Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic
Dakotah McKee

Dakotah McKee

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

Adept at driving kitchen excellence and staff development, my tenure at Bathhouse showcases a blend of culinary creativity and operational efficiency. With a focus on food safety and menu planning, I've enhanced dining experiences through innovative menu development and meticulous attention to detail, achieving significant customer satisfaction and team productivity improvements. High-performing Chef offering 10 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chef

Bathhouse
04.2023 - 07.2024
  • 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.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Developed custom menus for clients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring their utmost satisfaction during their dining experience.
  • Spearheaded kitchen renovations to optimize workflow efficiency without compromising quality or safety standards.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
  • Fostered a positive working environment among kitchen team members that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and open communication.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Improved employee retention rates through focused coaching and performance evaluations for career growth opportunities.
  • Generated employee schedules and work assignments and determined appropriate compensation rates.
  • Optimized kitchen layout and equipment use, significantly increasing productivity.

Kitchen Manager

L'industrie
09.2021 - 04.2023
  • Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
  • Achieved rapid ticket times during peak service hours by effectively managing workflow distribution across various stations.

Executive Sous Chef

Bathhouse
08.2020 - 09.2021
  • Increased customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional dishes, resulting in positive reviews.
  • Assisted Executive Chef in cost analysis and budget management, optimizing profitability without compromising quality.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations while maintaining a well-organized workspace for optimal efficiency.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly providing guidance towards improvement as necessary.
  • Managed inventory control, reducing food waste and optimizing budget allocation.
  • Promoted teamwork among kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to design seasonal menus that showcased diverse flavors and techniques.
  • Enhanced dining experience by creating innovative and visually appealing menu items.
  • Continuously researched industry trends to stay current on new cooking methods, ingredients, and presentation styles.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Maintained high standards of food presentation by supervising plating techniques during service hours.
  • Oversaw the execution of daily prep tasks ensuring timely completion while maintaining ingredient freshness.
  • Incorporated dietary restrictions into menu planning to accommodate diverse clientele needs.
  • Organized special events and catering services, showcasing culinary expertise to a wider audience.
  • Balanced labor costs by effectively scheduling kitchen staff according to business needs.
  • Mentored junior chefs and provided constructive feedback for professional growth.
  • Established strong relationships with local vendors, ensuring the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Generated employee schedules and work assignments and determined appropriate compensation rates.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.

Junior Sous Chef

Chez Ma Tante
03.2019 - 03.2020
  • Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
  • Oversaw cleanliness of each station in kitchen.
  • Maintained inventory records and updated ordering systems regularly to ensure adequate stock levels based on anticipated demand.
  • Consistently met high standards of quality control by conducting thorough taste tests before serving each dish to customers.
  • Collaborated with fellow team members to ensure timely completion of tasks and excellent execution of all dishes.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Delivered verbal culinary instruction and assignments to 9 kitchen staff members daily to promote successful dining experiences for clients.
  • Led team by example in preparing items accurately and according to high-quality standards.
  • Evaluated employee performance and provided constructive feedback to support ongoing development within the team.
  • Trained junior staff members on proper cooking techniques, plating methods, and kitchen safety protocols for improved performance.
  • Received praise from customers for exceptional flavor combinations and presentation skills, enhancing the restaurant''s reputation for culinary excellence.
  • Monitored recipe portioning to control food costs.
  • Supported executive chef in menu development, resulting in diverse and innovative culinary offerings that attracted new clientele.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations by maintaining proper sanitation procedures throughout the kitchen workspace.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to address any customer concerns or issues promptly, fostering strong relationships between departments for seamless service delivery.
  • Developed unique menu items and plating presentations.

Line Cook

Contra
07.2018 - 03.2019
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
  • Sourced locally grown produce to support community farmers and improve dish freshness.
  • Adapted recipes for special dietary needs, enhancing dining experience for guests with restrictions.
  • Mastered various cooking techniques, broadening menu offerings and introducing innovative dishes.
  • Assisted in inventory management by accurately tracking supplies and placing orders as needed.

Line Cook

Wildair
04.2018 - 07.2018
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by keeping tools organized for easy access when needed.
  • Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
  • Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
  • Grilled meats and seafood to customer specifications.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.

Line Cook

Robertaspizza
01.2017 - 04.2018
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
  • Baked consistent quality items by accurately mixing, dividing, shaping, and proofing.
  • Assisted in developing new menu items to reflect restaurant's style and standards.
  • Developed strategies to enhance catering and retail food service revenue and productivity goals.
  • Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
  • Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
  • Improved team morale and productivity through effective communication and collaboration.
  • Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
  • Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.

Education

No Degree - Culinary Arts

The International Culinary Center
New York, NY
04.2017

High School Diploma -

Mustang High School
Mustang, OK
05.2015

Skills

  • Food Safety
  • Menu Planning
  • Cost Control
  • Menu development
  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Special Events
  • Creative Thinking
  • Food pairing
  • Staff Scheduling
  • Dietary Restrictions
  • Attention to Detail
  • Nutrition knowledge
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Kitchen Operations Oversight

Certification

food handlers permit

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Executive Chef

Bathhouse
04.2023 - 07.2024

Kitchen Manager

L'industrie
09.2021 - 04.2023

Executive Sous Chef

Bathhouse
08.2020 - 09.2021

Junior Sous Chef

Chez Ma Tante
03.2019 - 03.2020

Line Cook

Contra
07.2018 - 03.2019

Line Cook

Wildair
04.2018 - 07.2018

Line Cook

Robertaspizza
01.2017 - 04.2018

No Degree - Culinary Arts

The International Culinary Center

High School Diploma -

Mustang High School
Dakotah McKee