Dennis Iavarone
Mount Olive
Summary
Diverse and Experienced Chef/Sommelier
In my 30+ years in the food and beverage industry I've worn many hats. Whether as a teacher, Executive Chef or a Sommelier I have always strived to learn and share my knowledge, skills and experiences with those who I have worked alongside. Striving always to be humble and true to myself I enjoy watching the growth of others through my mentorship and teaching.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Food & Beverage Manager/Executive Chef
Alstede Farms
Chester
06.2025 - Current
- Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
- Supervised specialty dish preparation to satisfy customer requests and cater to various dietary needs.
- Ensured compliance with health department regulations by implementing proper sanitation procedures.
- Coordinated and executed menu planning, recipe development, and daily restaurant operations.
- Monitored inventory levels of all food items to ensure adequate supplies are available at all times.
- Planned weekly production schedules to maximize efficiency while minimizing waste.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
Executive Chef/Dining Services Coordinator
Sunrise Senior Living- Brighton Gardens
Saddle River
03.2023 - 06.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure high-quality meal preparation and presentation.
- Managed food inventory to maintain stock levels and minimize waste.
- Trained new team members on kitchen procedures and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with dietary staff to accommodate resident dietary restrictions.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and sanitation standards in the kitchen.
- Created new menu items, managed food expenses, and supervised quality to ensure adherence to standards.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Managed ordering, inventory levels, receiving, invoice settling, and equipment maintenance.
- Coordinated and executed menu planning, recipe development, and daily restaurant operations.
Sommelier/Wine Sales Representative
Monsieur Touton Selection
New York
08.2012 - 05.2022
- Curated wine selections for diverse clientele at a renowned wine distribution company.
- Conducted comprehensive tastings to educate staff and enhance customer engagement.
- Provided expert advice on wine purchases, building strong relationships with customers.
- Conducted staff training sessions on proper wine service procedures.
- Organized regular tastings and educational seminars in order to promote new products to customers.
- Tracked sales data in order to identify trends in customer preferences.
- Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training sessions.
- Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of international wines, characters, and vintage merits along with detailed knowledge of house wines.
Chef Instructor
Viking Cooking School
Fairfield
02.2008 - 12.2011
- Instructed students on culinary techniques and kitchen safety protocols.
- Demonstrated various cooking methods using professional-grade equipment.
- Evaluated student performance and provided constructive feedback on skills.
- Developed and implemented standardized and unique courses for aspiring chefs and laypeople.
- Conducted lectures on menu planning, food costing, purchasing procedures and recipe development.
- Assisted with curriculum development by providing input regarding new techniques or trends in the culinary industry.
- Provided instruction on basic knife skills, food safety and sanitation practices.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NY02-1997
Skills
- Staff training
- Food safety compliance
- Recipe development
- Cost control
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Nutrition awareness
- Wine pairing
- Food presentation
- Sanitation standards
- Menu development
- Leadership
Certification
ServSafe Managers Certificate
Timeline
Food & Beverage Manager/Executive Chef
Alstede Farms
06.2025 - Current
Executive Chef/Dining Services Coordinator
Sunrise Senior Living- Brighton Gardens
03.2023 - 06.2025
Sommelier/Wine Sales Representative
Monsieur Touton Selection
08.2012 - 05.2022
Chef Instructor
Viking Cooking School
02.2008 - 12.2011
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Culinary Institute of America