Diego Contreras
Scottsdale,AZ
Summary
Skilled Head Sushi Chef with background in managing high-volume sushi bars, creating innovative sushi dishes and supervising kitchen staff. Possess strong knowledge of Japanese cuisine and food safety regulations. Demonstrated ability to enhance customer satisfaction through creativity in sushi preparation and presentation. Proven leadership capabilities, with focus on efficient kitchen operations and team collaboration for optimal results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Sushi Chef
Hai hospitality
Scottdale, AZ
12.2019 - Current
- Created, tested and implemented new menu items to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Trained and supervised a team of 10+ sushi chefs in the preparation of traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Managed inventory of ingredients, kitchen equipment, utensils and supplies to ensure availability for production.
- Developed innovative recipes for sushi rolls and other dishes to differentiate from competitors.
Head Sushi Chef
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Austin, TX
06.2018 - 12.2019
- Monitored food quality standards to maintain consistent product offerings for customers.
- Maintained cost controls on labor costs, ingredient costs, waste management and sanitation procedures.
- Implemented strategies to reduce overall restaurant costs while maintaining high-quality products.
Sushi Chef
Lucky Robot
Austin, TX
12.2016 - 06.2018
- Cleaned, cut, and prepared fish for sushi dishes.
- Organized the kitchen in a clean and sanitary manner to meet health standards.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items and specials.
- Prepared sushi rolls with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Manager
Austin Java
Austin, TX
02.2015 - 12.2016
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
- Coached, mentored and trained team members in order to improve their job performance.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
Sushi Chef
Kona Grill
El Paso/Austin, TX
05.2013 - 02.2015
- Calculated accurate portion sizes when making sushi rolls or platters.
- Collaborated with other chefs in preparing meals for large parties or events.
- Checked temperature of cooked foods regularly to ensure safe consumption levels.
- Communicated effectively with coworkers regarding customer orders.
- Applied sauces, garnishes, condiments, and seasonings accurately.
- Prepared finfish, shellfish and fresh produce items to use in sushi.
Sushi Chef
Akari Japanese Bistro
El Paso, TX
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Safely utilized knives and other sharp instruments to prepare fish for sushi-making.
- Conversed with patrons and explained different sushi menu items and what ingredients were used in preparation.
- Greeted restaurant guests arriving at establishment and explained special sushi items and options.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
Skills
- Staff training experience
- Food Safety
- Creativity and Innovation
- Guest Interaction
- Menu oversight
- Sushi preparation
- Portion and cost control
- Ingredient Selection
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Military
- Joined United States Army on Dec, 2007-Oct, 2015.
Timeline
Head Sushi Chef
Hai hospitality
12.2019 - Current
Head Sushi Chef
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
06.2018 - 12.2019
Sushi Chef
Lucky Robot
12.2016 - 06.2018
Manager
Austin Java
02.2015 - 12.2016
Sushi Chef
Kona Grill
05.2013 - 02.2015
Sushi Chef
Akari Japanese Bistro
02.2011 - 05.2013
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