Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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DeShawn McKnight

Nashville,TN

Summary

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Knowledgeable Sous Chef with solid track record in managing kitchen operations and enhancing menu offerings. Proven ability to lead culinary teams while maintaining high standards for food quality and presentation. Demonstrated expertise in streamlining kitchen processes and fostering collaborative work environment.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Sous Chef

The Golf Club of Tennessee
02.2024 - Current
  • Increased customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional dishes, resulting in positive reviews.
  • Assisted Executive Chef in cost analysis and budget management, optimizing profitability without compromising quality.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations while maintaining a well-organized workspace for optimal efficiency.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly providing guidance towards improvement as necessary.
  • Managed inventory control, reducing food waste and optimizing budget allocation.
  • Promoted teamwork among kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
  • Maintained high standards of food presentation by supervising plating techniques during service hours.
  • Organized special events and catering services, showcasing culinary expertise to a wider audience.
  • Balanced labor costs by effectively scheduling kitchen staff according to business needs.
  • Implemented effective safety protocols which resulted in a consistently clean and hazard-free kitchen environment.
  • Established strong relationships with local vendors, ensuring the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.

Sous Chef

Delaware North Sportservice
02.2020 - 01.2024
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
  • Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Led kitchen team during high-volume service times, ensuring seamless operation and guest satisfaction.

Sous Chef

Delaware North Sportservice
03.2013 - 01.2020
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
  • Coordinated with front-of-house staff to ensure cohesive dining experience, addressing any customer concerns with prompt and effective solutions.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations, reducing food waste through meticulous inventory management.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Advanced Culinary Arts

Stratford University
Baltimore, MD
05-2012

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management

Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD
05-1996

Skills

  • Menu development
  • Food presentation
  • Allergy awareness
  • Recipe creation

Timeline

Executive Sous Chef

The Golf Club of Tennessee
02.2024 - Current

Sous Chef

Delaware North Sportservice
02.2020 - 01.2024

Sous Chef

Delaware North Sportservice
03.2013 - 01.2020

Associate of Applied Science - Advanced Culinary Arts

Stratford University

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management

Morgan State University
DeShawn McKnight