Devontai Leslie
New York
Summary
With a proven track record at Compass Group,I excel in food safety and menu planning, ensuring high-quality standards. My leadership significantly enhanced kitchen efficiency and fostered teamwork, achieving near-perfect customer satisfaction. Skilled in food assembly and grilling techniques, I bring a dynamic blend of hard and soft skills to elevate culinary experiences.
Professional culinary leader prepared for this role with solid background in high-pressure kitchen environments. Known for exceptional skills in meal preparation, menu planning, and maintaining kitchen efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adapting seamlessly to changing needs. Renowned for reliability, culinary creativity, and rigorous adherence to food safety standards.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef De Tourant
Compass Group USA
02.2025 - Current
- Modeled proper culinary techniques and delivered mentoring to train new employees.
- Kept up-to-date records of employee attendance and vacation time requests.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations within the kitchen area.
- Operated large-volume deep fryers, broilers and griddles to meet daily demand.
- Assisted with interviewing, hiring and training kitchen personnel.
Sous Chef
Sodexo USA
04.2023 - 02.2025
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
- Implemented strategies to reduce waste and increase efficiency throughout the kitchen.
Lead Sales Associate
Crate and Barrel
02.2021 - 04.2023
- Handled cash register operations and customer transactions to process payments.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Processed and stocked merchandise in accordance with store standards.
- Contributed towards improving overall store ambience by maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
Chef De Tourant
Compass Group USA
04.2018 - 04.2023
- Delivered outstanding customer service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally, resulting in satisfied patrons.
- Streamlined order processing for increased efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- Exceeded customer expectations through timely preparation of take-out orders while maintaining high-quality presentation standards.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Sous Chef
Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
Lead Line Cook
Gato
03.2016 - 03.2017
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
- Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
- Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.
Kitchen Manager
Aroma Espresso Bar
06.2014 - 06.2016
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
Chef De Tournant
The Frying Pan - Nyc
06.2014 - 10.2015
- Followed recipes and presentation guidelines to assemble high-quality fare.
- Worked closely with front-of-house management to optimize table turnover rates and streamline communication between kitchen and service staff during busy shifts.
- Participated in local culinary events or competitions to showcase the restaurant''s offerings and build brand recognition within the community.
- Trained, supervised and relieved chefs at variety of food preparation stations.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, adhering to strict safety standards and ensuring all equipment was in proper working order.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Captain D's Seafood
02.2006 - 06.2014
- Managed daily kitchen operations, delegating tasks among staff members to optimize workflow and maintain high-quality standards.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing feedback promptly and implementing necessary adjustments to kitchen procedures.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Virginia College Career
Richmond VA06-2012
High School Diploma -
George Wythe High School
Richmond VA07-2008
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Food preparation
- Inventory management
- Health regulations
- Team supervision
- Quality control
- Customer service
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Employee training
Volunteer work
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
Timeline
Chef De Tourant
Compass Group USA
02.2025 - Current
Sous Chef
Sodexo USA
04.2023 - 02.2025
Lead Sales Associate
Crate and Barrel
02.2021 - 04.2023
Chef De Tourant
Compass Group USA
04.2018 - 04.2023
Sous Chef
Bourbon Street Bar & Grill
06.2016 - 06.2018
Lead Line Cook
Gato
03.2016 - 03.2017
Kitchen Manager
Aroma Espresso Bar
06.2014 - 06.2016
Chef De Tournant
The Frying Pan - Nyc
06.2014 - 10.2015
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Captain D's Seafood
02.2006 - 06.2014
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Virginia College Career
High School Diploma -
George Wythe High School