Cesar Escobar
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Head Chef with extensive experience at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, specializing in culinary management and cost control. Demonstrated expertise in menu development and team collaboration, resulting in increased guest satisfaction through innovative culinary offerings. Established strong vendor partnerships to maintain high food quality and adherence to sanitation standards.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef 1
Compass Group USA at Children's Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, MO
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Improved kitchen staff performance through strategic training, evaluations, and necessary disciplinary actions.
- Maintained adherence to health department standards by ensuring a safe and sanitary work environment.
- Created innovative menus that catered to diverse dietary needs, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Controlled food costs while upholding high standards of quality and safety in food preparation.
- Oversaw overall business operations, including inventory management and customer service strategies.
- Coordinated food and beverage deliveries in accordance with budget constraints for efficient operations.
- Performed thorough inventory assessments to optimize vendor order preparations.
- Established effective vendor partnerships through negotiation of competitive ingredient pricing.
Head Chef
Oaklawn Racing Resort Casino
Hot Springs, AR
03.2021 - 07.2024
- Managed food costs through strategic menu planning and precise portion control.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Oversaw inventory management to ensure timely vendor orders before supplies depleted.
- Maintained food quality standards by verifying delivery contents for freshness and accuracy.
- Hired and trained kitchen staff to adhere to safety and quality protocols.
- Implemented efficient workstations to facilitate timely order deliveries during peak service periods.
- Ensured safe food handling and storage to prevent illness and cross-contamination.
- Utilized seasonal ingredients to enhance menu offerings while reducing overall costs.
Head Chef
V'S Italiano Ristorante
Independence, MO
02.2016 - 01.2021
- Coordinated maintenance and repair of kitchen equipment as necessary.
- Cultivated teamwork and open communication among kitchen staff to enhance morale.
- Developed recipes and prepared advanced dishes to elevate menu offerings.
- Established strong vendor relationships to secure fresh ingredients while supporting local businesses.
- Facilitated staff meetings to address challenges and reinforce company values and expectations.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations through enforcement of food handling practices.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Ensured timely delivery of all orders during busy services by implementing efficient workstations and streamlined plating processes.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
- Led staff meetings to discuss upcoming events, address concerns or challenges, and reinforce company values as well as expectations within the workplace environment.
- Trained junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques and food safety procedures, helping them grow professionally within the industry.
Chef De Cuisine
Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
Riverside, MO
04.2009 - 01.2016
- Streamlined kitchen workflow by delegating tasks based on individual strengths, improving ticket times during peak hours.
- Ensured high sanitation and cleanliness standards, adhering to health code regulations for a safe environment.
- Conducted regular menu tastings with management to assess flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
- Developed innovative dishes using fresh, local ingredients to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to manage budgetary constraints while maintaining ingredient quality.
- Supervised all kitchen staff, including dishwashers and waiters, to ensure optimal performance.
- Designed menus and corresponding recipes for Business Name, aligning with seasonal offerings.
- Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, promoting professional growth within the team.
Restaurant Chef
Ameristar Casino
Kansas City, MO
01.2000 - 03.2009
- Continually expanded culinary repertoire through ongoing research, experimentation, and professional development opportunities to enhance the restaurant''s overall offerings.
- Consistently met dietary needs of guests with allergies, intolerances, or preferences by creating customized dishes without compromising taste or presentation.
- Assisted in budget preparation for food purchasing expenses by reviewing previous business trends and forecasting future needs.
- Coordinated catering events for special occasions, tailoring menus to meet client preferences while exceeding expectations for quality and presentation.
- Determined which items needed to be ordered from suppliers and took into account budgetary requirements.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
Skills
- Food safety and regulations
- Culinary management
- Team leadership
- Menu planning
- Cost optimization and reduction
- Culinary expertise
- Event catering
- Kitchen operations
- Process improvements
- Sanitation standards
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Executive Chef 1
Compass Group USA at Children's Mercy Hospital
08.2024 - 12.2024
Head Chef
Oaklawn Racing Resort Casino
03.2021 - 07.2024
Head Chef
V'S Italiano Ristorante
02.2016 - 01.2021
Chef De Cuisine
Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
04.2009 - 01.2016
Restaurant Chef
Ameristar Casino
01.2000 - 03.2009