DEWON STEED
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
High-performing Chef offering 28 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams. Talented kitchen leader and team motivator successful at maintaining staff focus and productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Experienced with a wide variety of cuisine, sourcing ingredients, controlling budgets and boosting restaurant profiles.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
Punch Bowl Social
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
- Collaborated with other Executive Chefs within the company network to share best practices and develop new menu items that showcased each property''s unique offerings.
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
Executive Chef III
Touch Point Support Services St. Joseph’s Hospital
03.2022 - 05.2023
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
- Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
- Collaborated with other Executive Chefs within the company network to share best practices and develop new menu items that showcased each property''s unique offerings.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
Culinary Director
Heritage Senior Living
11.2020 - 11.2021
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Managed food costs by implementing inventory control measures, reducing waste, and negotiating with suppliers for better pricing.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
- Monitored food preparation processes to ensure adherence to standardized recipes and presentation guidelines for a consistent dining experience across all outlets.
Restaurant Chef, Restaurant Manager, Lead Cook
Potawatomi Hotel Casino
10.2004 - 08.2020
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
- Oversaw cleaning and maintenance of kitchen to boost safety and prevent accidents.
- Trained and coached culinary team, resulting in improved employee knowledge and increased productivity.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Upheld strict safety and hygiene protocols throughout the entire cooking process ensuring a clean workspace free from cross contamination.
- Implemented seasonal menu changes to highlight locally sourced ingredients and appeal to diverse palates.
- Trained new kitchen staff in proper cooking techniques, safety procedures, and sanitation standards.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Education
MA Degree - Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin03.2010
BA Degree- Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
University of Phoenix-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI02.2008
Skills
- Managed successful operation with $65 million annual revenue
- Team Leadership
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to easily connect with all types of people and excellent presentation skills
- Maintain strong ethics and integrity values – comfortable managing sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality
- Strong Leadership, Analytical Skills and Managerial skills
- Strong communication and excellent organizational skills
- Microsoft Office proficient (Power Point, Word, and Excel)
- Strong Technical and Database systems
- Menu Supervision
- Hospitality service expertise
- Productivity Optimization
- Sanitation Standards
Accomplishments
- Potawatomi Bingo and Casino Food and Beverage Award of Excellence for 2005
- 2017 and 2020 Milwaukee Chili Bowl Contest Winner
- Air Force Training Ribbon
- Combat Readiness Medal
- Air Force Good Conduct Medal
- Air Force Longevity Service Award
- Air Force Achievement Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal with one device
- Air Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Certification
- ServSafe Manager License
Timeline
Executive Chef
Punch Bowl Social
05.2023 - 10.2023
Executive Chef III
Touch Point Support Services St. Joseph’s Hospital
03.2022 - 05.2023
Culinary Director
Heritage Senior Living
11.2020 - 11.2021
Restaurant Chef, Restaurant Manager, Lead Cook
Potawatomi Hotel Casino
10.2004 - 08.2020
MA Degree - Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix-Milwaukee
BA Degree- Bachelor of Science in Business Management -
University of Phoenix-Milwaukee