Brennan Knowles
Dining Services Director
Spokane,WA
Summary
Proficient Director of Dining Services with expertise in budgeting, hiring and financial administration. Successful history of leading streamlined and efficient operation within guidelines. Loyal, performance-minded and team-oriented with hands-on approach.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dining Services Director
Pegasus Senior Living
Spokane, WA
02.2020 - Current
- Strengthened controls to minimize waste and reduce costs.
- Monitored food production and corrected issues in preparation, portioning or other areas.
- Hired, trained and directed 12-20 person team of dining services professionals.
- Kept inventory levels in line with expected demands.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Trained staff on proper cooking procedures as well as safety regulations and productivity strategies.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Lead Cook/Sous Chef
Pegasus Senior Living
Spokane, WA
05.2016 - 02.2020
- Produced innovative menu offerings to promote company awareness and customer satisfaction.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Managed 4 culinary personnel in service to 120-customer base.
- Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
Education
High School Diploma -
Newport High School
Newport, WA 09.2009 - 06.2013
Skills
Supply ordering
Financial Oversight
Hiring and recruitment
Kitchen staff coordination
Food plating and presentation
Recipes and menu planning
Schedule Management
Strategic planning
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Cultural Awareness
Equity
Certification
ServeSafe Manager
ServeSafe manager
The ServSafe Manager Certification verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness.
Timeline
Dining Services Director
Pegasus Senior Living
02.2020 - Current
ServeSafe Manager
05-2019
Lead Cook/Sous Chef
Pegasus Senior Living
05.2016 - 02.2020
High School Diploma -
Newport High School
09.2009 - 06.2013