Christopher McNelley
Chef
Winter Garden,FL
Summary
Dynamic sous chef with extensive experience at Universal Studios Orlando, specializing in menu development and team member training. Proven track record in executing seasonal dishes and maintaining food safety standards. Adept at enhancing kitchen efficiency and fostering teamwork, while consistently achieving high guest satisfaction in fast-paced environments. Passionate, spirited and classically trained culinary professional, skilled in building relationships and developing high-performing teams. Leader in delivery of excellent customer service. Equipped to apply restaurant operational experience to grow world-class organizations. Dedicated to food safety, customer service best practices and quality food service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
Universal Studio Orlando
Orlando, Florida
11.2024 - Current
- Trained kitchen personnel in cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with the restaurant chef on inventory management and procurement.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Developed and executed seasonal menu items using fresh ingredients.
- Organized kitchen workflow to enhance efficiency during peak hours.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among team members.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
Sous Chef
Wilderness Lodge Resort Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
06.2023 - 11.2024
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Developed and executed seasonal menu items using fresh ingredients.
- Maintained food safety standards and sanitation practices consistently.
- Collaborated with the executive chef on inventory management and procurement.
- Trained kitchen personnel in cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Assisted in cost control by minimizing waste and optimizing resources.
Assistant Sous Chef Victoria & Alberts
Walt Disney World
Orlando, FL
06.2022 - 05.2023
- Designed comprehensive 10-course menus for events hosting up to 50 guests.
Involved in menu creation and adaptation during holiday seasons, including Thanksgiving and New Year’s as Chef Assistant. - Contributed to Victoria & Albert's receiving the AAA Five Diamond Award consistently since 2000.
Played an essential role in earning Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award in February 2018.
Assisted reopening team in regaining five-star and diamond status after two-year hiatus.
Maintained quality standards that led to prestigious culinary accolades. - Coordinated with chefs to enhance menu offerings and elevate guest satisfaction.
Provided mentorship to colleagues on best practices aligned with award-winning service.
Sous Chef
Adios Golf Club
Coconut Creek, FL
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Guided cooks in preparation, cooking, and station organization.
- Managed food inventory and ensured freshness of ingredients daily.
- Collaborated with culinary team to design seasonal menus for special events.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Conducted daily and monthly inventory assessments.
- Supervised staff to ensure completion of daily culinary tasks.
Pitmaster/Chef
Betones BBQ
São Paulo, Brazil
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Initiated daily operations at 5 AM to prepare smoker for meat fabrication and seasoning.
- Executed smoking process for meats including chicken thighs, brisket, flank steak, and pork ribs, requiring three to eight hours of smoke time.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of equipment and work area.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques and safety procedures.
- Oversaw daily operations of barbecue pit and smoking process.
- Responsible for tending to the smoker and ensuring proper temperature levels are maintained.
- Cleaned grills after use to maintain hygiene standards set by health department regulations.
Sous Chef
Friday Harbor House
Friday Harbor, WA
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring efficient food service and quality.
Coached culinary team on best practices for food preparation and presentation. - Partnered with Executive Chef to create diverse and appealing menu selections.
Contributed to maintaining reputation of top restaurant in San Juan Islands.
Sous Chef
Roche Harbor Resort Madrona
Friday Harbor, WA
05.2017 - 09.2017
- Helped assist my Executive Chef in helping the kitchen to be trained for the menu we developed. Call orders and delegate the line. Assist cooks when busy with prep or orders.
Roundsman/Lead Line
Hillsboro Beach Club
Hillsboro Beach, FL
11.2013 - 11.2014
Lead Line Cook
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood, Alaska
05.2013 - 10.2013
Sous Chef
Resurrection Roadhouse Windsong Lodge
Seward, Alaska
05.2012 - 09.2012
Line Cook/Expeditor
Jupiter Island Club
Hobe Sound, FL
10.2011 - 05.2012
Line Cook
Lighthouse Inn Waterfront Restuarant
West Dennis, MA
06.2010 - 10.2011
Line Cook
Olive Garden
Kissimmee, FL
12.2008 - 07.2009
Line Cook
Walt Disney World Resorts Epcot
Orlando, FL
08.2008 - 12.2008
Education
Diploma - Culinary of Science
Le Cordon Bleu Orlando
Orlando, FL01.2009
High School - High School Diploma
Cocoa Beach High School
Cocoa Beach, FL06-2007
Skills
- Menu Development
- Making Pasta
- Italian Cuisine
- Japanese Cuisine
- French Cuisine
- Brazilian Cuisine
- Sushi Making
- Molecular Gastronomy
- Beer Knowledge
- Sauce Development
- Fish Butchery
- Kosher Preparation
- Wood Fire Cooking
- Vegetarian Cooking
- Vegan Baking
- Gluten-Free
- Advanced Knife Handling
- Ordering / Purchasing
- Recipe Development
- Equipment Maintenance
- Staff Education / Motivation
- Wok Skills
- Inventory
- Charcuterie
- Portioning
- Expediting
- On-Site Special Events
- Up to 50 Covers a Night
- Up to 300 Covers a Night
- Full Service
- Meat Fabrication
- Meat Smoking
- Grill
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Food safety standards
Certification
- Servsafe
- Allergy Trained
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Portuguese
Limited
Timeline
Sous Chef
Universal Studio Orlando
11.2024 - Current
Sous Chef
Wilderness Lodge Resort Walt Disney World
06.2023 - 11.2024
Assistant Sous Chef Victoria & Alberts
Walt Disney World
06.2022 - 05.2023
Sous Chef
Adios Golf Club
05.2021 - 06.2022
Pitmaster/Chef
Betones BBQ
05.2020 - 04.2021
Sous Chef
Friday Harbor House
09.2017 - 04.2019
Sous Chef
Roche Harbor Resort Madrona
05.2017 - 09.2017
Roundsman/Lead Line
Hillsboro Beach Club
11.2013 - 11.2014
Lead Line Cook
Alyeska Resort
05.2013 - 10.2013
Sous Chef
Resurrection Roadhouse Windsong Lodge
05.2012 - 09.2012
Line Cook/Expeditor
Jupiter Island Club
10.2011 - 05.2012
Line Cook
Lighthouse Inn Waterfront Restuarant
06.2010 - 10.2011
Line Cook
Olive Garden
12.2008 - 07.2009
Line Cook
Walt Disney World Resorts Epcot
08.2008 - 12.2008
Diploma - Culinary of Science
Le Cordon Bleu Orlando
High School - High School Diploma
Cocoa Beach High School
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