Christen Garaffa
Palm Coast,FL
Summary
Adept Executive Chef Partner with a proven track record at Owner, enhancing dining experiences through innovative menu development and strategic cost control. Excelled in kitchen management and team leadership, achieving significant efficiency improvements and fostering employee retention. Expert in food safety regulations and sanitation standards, ensuring top-quality culinary creations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef Partner
Owner
Amicis Pizzeria Restaurant
12.2018 - 08.2020
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and positive guest experiences.
- Implemented cost-effective purchasing strategies, negotiating contracts with suppliers for optimal pricing on quality ingredients.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency and reduced food waste through strategic planning and organization.
- Effectively addressed customer concerns or complaints by providing prompt resolutions that upheld the restaurant''s commitment to exceptional service.
- Enhanced dining experience by creating innovative, seasonal menus and incorporating locally sourced ingredients.
- Improved food preparation processes by implementing time-saving techniques without sacrificing quality or consistency in final products.
- Coordinated catering services for special events, showcasing culinary creativity and flexibility in meeting diverse client needs.
- Optimized inventory management systems to minimize spoilage while maintaining adequate stock levels of essential ingredients.
Server Shift Leader
Juniper Hill
Annandale, NJ
11.2017 - 11.2018
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Promoted a positive work environment, fostering teamwork through regular communication and recognition of outstanding performances.
- Oversaw daily operations of service team, delegated tasks, and trained new staff.
- Handled table service and other dining room tasks to address shortfalls due to unexpected absences or unusual service volumes.
Restaurant Food Server
Max’s Esca
Staten Island, NY
11.2015 - 10.2017
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure prompt delivery of food items, maintaining optimal food quality.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
- Streamlined order-taking process by quickly entering orders into POS system, reducing wait times for customers.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
Restaurant Manager
Bella Gioia
Brooklyn, NY
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Education
Degree In Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
The French Culinary Institute
New York, NY04.2018
Skills
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Sanitation Standards
- Food presentation
- Kitchen Management
- Menu development
- Employee Retention
- Recipe creation
- Cost Control
- Food Safety Regulations
- Team Management
Timeline
Executive Chef Partner
Owner
12.2018 - 08.2020
Server Shift Leader
Juniper Hill
11.2017 - 11.2018
Restaurant Food Server
Max’s Esca
11.2015 - 10.2017
Restaurant Manager
Bella Gioia
08.2014 - 08.2015
Degree In Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts
The French Culinary Institute