Derek Holts
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Enhanced dining experiences through creative menu development and strong culinary practices. Achieved high customer satisfaction in busy hospitality environments. Led teams to consistently deliver quality service and culinary excellence.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Cook
DoubleTree by Hilton
Philadelphia, PA
08.2025 - Current
- Operate various cooking equipment including, ovens, grill, fryers, pantry
- Cooking various items including chicken, Burgers and steak to custom temps
- Working closely with servers to provide accurate and punctual service
Caterer, Culinary Instructor
Chef Ken’s Catering
Darby, PA
06.2022 - Current
- Facilitated catering service by efficiently processing orders and relaying requests to kitchen staff.
- Replenished banquet stations and verified food temperatures and cleanliness of service areas.
- Established goals for courses with organized outlines and detailed lessons.
- Maintained laboratory with equipment, tools and supplies to meet course needs.
Cook/Prep Cook/Food Service Worker/Caterer
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
Darby, PA
11.2023 - 08.2025
- Knowledge of a variety of different diets for in house patients
- Prep menu items for in house patient & cafeteria including, Meatloaf, whole turkey, homemade soups, deli, salad bar
- Cooking various breakfast items including, French toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches & omelettes,
Line Cook/Sushi Chef
Ocean Prime
Philadelphia, PA
03.2020 - 11.2023
- Attention to detail and food plating
- Learning new stations on the fly to support business
- Going beyond to create great customer satisfaction
Shift Leader
Chef Winnie’s Kitchen
Clarkston, GA
05.2017 - 01.2020
- Supervised kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced food quality and service efficiency.
- Trained and mentored new team members on culinary techniques and kitchen processes.
Education
Vocational Education and Training - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA12.2018
Skills
- Professionalism
- Hospitality services
- Menu development
- Quality Assurance & Service Standards
- Food safety protocols
- Inventory control
- Strategic planning
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Effective Communication
- Fine dining
- Teaching
- Conflict Resolution
- Food Plating
Timeline
Cook
DoubleTree by Hilton
08.2025 - Current
Cook/Prep Cook/Food Service Worker/Caterer
Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
11.2023 - 08.2025
Caterer, Culinary Instructor
Chef Ken’s Catering
06.2022 - Current
Line Cook/Sushi Chef
Ocean Prime
03.2020 - 11.2023
Shift Leader
Chef Winnie’s Kitchen
05.2017 - 01.2020
Vocational Education and Training - Culinary Arts
Art Institute of Philadelphia