Christopher (Buddy) De La Fuente
Ocoee,FL
Summary
As a culinary professional with almost thirty-five years in the industry, my goal is to continue utilizing the skills I have gained over the course of my career, while remaining a student of my craft, within a reputable, respectable establishment for a mutually beneficial partnership.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Operations
Southern Steer Butcher
Ocoee, FL
01.2022 - Current
- Opening the team of the Ocoee location, the first franchise store.
- Recruited, hired and trained crew members on application of projects, customer relations, and customer service.
- Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
- Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
- Managed scheduling, training and inventory control.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers, securing favorable terms.
- Managed day-to-day operations while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction were met at all times.
- Managed facility maintenance and upgrades, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
Meat & Seafood Department/ Deli
Publix
Ocoee, FL
07.2019 - 12.2021
- Utilized knives and other equipment appropriately when cutting raw meats into portions or steaks.
- Weighed, wrapped, labeled, priced, and displayed the product for sale.
- Kept up to date on the latest trends in the industry to provide knowledgeable advice to customers.
- Engaged with customers to understand their needs, providing recommendations for meat selection and preparation.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Promoted new or high-value food items by creating attractive displays in cases and other customer-facing areas.
- I took special orders for event catering and party trays, assisting customers by recommending additional items, garnishes, and condiments.
- Made food according to standard recipes, with requested changes for customer satisfaction.
- Carefully prepared orders by slicing, weighing, and packaging cheeses and meats, with accurately calculated prices.
- I completed and passed testing for management, and I awaited available positions.
Food Service Director
SAGE Dining Services
Lake Wales, FL
07.2017 - 05.2019
- Provided food service to private schools and colleges.
- Managed a culinary staff of eight team members at a boarding school, where three meals a day were provided.
- Special banquet events and formal dinners were set up and executed, always following company standards by adhering to recipes, HACCP and safety guidelines, and documenting production.
- Conducted weekly inventory, placed all orders, and upheld kitchen equipment maintenance.
- Administered continued training for team members according to company standards, and consistently communicated with school administrators and staff about any upcoming events.
Culinary Supervisor - Banquets
Hilton Waldorf Astoria
Orlando, FL
07.2016 - 07.2017
- Provided food and beverage service to multiple meeting rooms for private corporate meetings, to large ballrooms for big corporate events, or weddings.
- Duties included, but were not limited to: ensuring prep lists for future BEOs are written, supervising staff to execute prep for current BEOs in a timely manner, and ensuring all HACCP and safety procedures are followed and in place.
- Fired food for daily BEOs, set up, and delivered. Attended BEO meetings with department event coordinators to follow up on BEO's in place.
Culinary Supervisor - Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Waldorf Astoria Park City
Orlando, FL
06.2015 - 06.2016
- Returned to Bull and Bear Steakhouse to assist after the loss of a chef.
Culinary Supervisor - Oscar's Kitchen
Waldorf Astoria
Orlando, FL
07.2011 - 06.2015
- Three meal period outlets also provide for the cocktail lounge, Peacock Alley, as well as 24-hour room service.
- Implemented much-needed structure, increased the quality of food to Waldorf standards, and boosted morale.
- Duties included, but were not limited to those of Bull and Bear, but on a much larger scale. Staff doubled, and food was served to three different outlets from the same kitchen. Involved in multiple menu changes and rollouts.
Culinary Supervisor - Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Waldorf Astoria
Orlando, FL
09.2009 - 07.2011
- Opening team member of the Waldorf Astoria's signature restaurant.
- During my time there, Bull and Bear won the award for Best Steakhouse in Orlando, as well as their first Silver Spoon Award.
- Duties included, but were not limited to: supervising and directing a team of twelve, ensuring that all policies and procedures were followed, and expediting and managing inventory by placing all food orders.
- Collaborated with the chef on menu changes and daily specials, placing HACCP plans and procedures, and any necessary coaching or disciplinary actions that occurred.
- Developed and executed prep lists for individual stations and bulk prep, as well as fabricating any proteins needed for the shift's service period, checking all stations in the kitchen for product quality, and holding a pre-shift meeting to advise staff, both front and back of the house, of business expectations, and tasting the daily special.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
Orlando, FL09-2003
Skills
- Proper Food Handling
- Equipment Safety
- Food Preparation
- Food Safety
- Health and Safety Standards
- Product Knowledge
- Quality Management
Accomplishments
- 2023, 2024 - Southern Steer Butcher Orlando - Best Butcher Shop in Orlando - Orlando's Best Awards
Certification
- ServeSafe Certification CFPM (Certified Food Protection Manager) 5/21/2024
#25732835
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Manager of Operations
Southern Steer Butcher
01.2022 - Current
Meat & Seafood Department/ Deli
Publix
07.2019 - 12.2021
Food Service Director
SAGE Dining Services
07.2017 - 05.2019
Culinary Supervisor - Banquets
Hilton Waldorf Astoria
07.2016 - 07.2017
Culinary Supervisor - Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Waldorf Astoria Park City
06.2015 - 06.2016
Culinary Supervisor - Oscar's Kitchen
Waldorf Astoria
07.2011 - 06.2015
Culinary Supervisor - Bull and Bear Steakhouse
Waldorf Astoria
09.2009 - 07.2011
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts
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