.2004
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as dishwashers and waiters.
- Created menus and designed corresponding recipes
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
Executive Chef
The Riverview Restaurant
01.1998 - 07.2000
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
First Line Cook
Radisson
12.1997 - 06.1998
- Assembled and served dishes consistently with commitment to flavors and quality presentation.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson And Wales University
Norfolk, VA05.1997
Military Experience
United States Marine Corps
Corporal, E4
December, 1990-February, 1995
Timeline
Restaurant Owner /Executive Head Chef
Vivify Burger And Lounge
09.2013 - 11.2023
Restaurant Owner / Executive Chef
Bistro Bethem
05.2004 - 08.2017
Chef De Cuisine
Bistro 309
07.2000 - 05.2004
Executive Chef
The Riverview Restaurant
01.1998 - 07.2000
First Line Cook
Radisson
12.1997 - 06.1998
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson And Wales University
Similar Profiles
Muhammed NihasMuhammed Nihas
Kitchen Assistant at Burger LoungeKitchen Assistant at Burger Lounge
Aidan DalyAidan Daly
Shift Lead at Burger LoungeShift Lead at Burger Lounge
Luis PadillaLuis Padilla
Kitchen Manager at The Burger LoungeKitchen Manager at The Burger Lounge
Preston WilliamsPreston Williams
Account Executive at ISI AnalyticsAccount Executive at ISI Analytics
A'mya ToddA'mya Todd
Logistics Associate at AmazonLogistics Associate at Amazon