Stephon Whitaker
Atlanta,USA
Summary
Dynamic Head Chef with a proven track record at Bright Horizons, excelling in menu development and team leadership. Expert in food preparation and sanitation practices, I consistently enhance customer satisfaction and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. Adept at training staff and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment, driving operational excellence.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Bright Horizons
Atlanta, GA
05.2023 - Current
- Led kitchen operations for menu preparation and food service delivery, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Developed seasonal menus to elevate culinary offerings and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Developed diverse menus and recipes for appetizers, entrees, desserts, and specialty items to enhance guest experience.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety standards.
- Managed inventory to ensure availability of quality ingredients and supplies.
- Collaborated with management to uphold strict hygiene and sanitation practices.
- Coordinated vendor relations for procurement of fresh, local produce and supplies.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service in a timely manner.
Head Chef
Primrose Schools
Atlanta, USA
11.2021 - 05.2023
- Ensured food service area and meals complied with allergy policies, maintaining a safe environment for children with nut allergies
- Maintains a keen awareness of children that have allergies and food restrictions
- Offers substitute items to children who may be allergic or have other food restrictions
- Checked food labels upon receipt to verify adherence to allergy compliance requirements
- Follows the daily menu prepared in collaboration with or by the Director
- Follows portion control standards for lunch and snacks in preparations
- Adapted and implemented menu changes to align with management directives, enhancing meal variety and safety
- Ensures that each meal is ready to be served when scheduled
- Assists with ordering food and is able to calculate the amount needed
Laundry/Housekeeping
DoubleTree by Hilton
Atlanta, USA
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Operated and monitored washing, dry cleaning, and drying machinery, ensuring optimal performance through chemical management and lint trap cleaning.
- Identified stained or damaged items, determining appropriate actions for repair, spot treatment, rewash, or discard to maintain quality standards.
- Inspect cleanliness of articles removed from the washer, dryer, or dry cleaning machines and place in clean linen carts.
- Remove lint and debris from dryer screens, dry cleaning filters, and drain trap after each load.
- Set dryers to designated times and temperatures based on fabrics contained in load.
- Folding cleaned articles to standard sizes for organized distribution.
- Maintain accurate records of items laundered.
Food & Beverage Supervisor
LEGOLAND / Merlin Entertainment
Atlanta, USA
06.2015 - 10.2018
- Develop, train, and lead a professional, efficient, and effective team focused on the guest experience, and the quality of food and service.
- Maintained high standards of service, food quality, safety, and cleanliness, ensuring compliance with state and company policies.
- Achieved targets for profits, revenues, safety, customer service, and employee engagement, contributing to overall business success.
- Executed strategic planning tasks including forecasting, budget management, profit and loss accountability, cost control, and inventory management.
- Managed inventory and ensured cleanliness while maintaining food rotation and menu consistency.
- Resolved customer complaints to enhance food quality and improve service satisfaction.
- Monitored cafe operations to ensure compliance with health and food safety regulations.
Dishroom & Food Service Lead
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
Atlanta, USA
11.2014 - 06.2015
- Supervised and participated in washing dishes, silverware, pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils for hospital patients and staff, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene standards.
- Supervised cleanliness of all kitchen areas and proper disposal of garbage, maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.
- Supervises and participates in the routine maintenance, cleaning, and operation of dish and pot washing and other food service machines and equipment.
- Manages routine maintenance, cleaning, and operations of dish room and all kitchen equipment.
- Coordinates the activities of dish room workers engaged in cleaning and maintaining kitchen wash areas.
- Assists in the training and scheduling of dish room and other washing areas.
- Monitored employee productivity and offered suggestions to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
- Supervised day-to-day activities and delegated specific tasks.
- Assists in ensuring a safe working environment throughout the facility for all employees.
Education
BBA - Business Management
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA08-2021
CDA - Early Childhood
Educare of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA01-2011
Applied Mathematics -
BENJAMIN E. MAYS HIGH SCHOOL
Atlanta, GA01-2008
Skills
- Foodborne illness prevention
- Recipe documentation
- Quality assurance
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Analytical thinking
- Critical thinking abilities
- Leadership experience
- Team development
- Customer service and support
- Effective communication
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Personal Information
- Willing To Relocate: Anywhere
- Authorized To Work: US for any employer
Timeline
Head Chef
Bright Horizons
05.2023 - Current
Head Chef
Primrose Schools
11.2021 - 05.2023
Laundry/Housekeeping
DoubleTree by Hilton
02.2019 - 08.2021
Food & Beverage Supervisor
LEGOLAND / Merlin Entertainment
06.2015 - 10.2018
Dishroom & Food Service Lead
NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL
11.2014 - 06.2015
BBA - Business Management
Georgia State University
CDA - Early Childhood
Educare of Atlanta
Applied Mathematics -
BENJAMIN E. MAYS HIGH SCHOOL