Carmen Ramirez
New York
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished Executive Chef with 15+ years of leadership across high-volume culinary operations, major sporting events, university dining, and corporate hospitality. Recognized for supervising large-scale productions at nationally televised events—including the 2014 Super Bowl (82,500+ attendees), the 2013 MLB All-Star Game & Home Run Derby, and the U.S. Open (2010–2012, ~23,000 daily attendees)—while consistently delivering precision, quality, and exceptional guest experiences. Skilled in building strong culinary teams, engineering innovative menus, and managing end-to-end kitchen operations in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Brings a proven track record in food safety, cost control, large-scale catering, and operational efficiency, with a leadership style grounded in professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Savory Hospitality
04.2025 - Current
- Directed all kitchen operations, from menu creation to execution, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation for every service and event.
- Designed innovative, seasonal menus that reflected current culinary trends and client preferences while maintaining profitability.
- Trained and supervised a high-performing culinary team, fostering skill growth, consistency, and a positive kitchen culture.
- Oversaw budgeting, inventory, and vendor relations, implementing strategies that reduced costs and improved efficiency.
Executive Chef
NYU Chartwells
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Led daily production for large-scale campus dining, consistently delivering high-quality meals to thousands of students and staff.
- Introduced creative menu options tailored to diverse dietary needs and student feedback.
- Coordinated with management and service teams to streamline kitchen operations and event execution.
- Maintained rigorous food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with DOH regulations.
Food Director
All Saints Academy
06.2021 - 08.2024
- Directed all meal programs, ensuring nutritional balance and adherence to school dietary guidelines.
- Managed budgeting, ordering, and vendor contracts to optimize food quality and minimize costs.
- Oversaw staff scheduling, training, and performance evaluations to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Led menu development aligning with nutritional guidelines and student preferences.
- Streamlined food procurement processes, enhancing supplier relationships and reducing costs.
Chef Manager
Cater To You
02.2014 - 05.2021
- Managed kitchen operations for catered events, ensuring timely preparation and flawless presentation.
- Controlled food and labor costs through accurate forecasting and efficient resource management.
- Implemented new recipe development and presentation standards that elevated overall brand image.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
Executive Chef
Columbia University International Housing
01.2012 - 04.2014
- Designed and executed multicultural menus for international residents, highlighting global cuisines and traditions.
- Coordinated large-scale events, ensuring smooth service and cultural authenticity.
- Mentored staff on preparation, plating, and culinary techniques to uphold high presentation standards.
- Maintained compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations while managing daily kitchen operations.
Super Bowl Culinary Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
02.2014 - 02.2014
- Supervised culinary operations for Super Bowl XLVIII (82,529 attendees), ensuring flawless food production and service for a high-volume, nationally televised event.
- Led catering execution for VIP suites, corporate suites, and player areas, coordinating menu logistics, and timely delivery across multiple service zones.
- Directed a multidisciplinary kitchen team, managing workflow, station setup, and rapid communication to maintain smooth performance under extreme time pressure.
- Enforced strict food safety, sanitation, and temperature control standards while training staff to consistently meet elite quality expectations.
MLB All-Star Game & Home-run Derby Chef Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
07.2013 - 07.2013
- Supervised culinary operations for the 2013 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby (45,000+ attendees), directing high-volume food production in a fast-paced stadium environment.
- Oversaw catering for VIP suites, media personnel, and team staff, coordinating specialized menus, and ensuring timely delivery across multiple service areas.
- Collaborated with event managers and vendors to streamline ingredient flow, equipment setup, and last-minute menu changes during live event conditions.
- Implemented real-time quality control checks—monitoring presentation, portioning, and speed of service—to maintain MLB event standards and elevate the guest experience.
U.S. Open Chef Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Supervised culinary operations in the main commissary kitchen for three consecutive years in the U.S. Opens, supporting food production for a median of approximately 23,000 daily attendees across stadium restaurants, concessions, and VIP areas.
- Oversaw large-scale batch cooking, inventory movement, and distribution to multiple outlets, ensuring accurate portioning and timely delivery during peak tournament play.
- Coordinated with executive chefs, vendors, and logistics teams to manage menu adjustments, ingredient prep, and equipment needs in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Maintained strict food safety, allergen control, and sanitation protocols while training staff to uphold U.S. standards. Open culinary standards.
Education
Culinary Degree -
Nutrition Integrative Nutrition School
Business Administration Degree - undefined
Star Career Academy
Skills
- Kitchen operations
- Menu development
- Food safety standards
- Budget management
- Staff training
- Inventory control
- Vendor relations
- Culinary presentation
- High-volume production
- Food safety
- Kitchen management
- Operations management
- Kitchen operations oversight
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Executive Chef
Savory Hospitality
04.2025 - Current
Executive Chef
NYU Chartwells
08.2024 - 03.2025
Food Director
All Saints Academy
06.2021 - 08.2024
Chef Manager
Cater To You
02.2014 - 05.2021
Super Bowl Culinary Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
02.2014 - 02.2014
MLB All-Star Game & Home-run Derby Chef Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
07.2013 - 07.2013
Executive Chef
Columbia University International Housing
01.2012 - 04.2014
U.S. Open Chef Supervisor
Seasonal Contractor
08.2010 - 06.2012
Business Administration Degree - undefined
Star Career Academy
Culinary Degree -
Nutrition Integrative Nutrition School