Bryan Michalak
Reading,PA
Summary
Versatile Chef experienced in leading kitchen operations and menu development. Improved kitchen efficiency and elevated guest satisfaction through innovative dish crafting and effective team management. Focused on delivering exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
The Highlands At Wyomissing
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
03.2025 - Current
- Supervised kitchen staff during meal periods and line service
- Monitored food safety and sanitation standards in community kitchen areas
- Prepared daily meals for residents in senior living dining services
- Coordinated menu preparation with dietary needs and special resident requests
- Plated entrees and sides for consistent presentation in dining service
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Liaised closely with kitchen and front-of-house personnel.
Kitchen Manager
Schaylor Brewing Company
Reading, Pennsylvania
01.2021 - 03.2025
- Managed brewery kitchen operations for Schaylor Brewing Company taproom service
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
- Supervised kitchen staff scheduling, training, and daily task assignments
- Coordinated food prep, plating, and service timing with front-of-house team
- Oversaw meal preparation and monitored food handling to encourage safety.
- Trained new kitchen staff in proper food handling techniques and safety regulations.
- Procured necessary ingredients to ensure smooth kitchen workflow and supplies to maintain adequate inventory levels for the kitchen.
Server/Bartender
Mimmos Pizza
Reading, PA
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Mixed bar drinks and poured beer for restaurant patrons.
- Delivered food and beverages to tables with prompt guest service.
- Served dine-in guests and handled food orders at Mimmos Pizza.
- Processed cash, card, and tab payments using point-of-sale system.
- Restocked bar supplies, glassware, and dining service stations.
- Effectively multitasked within a fast-paced environment.
- Welcomed guests warmly upon arrival to enhance dining experience. with friendliness and professionalism.
Cook
Barley Mow
Reading, PA
01.2020 - 08.2020
- Cooked grilled, fried, and oven dishes during busy Barley Mow service periods.
- Prepared pub menu items following Barley Mow kitchen recipes and standards.
- Managed station readiness with fresh prep, garnishes, and stocked ingredients.
- Checked food quality and plating before sending orders to dining room.
- Maintained kitchen hygiene, sanitation, and safe food handling procedures.
Chef
The Hutton Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
03.2017 - 11.2019
- Plated charcuterie, cheeses, and composed dishes for hotel guests and events.
- Prepared cold appetizers and salads for Hutton Hotel dining and banquet service.
- Chopped, seasoned, and cooked ingredients for daily service in busy hotel kitchen.
- Monitored food quality and presentation across breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
- Created innovative plate presentations to enhance guest dining experience.
- Developed creative ideas for plate presentations.
- Coordinated plating and timing with line staff to ensure seamless service during peak dining periods.
- Ensured food quality and presentation met standards across all meal services.
Managing Owner
Rockys pizza
Blandon, Pennsylvania
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Hired, trained, and scheduled team members for front counter and food preparation to ensure operational efficiency.
- Oversaw dough, sauce, topping, and oven procedures for consistent pizza quality.
- Managed inventory and vendor orders, conducting supply checks to meet Rocky's Pizza restaurant needs.
- Monitored food safety, cleanliness, and health code compliance throughout the store.
- Resolved customer concerns and supported staff during busy service periods.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while upholding company standards.
- Recruited, hired, and trained employees while providing coaching and evaluations to enhance team effectiveness.
- Recruited, hired, trained, coached, and evaluated employees.
Server/Bartender/Line Cook/Crew Trainer
Red Robin
Blandon, Pennsylvania
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Greeted Red Robin guests and presented menus with friendly, attentive service.
- Took food and beverage orders accurately for dining room and bar guests.
- Entered orders into POS system and coordinated timing with kitchen staff.
- Mixed cocktails, poured drinks, and maintained organized bar service at Red Robin.
- Delivered food, beverages, and refills promptly to tables and bar seats.
- Made friendly conversation with customers to provide enjoyable bar experience.
- Checked food quality and plating before sending orders to dining room.
- Cleaned kitchen equipment, surfaces, utensils and dishes.
Pizza Cook
Primo pizza
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Prepared pizza dough, sauces, and toppings in Primo pizza kitchen.
- Operated ovens and monitored bake times for consistent pizza quality.
- Assembled specialty pizzas following Primo pizza recipe standards.
- Maintained clean workstations and sanitized food contact surfaces.
- Restocked ingredients and organized walk-in cooler supplies.
- Trained new kitchen staff on dough handling and pizza assembly.
- Coordinated with front counter staff on order timing and accuracy.
- Ensured that all recipes were followed accurately when making pizzas.
- Prepared ingredients such as dough, sauce, and toppings for pizzas.
Pizza Delivery Driver/Line Cook
Riviera Pizza
Reading, Pennsylvania
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Delivered pizza to customers in a timely manner while adhering to traffic laws.
- Delivered Riviera Pizza orders promptly across assigned neighborhoods.
- Inspected deliveries for correct pizzas, sides, and beverages.
- Verified customer addresses and contact details before departure.
- Collected payments and processed cash and card transactions.
- Carried food in insulated bags to maintain hot or cold temperature.
Busser
Chat a While Inn
Reading, Pennsylvania
05.2003 - 01.2004
- Cleared and reset guest tables at Chat a While Inn dining area.
- Removed used dishes and glassware from guest tables promptly.
- Refilled water, silverware, and napkin stations for dining room service.
- Supported servers with table preparation during busy meal periods.
Newspaper Carrier
Reading Eagle
Reading, Pennsylvania
01.2001 - 09.2003
- Delivered Reading Eagle newspapers along assigned routes before dawn.
- Sorted daily editions and bundled inserts for route delivery.
- Collected subscriber payments and updated delivery records.
- Maintained vehicle readiness for early-morning newspaper distribution.
Education
Exeter High School
Reading, PennsylvaniaSome College (No Degree) - Business
Reading Area Community College
Reading, PASome College (No Degree) - Business Management
Penn State Berks
Reading, PennsylvaniaSome College (No Degree) - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RISkills
- Food safety
- Kitchen sanitation
- Food preparation
- Menu development
- Recipe testing
- Food costing
- Inventory control
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Foodservice
Certification
Servsafe
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sous Chef
The Highlands At Wyomissing
03.2025 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Schaylor Brewing Company
01.2021 - 03.2025
Server/Bartender
Mimmos Pizza
08.2020 - 12.2020
Cook
Barley Mow
01.2020 - 08.2020
Chef
The Hutton Hotel
03.2017 - 11.2019
Managing Owner
Rockys pizza
01.2013 - 01.2017
Server/Bartender/Line Cook/Crew Trainer
Red Robin
01.2010 - 12.2013
Pizza Cook
Primo pizza
01.2007 - 12.2010
Pizza Delivery Driver/Line Cook
Riviera Pizza
01.2004 - 01.2007
Busser
Chat a While Inn
05.2003 - 01.2004
Newspaper Carrier
Reading Eagle
01.2001 - 09.2003
Exeter High School
Some College (No Degree) - Business
Reading Area Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Business Management
Penn State Berks
Some College (No Degree) - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University