Donnie Smith
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Talented Chef experienced in preparing and cooking a diverse range of dishes, including meats, vegetables, and soups, in large quantities. Delivered impactful performance management and staff training across all kitchen roles, fostering a collaborative team environment. Thrived in fast-paced, deadline-driven settings while effectively bridging cultural differences.
Overview
2
2
years of post-secondary education
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
07.1998 - 10.2025
- Oversaw daily operations of restaurant, ensuring efficiency and quality.
- Managed kitchen and front of house operations to ensure smooth service delivery.
- Conducted hiring and staffing processes for restaurant to maintain adequate workforce.
- Reviewed production schedule to assess food requirements, ensuring appropriate variety and quantity for preparation.
- Processed food truck orders and coordinated inventory management for events to ensure timely supply availability.
- Organize and assemble supplies and equipment needed for daily cooking activities.
Sous Chef
Ted's Montana Grill
Phoenix, AZ
11.2018 - 11.2022
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to execute daily kitchen operations and support menu execution.
- Reviewed production schedule to identify food requirements and ensure adequate preparation for service.
- Arranged and gathered supplies and equipment for efficient daily cooking activities.
- Trained new staff on specific cooking techniques and kitchen protocols.
Sous Chef
Village Park: Senior Living
Alpharetta, Georgia
04.2018 - 04.2020
- Work directly with the Executive Chef to ensure and execute various duties and assignments
- Facilitated recruitment process for new hires by screening resumes and conducting interviews.
- Coordinated inventory management for food truck by ordering necessary supplies and ingredients.
- Assisted in multiple roles throughout the day to support efficient restaurant operations. to ensure daily operations are successful
- Hiring and Staffing
- Organized and assembled supplies and equipment for efficient daily cooking activities.
- Executed various positions to support smooth daily operations.
Assistant Culinary Manager
Bonefish Grill
01.2014 - 04.2018
- Collaborated with Executive Chef to execute kitchen operations and assignments.
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations and staff management.
- Conducted recruitment and hiring processes for kitchen staff.
- Coordinated food truck inventory and order fulfillment.
- Assisted in multiple kitchen roles to support operations.
- Assisted in various kitchen roles to support team efficiency.
- Food truck orders and supplies
Education
Diploma - Culinary Arts
Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Boulder, CO 06.2020 - 01.2022
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Boulder, COAssociates Degree - Hospitality and Restaurant Operations Management
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Boulder, COSkills
- Inventory management
- Food safety compliance
- Production planning
- Food cost control
- Staff scheduling
- Labor management
- Team Leadership
Timeline
Diploma - Culinary Arts
Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
06.2020 - 01.2022
Sous Chef
Ted's Montana Grill
11.2018 - 11.2022
Sous Chef
Village Park: Senior Living
04.2018 - 04.2020
Assistant Culinary Manager
Bonefish Grill
01.2014 - 04.2018
Operations Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
07.1998 - 10.2025
Associates Degree - Culinary Arts
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Associates Degree - Hospitality and Restaurant Operations Management
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts