Craig Deloney
Winter Park,FL
Summary
A seasoned culinary professional with a robust background at Puff N' Stuff Catering, I excel in staff management and knife skills. My career is marked by creating innovative training materials, enhancing customer satisfaction through diverse menus, and fostering team motivation. Achievements include significantly increasing productivity and developing strong industry connections, underpinning my leadership and culinary expertise.
Culinary professional with passion for training and developing kitchen staff. Proven ability to create and deliver effective training programs that boost team performance and service quality. Reliable, adaptable, and focused on team collaboration and achieving results, with expertise in culinary techniques and instructional skills.
Experienced with culinary education and training programs. Utilizes advanced culinary techniques and effective teaching methods to enhance staff performance. Strong understanding of team dynamics and leadership in fast-paced kitchen environment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef/Trainer Assistant/General Manager
Puff N" Stuff Catering
08.2018 - 02.2025
- Contributed to the development of course materials including recipes, handouts, and instructional videos.
- Created customized lesson plans tailored to individual trainee needs, addressing skill gaps and maximizing learning outcomes.
- Managed kitchen facilities during training sessions, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization for optimal learning conditions.
- Delivered engaging and hands-on training sessions, enabling trainees to gain practical experience in various cooking styles.
- Assisted in budget management for the culinary program by monitoring inventory levels and purchasing necessary supplies in a cost-effective manner.
- Organized successful fundraising events for the culinary program, securing financial support for scholarships and new equipment purchases.
- Built relationships with local restaurants and establishments for trainee internships, fostering industry connections and employment opportunities.
- Enhanced trainee culinary skills by demonstrating advanced techniques and sharing expert knowledge.
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Developed strong relationships with local food distributors, ensuring that trainees had access to high-quality ingredients during their training.
Executive Chef
Oley's Restaurant and Bar
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Developed custom menus for clients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring their utmost satisfaction during their dining experience.
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Optimized kitchen layout and equipment use, significantly increasing productivity.
Assistant Manager/General Manager/Cook Trainer
Dennys Restaurant
03.1992 - 08.2006
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary work environment through diligent attention to workspace cleanliness and hygiene practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Travel Administration
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA06-1991
Associate of Arts - Personal And Culinary Arts Service
Culinary of Arts
Saint Augustine, FL08-1985
High School Diploma -
Winter Park High School
Winter Park, FL06-1983
Skills
- Knife skills
- Staff management
- Strong work ethic
- Money handling
- Leadership and team building
- Workplace safety
- Inventory control
- Hospitality service expertise
- Team motivation
- ServSafe certification
- Sanitation standards
- Safe food handling
- Allergen awareness
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 40 staff members.
Certification
- OSHA Certified
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- Forklift Certification
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Chef/Trainer Assistant/General Manager
Puff N" Stuff Catering
08.2018 - 02.2025
Executive Chef
Oley's Restaurant and Bar
01.2017 - 03.2019
Assistant Manager/General Manager/Cook Trainer
Dennys Restaurant
03.1992 - 08.2006
- OSHA Certified
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- Forklift Certification
Bachelor of Science - Business Management And Travel Administration
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Associate of Arts - Personal And Culinary Arts Service
Culinary of Arts
High School Diploma -
Winter Park High School
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