Dana Downs
Dayton,OH
Summary
High-performing Chef offering 32 years of culinary performance & restaurant management experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined processes, form and function and cohesive and productive teams.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurateur/ Exec Chef
Roost Modern Italian
11.2011 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff management and delegation.
- Adapted menus seasonally, incorporating fresh produce to create visually appealing and flavorful dishes.
- Continually improved kitchen safety by enforcing strict hygiene protocols and staff training on equipment usage.
- Received numerous accolades from critics for creative dish presentations, elevating the restaurant''s reputation within the industry.
- Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
- Spearheaded successful catering events, showcasing the restaurant''s signature dishes while maintaining impeccable standards of service.
Restaurateur/ Exec Chef
Park City Club
12.2015 - 08.2018
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff management and delegation.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Regularly updated menu offerings based on customer preferences, driving repeat business for the establishment.
- Boosted employee morale through constructive feedback sessions and recognition of exceptional performance.
- Achieved cost reduction targets by negotiating with suppliers for better pricing on key ingredients.
- Successfully met dietary requirements for diverse clientele by providing customized meal options upon request.
Restaurateur/Exec Chef/Catering Executive
Leo Bistro
11.2012 - 05.2014
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff management and delegation.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
- Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
- Introduced unique fusion cuisine concepts that garnered widespread praise from both customers and food critics alike.
- Spearheaded successful catering events, showcasing the restaurant''s signature dishes while maintaining impeccable standards of service.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary & Hospitality Mgmt
Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OH05.1995
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Miami Univeristy
Oxford, OH05.1993
Skills
- Workflow Optimization
- Cost Control
- Meal Preparation
- Menu Development
- Vendor Relations
- Regulatory Compliance
- Staff Coordination
- Business Management
- Signature Dish Creation
- Forecasting and Planning
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Hospitality Service Expertise
- Food Plating and Presentation
Accomplishments
- Food Network Super Chef Grudge Match Culinary Champion & picked for season premiere
- Food Network Guy's Grocery Games Culinary Competitor
- Awarded Best Chef in Dayton, OH in Feb 2012
Additional Information
NCAA DIV 1 Miami Univ Oxford Women's Softball Team
Two time champion of the National Indoor Soccer Championship-Adult Division
Member of the LPGA TEP program 2009
Timeline
Restaurateur/ Exec Chef
Park City Club
12.2015 - 08.2018
Restaurateur/Exec Chef/Catering Executive
Leo Bistro
11.2012 - 05.2014
Restaurateur/ Exec Chef
Roost Modern Italian
11.2011 - Current
Associate of Arts - Culinary & Hospitality Mgmt
Sinclair Community College
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
Miami Univeristy
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