Deven Larson
North Las Vegas
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience at Notre Dame University and multiple other venues, specializing in high-volume events. Proven expertise in food safety and sanitation, coupled with exceptional team collaboration skills. Successfully optimized workflow for premium service delivery, enhancing guest satisfaction. Achieved seamless execution of catering for 7,000 guests, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Freelance Chef
Notre Dame University
09.2022 - Current
- Achieved successful execution of premium food service for events for 7,000 guests in a 75,000 seat arena through effective team collaboration.
- Assisted in the food distribution logistics.
- Operated one of the busiest buffets, maintaining efficiency and quality during peak service times.
Freelance Chef
Oklahoma University
09.2022 - Current
- Assisted in food production for 7,000 guests, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Managed social club operations, coordinating four buffet events across two floors and numerous hot boxes.
- Led a team of temporary staff in a high-traffic outlet, partnering with freelancers to optimize grab-and-go service.
Freelance Chef
Saratoga Race Track
07.2022 - Current
- Assisted in providing catering services for various track events, contributing to positive guest experiences.
- Collaborated with senior chefs to execute menus for 10 spa verandas and VIP lounges.
- Supported catering enhancements for horse jockeys and special events in the easy goer space. Events would fluctuate from 50 people to 400 people depending on the day and week of the event.
Cook
Henderson Silver Knights
02.2021 - Current
- Executed preparation lists provided by property management for events.
- Operated concession cart during events as needed. Maintained familiarity with home property operations. In a 6,000 seat venue.
Cook
Las Vegas Ballpark
02.2021 - Current
- Executed staffing solutions for concessions stands and carts during game stretches. In a 8,000-10,000 seat venue.
Freelance Chef
Levy Restaurants
02.2021 - Current
- Oversaw high-volume food and beverage operations for NCAA and professional sports partners.
- Directed full-service restaurant operations at University of Wisconsin-Madison's Champs Club.
- Managed buffet execution for 800 guests at Indiana University's Hanky's Club.
- Led efforts in launching a new super-VIP hospitality space for Milwaukee Bucks during four games.
- Wells Fargo Championship 2024, assisted in execution of 850 guest buffet service for four days in a temporary on course tented venue.
Culinary Supervisor
T-mobile Arena
02.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with property executive chef and executive sous to oversee catering preparations and event execution in a 20,000 seat venue.
- Managed food service for VIP areas during significant events, including catering for Dana White and UFC.
- Contributed to successful execution of major events like March Madness, NHL hockey, and UFC.
Freelance Chef
Instawork, Goodwrx
03.2019 - Current
- Assisted in executing banquet and event operations at Las Vegas Convention Center, World Market Center, MGM Grand, MGM Grand Garden Arena, and Caesar's Palace. Supported high-volume catering and banquet services effectively.
- Adapted quickly to multiple teams, service standards, and venue layouts, while maintaining consistency in execution across diverse event types.
- Events would range from 1,000 to 5,00+ people.
Catering Cook
Thomas and Mack UNLV
03.2017 - Current
- Achieved seamless execution of food services for large-scale events, including national finals rodeo, Mountain West Basketball, and NBA Summer league through effective collaboration with chefs in a 20,000 seat venue.
- Streamlined daily prep and fire lists to ensure timely food storage and service.
- Drove project initiatives and consulted on inventory management to maintain operational excellence.
Freelance Chef
Cut and Taste
04.2018 - 02.2024
- Assisted in catering services for high-end clients throughout Las Vegas Valley.
- Prepared food at a central location and executed on-site cooking.
- Supported events such as furniture market at World Market Center and multiple weddings, including those for a former NFL quarterback.
- Events could range from 200-10,000+ guests.
Education
Business And Culinary Studies
CSN
North Las Vegas, NVHigh School Diploma -
Shadow Ridge High School
North Las Vegas, NV06-2013
Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Customer service
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Kitchen management
- Effective communications
- Team collaboration
- Workflow optimization
- Banquets and catering
- Portion and cost control
- Complex Problem-solving
Accomplishments
- Proven ability to adapt quickly across diverse kitchen and venue environments, consistently contributing to successful execution with minimal ramp-up time.
- highly organized and process-driven capable of stepping into unfamiliar operations and delivering results under tight timelines.
- recognized for leading from the front, supporting management teams by aligning day-to-day execution with the big-picture vision of each event and property.
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
Timeline
Freelance Chef
Notre Dame University
09.2022 - Current
Freelance Chef
Oklahoma University
09.2022 - Current
Freelance Chef
Saratoga Race Track
07.2022 - Current
Cook
Henderson Silver Knights
02.2021 - Current
Cook
Las Vegas Ballpark
02.2021 - Current
Freelance Chef
Levy Restaurants
02.2021 - Current
Culinary Supervisor
T-mobile Arena
02.2021 - Current
Freelance Chef
Instawork, Goodwrx
03.2019 - Current
Freelance Chef
Cut and Taste
04.2018 - 02.2024
Catering Cook
Thomas and Mack UNLV
03.2017 - Current
Business And Culinary Studies
CSN
High School Diploma -
Shadow Ridge High School