Brandon Harlow
Sous Chef
Sterling,VA
Summary
Brandon is a Northern Virginia native and was born in Fairfax County, Virginia. He graduated from Potomac Falls High School in Sterling. He and his family later moved to Loudon County. His maternal family owned a small restaurant in Vienna, Virginia. His upbringing has always involved food. Gluttony of ethnic foods was the norm at family gatherings. Brandon’s paternal family really loves to eat!
After high school, Brandon explored the occupational trade. He joined Roots 657 in 2016 before the café opened to the public in 2017. His initial job was as a dishwasher, then promoted to Head Steward, coordinating the activities of the back kitchen staff. Brandon gained applicable skills learning from Roots restaurant culinary experts. Chef Rosendale recognized his hard work and dedication to the craft. With Chef’s mentorship and guidance, he has flourished into the role of Sous Chef.
Brandon continues to support Chef Rosendale with special events. His trip with Chef to the Ocean Reef Club event in Key Largo, Florida, remains a culinary experience. He actively participates in other special catering events that include an International hotel executive-hosted annual holiday party, a private country club’s employee celebration, and Chef’s onsite mastery culinary classes.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
Roots 657
01.2016 - 12.2025
- Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
Driver's Assistant
UPS
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Assisted driver with product or package deliveries to residential and commercial locations.
- Displayed very good communication and customer service skills.
- Lifted and carried packages weighing up to 80 pounds.
- Exhibited good attendance, work habits, and willingness to learn job functions.
- Assisted with shipment preparation and documentation to support accuracy and proper tracking.
- Used hand trucks and dollies to safely transport heavy and cumbersome packages.
- Maintained vehicle organization and cleanliness and reported any issues to driver.
- Reduced unnecessary delays, collaborating with drivers to plan and navigate routes.
Turf Technician
Trump National Golf Course
04.2015 - 09.2015
- Removed debris and waste from outdoor areas.
- Utilized lawn striping methods for healthy grass growing and appearance.
- Developed and maintained efficient irrigation system for outdoor areas.
- Collaborated with gardeners to plan and design outdoor spaces.
- Assisted with irrigation system maintenance and repair.
- Utilized power tools and landscaping machines to maintain outdoor areas.
- Coordinated with other landscaping professionals to improve outdoor areas.
Education
High School Diploma -
Potomac Falls High School
Sterling, VASkills
- Customer service
- Station oversight
- Vendor relationship management
- Mentoring and coaching
- Ordering and requisitions
- Inventory management
- Vendor relations
- Motivational team management
- Time management
- Lead generation
- Work prioritization
Accomplishments
- Promoted to sous chef in only 6 months.
- Supervised team of 30 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Increased productivity by revamping workflow and restructuring line.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and to complete satisfaction.
- Achieved business operation insight through effectively promoting & working with partnering local companies.
Certification
ServSafe Certified (Expired)(Renewing Currently)
HACCP Certified(Expired)(On waitlist for renew)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sous Chef
Roots 657
01.2016 - 12.2025
Driver's Assistant
UPS
08.2015 - 12.2015
Turf Technician
Trump National Golf Course
04.2015 - 09.2015
High School Diploma -
Potomac Falls High School