Dale Charles
Houston,TX
Summary
Seasoned culinary professional with over 15 years of experience in high-volume kitchens, hospital food service, and upscale dining environments. Adept at managing kitchen staff, maintaining food safety standards, and creating efficient workflows to ensure top-quality food service. Recognized for strong leadership, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence in culinary operations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Cook
Latrelle's (Pick Up Stix/The Rustic)
05.2023 - 05.2025
- Developed cost-effective recipes to minimize waste and improve budget efficiency.
- Oversaw kitchen staff, providing training and direction on plating and food presentation.
- Coordinated catering events, ensuring quality and service standards were upheld.
- Maintained sanitation protocols, including regular surface and equipment disinfection.
- Managed inventory and vendor relations to ensure consistent ingredient availability.
3rd Cook
MD Anderson Cancer Center
09.2018 - 04.2023
- Assisted in menu development and recipe creation, maintaining nutritional standards.
- Operated various kitchen equipment including grills, steamers, and fryers.
- Monitored portion sizes and cooking techniques to ensure consistent quality.
- Practiced food safety, including proper storage and rotation of perishables.
- Prepared meals in large volumes while adhering to strict dietary and safety guidelines.
Kitchen Manager
St. Luke's Hospital
05.2014 - 07.2018
- Led daily kitchen operations and resolved service and food quality complaints.
- Scheduled staff, managed payroll records, and monitored departmental budgets.
- Negotiated vendor contracts to secure quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
- Conducted training for new hires and monitored ongoing staff performance.
- Ensured compliance with food safety regulations and internal health protocols.
Kitchen Manager
Fuddruckers
01.2009 - 02.2014
- Managed inventory and verified delivery accuracy against purchase orders.
- Hired and trained kitchen personnel, ensuring consistent adherence to quality standards.
- Supervised food preparation and maintained portion and plating standards.
- Coordinated catering for events and managed client arrangements.
- Addressed and resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally.
Education
Culinary Arts Certification - undefined
Sclafani Cooking School Inc.
New Orleans, LA02.1992
Skills
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Inventory & Ordering Management
- Cooking Techniques & Plating
- High-Volume Kitchen Operations
- Team Leadership & Staff Training
- Menu Development
- Compliance with Health Codes
- Safe Food Handling
Certification
Food Handler Certification
Timeline
Lead Cook
Latrelle's (Pick Up Stix/The Rustic)
05.2023 - 05.2025
3rd Cook
MD Anderson Cancer Center
09.2018 - 04.2023
Kitchen Manager
St. Luke's Hospital
05.2014 - 07.2018
Kitchen Manager
Fuddruckers
01.2009 - 02.2014
Culinary Arts Certification - undefined
Sclafani Cooking School Inc.