Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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BRIAN CRAWFORD

BRIAN CRAWFORD

Corinth,TX

Summary

Accomplished chef with a proven track record in delivering support through product development and training. Experienced in creating training and mentoring programs using various mediums. Possessing excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and time management skills. Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software programs. Hard-working, motivated, and goal-oriented individual who excels both independently and as part of a team. Confident in ability to be a valuable addition to any team seeking a personable and professional educator.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Self-Employed

Culinary Consulting and Product Development
03.2021 - Current
  • Assisting smaller restaurant and C-store chains with product development, recipes, and training materials.
  • Review and make recommendations for operations to reduce labor and increase quality.
  • Delivered dynamic presentations to facilitate learning and retention among diverse audiences.

Culinary Testing, Development, and Training

Appliance Innovation
03.2021 - 02.2023
  • Testing and documentation of new prototype designs concerning performance, consistency, and durability.
  • Worked extensively with mechanical and electrical engineers to improve upon the design of new products.
  • Conducted cooking demonstrations to highlight the capabilities and performance of innovative products to end users, factory reps, and manufactures.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns.
  • Enhanced culinary skills of trainees by conducting hands-on cooking demonstrations and workshops.
  • Developed customized training programs for various skill levels, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.

Culinary and Innovation Director

FAT Brands (Formerly Homestyle Dining)
04.2017 - 03.2021
  • Company Overview: (Formerly Homestyle Dining)
  • Technical writing of recipes, operations manuals, and training materials
  • Responsibilities include new menu development, new concept ideation, kitchen, and dining room design
  • Conducted training with back of the house and front of the house employees
  • Enhanced employee culinary skills by demonstrating and teaching various cooking techniques.

Director of Culinary

Homestyle Dining
04.2013 - 03.2016
  • Worked with marketing strategies to create a pipeline of new and innovative products for the Ponderosa and Bonanza units.
  • Conducted regional meetings and performed performance reviews for franchised units.
  • Led the team on the development of two new concepts, Coles Backyard Grill and Bonanza Steak & Smokehouse.
  • Facilitated team-building exercises among trainees, fostering collaboration and camaraderie in the kitchen.
  • Actively stayed current on food trends and emerging culinary techniques, incorporating them into training modules as appropriate.

Corporate Development Chef

TGI Fridays
01.2010 - 03.2013
  • Key responsibilities include new and existing product testing, new product development, and all technical documentation.
  • Testing and recommendations for all new equipment.

Company Chef & Territory Sales

Brad Waller & Associates
01.2008 - 03.2010
  • Worked with dealers, developers, and end users on the benefits of using state-of-the-art foodservice equipment.
  • Performed live demonstrations on equipment at various trade shows and food shows.
  • Trained and consulted customers on their new equipment to achieve 100% satisfaction and create an opportunity for future sales.

Education

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree -

Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY

Skills

  • PRODUCT SUPPORT
  • Product development aligned with consumer needs
  • Develop and deliver comprehensive culinary training resources
  • Supporting skills
  • Skilled in collaborative communication strategies
  • Organize training seminars
  • Culinary trends
  • Hands-on instruction
  • Food safety knowledge
  • Curriculum development

References

References Available Upon Request

Timeline

Culinary Testing, Development, and Training

Appliance Innovation
03.2021 - 02.2023

Self-Employed

Culinary Consulting and Product Development
03.2021 - Current

Culinary and Innovation Director

FAT Brands (Formerly Homestyle Dining)
04.2017 - 03.2021

Director of Culinary

Homestyle Dining
04.2013 - 03.2016

Corporate Development Chef

TGI Fridays
01.2010 - 03.2013

Company Chef & Territory Sales

Brad Waller & Associates
01.2008 - 03.2010

Associate of Occupational Studies Degree -

Culinary Institute of America