Dayanny De La Cruz
Coral Springs,FL
Summary
Visionary culinary executive with an extensive track record of leadership in premier sports and entertainment venues, delivering transformative dining experiences that enhance brand reputation and customer satisfaction. Recognized for strategic acumen in operational excellence, fiscal management, and sustainability initiatives, driving substantial organizational impact. Educational projects combining culinary education and real-world experiences to foster growth and community impact across the country. Proven ability to cultivate robust stakeholder relationships, foster team empowerment, and lead high-performance teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Culinary
Levy
- Direct all culinary operations across sports and entertainment portfolio, emphasizing innovative dining solutions that drive guest engagement and financial performance.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
Regional Chef
Sodexo Live
08.2020 - 11.2023
- Collaborated with senior leadership to implement innovative menu offerings that celebrated local ingredients, driving guest satisfaction across multiple properties.
- Played a key role in operational execution, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments and brand standards.
Executive Chef
Sodexo Live! – Hard Rock Stadium
08.2017 - 08.2020
- Spearheaded culinary operations at Hard Rock Stadium, making history as the first woman to lead culinary service for SBLIV in 2019, delivering exceptional dinning experience and sustainable changes for over 65,000 Guest.
- Directed culinary strategies and execution for the inaugural Miami Open Tennis and The F1 Miami Grand Prix, Managing multi-million dollar budgets and coordinating large scale event with a focus on innovation, quality, and guest satisfaction.
Corporate Executive Chef
Ocean Properties Hotel Resorts and Affiliates
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Partnered with executive leadership to launch and scale 10 new restaurant concepts, achieving rapid market penetration and profitability.
Freelance Chef and Food & Beverage Consultant
12.2014 - 07.2015
- Delivered bespoke consulting services specializing in culinary operations, event production, and inventory optimization.
Executive Sous Chef
American Airlines Arena
07.2013 - 12.2014
- Directed premium culinary operations for Miami Heat events, generating annual revenues of $23 million through curated dining experiences.
Executive Chef
TD Ameritrade Park
03.2011 - 07.2013
- Led culinary operations for a flagship $15 million account, ensuring operational profitability and excellence in service delivery for large-scale events.
Executive Sous Chef
Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Implemented the Farm-to-Table movement and led strategic culinary planning, operational oversight, and cost management for a high-impact $20 million venue.
Education
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry -
Grand Rapids Community College
01.2007
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management -
Universidad Central del Este, Dominican Republic
01.1994
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Relationship Building
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Talent Development and team empowerment
- Strategic Leadership
- Operational Excellence & Financial Result
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
Achievementsandrecognitions
- MVP Venues Now 2020 All-Star
- Featured in Forbes League of Most Creative in LATAM, 2021
- Best of DR Award Recipient, 2022
- TEDx Speaker, 2022
- Food Rescue US Visionary Award, 2023
- Leadership roles in high-profile events including the Miami Food and Wine Festival, Kentucky Derby, US Open, NBA All-Star Game, and PGA Championship
- Consultant and partner for celebrated chefs and brands, creating unique culinary experiences for major sporting events and entertainment venues
Yoga and Boxing
Yoga and boxing create a balanced approach to both mental and physical well-being for me.
Timeline
Regional Chef
Sodexo Live
08.2020 - 11.2023
Executive Chef
Sodexo Live! – Hard Rock Stadium
08.2017 - 08.2020
Corporate Executive Chef
Ocean Properties Hotel Resorts and Affiliates
08.2015 - 08.2017
Freelance Chef and Food & Beverage Consultant
12.2014 - 07.2015
Executive Sous Chef
American Airlines Arena
07.2013 - 12.2014
Executive Chef
TD Ameritrade Park
03.2011 - 07.2013
Executive Sous Chef
Minnesota Wild, Xcel Energy Center
03.2010 - 03.2011
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management -
Universidad Central del Este, Dominican Republic
Vice President of Culinary
Levy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry -
Grand Rapids Community College
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