Elaina Gross
Dublin,CA
Summary
Passionate Senior Executive Chef offering 11 years of restaurant and luxury senior living experience. Progressive skills for sales and marketing, customer service, hospitality, communication, leadership, and problem solutions. Proficiency in promoting customer satisfaction, and maintaining strong vendor relationships. Capacity to work the long hours necessary to complete detailed work in this industry and promote positive customer relations. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive systems that deliver high quality products and services. Desire to broaden knowledge and always keep learning.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Executive Chef
Oakmont Senior Living
01.2024 - Current
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with vendors, leading to significant cost savings while maintaining product quality and timely delivery.
- Formulated long-term strategic plans that drove sustained growth in revenue, profitability, and shareholder value.
- Established and directed successful company wide food programs focused on memory care and assisted living
- Streamlined customer service protocols, significantly improving response times and customer satisfaction ratings.
- Directed successful turnaround strategy for struggling business units, restoring them to profitability.
- Enhanced stakeholder relations through strategic communication plans, boosting investor confidence.
Regional Executive Chef Specialist
Oakmont Senior Living
07.2022 - Current
- Led a team of executive chefs from 18 communities across Northern California region, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced productivity and brand quality assurance.
- Recruited talented executive chefs to manage community fine dining restaurants and execute elevated marketing events to attract prospects.
- Increased regional restaurant ratings through menu innovation and excellent food presentation.
- Oversaw budgeting processes for multiple kitchens, ensuring financial targets were met without compromising quality or guest satisfaction.
- Developed strong working relationships with key stakeholders such as corporate leadership teams, contracted vendors, and company directors.
- Developed unique culinary concepts for various events and menu options maximizing customer satisfaction and resident retention.
- Managed multiple kitchens in the region, ensuring consistent quality and food safety across all locations.
Executive Chef
Merrill Gardens
03.2022 - Current
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control and customer service for restaurant.
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
- Assisted customers in planning corporate events, social galas and gourmet dinners.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation and safety processes.
Line Chef
Mentone Restaurant
03.2020 - 04.2022
- Followed recipes and food presentation standards at Mentone
- Oversaw kitchen operations for Walk-in and Dry-storage areas as well as Garde Manger, Saute, and Deep Fryer stations.
- Assisted head chef in preparing and serving food.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
- Cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
Prep Cook/ Order-Inventory Assistant
Golden Roots Kitchen
11.2018 - 02.2019
- Organization of weekly client orders/ deliveries
- Recipe mise en place
- Performed Inspection and cleaning of food preparation areas
- Packaging, labeling and storage of 100-500 meals per week
- Portioning of meats/ vegetables for dish assembly
Personal Chef
Brett Yader
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Keto Meals, Macro/Micro Nutritional Calculations
- Met with client and discussed preferred meals, dietary restrictions and food allergies.
- Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA05-2019
Minor Degree - Business Marketing
Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA05-2019
High School Diploma -
Menlo Atherton
Menlo Park, CA2008
Skills
- Operations and company wide project management
- Business analysis and reporting
- Revenue generation
- Documentation and reporting
- Customer relationship management
- Technical proficiency
- Brand management
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
Baking Certification (Cabrillo College)
CPR and AED Certified
Timeline
Senior Executive Chef
Oakmont Senior Living
01.2024 - Current
Regional Executive Chef Specialist
Oakmont Senior Living
07.2022 - Current
Executive Chef
Merrill Gardens
03.2022 - Current
Line Chef
Mentone Restaurant
03.2020 - 04.2022
Prep Cook/ Order-Inventory Assistant
Golden Roots Kitchen
11.2018 - 02.2019
Personal Chef
Brett Yader
01.2016 - 07.2017
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
Baking Certification (Cabrillo College)
CPR and AED Certified
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Cabrillo College
Minor Degree - Business Marketing
Cabrillo College
High School Diploma -
Menlo Atherton
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