Daniel Alejandro Lujan
Vista,CA
Summary
Exceptional Culinary enthusiast with vast knowledge and understanding of not only kitchen operations, but hospitality industry entirely. Professional levels of commitment, dedication, experience and execution. United States Navy Veteran with discipline and prestige. Perfect example of when humility meets pride.
Overview
3
3
years of post-secondary education
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Bag of Beans International
San Diego, California
12.2025 - Current
- Trained new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques and procedures.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Instructed kitchen staff on various culinary techniques to enhance skills.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- Established standard procedures for plating presentations.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
- Created diverse cuisines for full restaurant, special event, catering and tasting menus.
Chef de Tournant
Instawork
San Diego, California
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Performed assigned cooking tasks to float and relieve chefs throughout kitchen.
- Provide guidance and assistance to junior chefs in developing their skillset.
- Maintained clean and organized storage areas for food items, enabling easy accessibility to heavily used products.
- Assisted in training new hires on proper cooking techniques, knife handling skills, recipe preparation methods.
- Modeled proper culinary techniques and delivered mentoring to train new employees.
- Created exquisite plate presentations to incorporate flavor and color variety to appeal to patrons' palates.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
Sous Chef
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
San Diego
01.2022 - 08.2024
- Collaborated with chefs to develop innovative recipes and seasonal menus.
- Ensured compliance with food safety and sanitation standards in the kitchen.
- Managed inventory, ordering ingredients, and maintaining stock levels efficiently.
- Contributed to cost control through mindful ingredient usage and waste reduction.
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
- Monitored inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies on hand.
- Conducted frequent line checks to keep food at proper temperatures in holding zones.
- Adjusted recipes as needed to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Food And Beverage Management
The Art Institute of California
San Diego 07.2014 - 12.2017
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Menu development
- Inventory management
- Plating presentation
- Event execution
- Kitchen organization
- Creative thinking
Timeline
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Bag of Beans International
12.2025 - Current
Chef de Tournant
Instawork
08.2024 - 12.2025
Sous Chef
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
01.2022 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Food And Beverage Management
The Art Institute of California
07.2014 - 12.2017