Fernando Zarruk
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dynamic hospitality professional with a proven track record, contributing to the successful opening of a restaurant as part of a collaborative team, and helping to build a high-performing staff. Skilled in menu development, inventory management, and high-volume operations, with a focus on fostering teamwork and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Fluent in English, Spanish and German, enhancing communication and service for diverse clientele.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server/Host
Lighthouse, NYC
Brooklyn, NY
03.2025 - Current
- Served cocktails and took orders while ensuring timely service to guests.
- Managed reservations and greeted guests to enhance dining experience.
- Provided exceptional customer service by promptly addressing guest inquiries.
- Efficiently processed food and beverage orders during peak service hours.
- Accurately processed payments using point-of-sale system to ensure smooth transactions.
Executive Sous Chef (Promoted from Sous Chef)
ElNico
Brooklyn, NY
03.2023 - 04.2025
- Hired and developed a full team from the ground up, cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability.
- Opened and launched the restaurant, overseeing all pre-opening operations, including concept development, menu planning, hiring, and selection of tableware and glassware.
- Supervised kitchen staff, promoting effective food preparation and service.
- Developed culinary menu items in partnership with Executive Chef and team.
- Maintained inventory levels and ordered supplies to meet operational demands.
- Ensured compliance with food safety standards and sanitation protocols.
- Trained new staff on cooking techniques and equipment usage effectively.
- Coordinated special events by crafting customized menus and managing timelines.
Chef de Partie, Host, Server
Au Cheval NYC
NYC
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Mastered all restaurant stations in one year, ensuring successful launch.
- Trained over 15 newcomers, forming a skilled team serving 400 covers.
- Transitioned to front-of-house role as Host, managing Resy and elevating guest relations.
- Delivered prompt service and informed menu recommendations.
Chef de Partie
Cosme
New York, New York
03.2018 - 01.2019
- Progressed from stagiaire to line cook within high-pressure, award-winning Mexican kitchen, focusing on modern culinary techniques.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY03-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Global Business
UAM College Nicaragua
Nicaragua05-2016
Skills
- Point-of-sale operation
- Food safety compliance
- Customer service
- Menu development
- Quality control
- Inventory management
- Team leadership
- Staff training
- High volume dining
- Foreign language fluency: Spanish, German
OTHER EXPERIENCE
- Chef Instructor Assistant - Institute of Culinary Education – 2018 - NY,NY
- UAM College Nicaragua - Logistics Officer - 2017 - Managua, Nicaragua
- Marketing Campaign Manager - CIACA - 2016 - Vicosa, Brasil
Certification
- Food Safety License
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
German
Professional
Volunteer Experience
Noma CPH – New York, NY
Collaborator, Private Event | 2018
- Worked alongside the Noma CPH team to prepare, cook, and serve for a private dining event with over 100 guests.
James Beard Foundation – New York, NY
Culinary Assistant | 2018
- Assisted the Institute of Culinary Education’s Director of Culinary Research with prep and plating for a high-profile event serving 400+ guests.
USNS Comfort Mission – Nicaragua
Volunteer Translator | 2015
- Facilitated communication between medical staff and patients by providing real-time English–Spanish interpretation during humanitarian medical missions.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Server/Host
Lighthouse, NYC
03.2025 - Current
Executive Sous Chef (Promoted from Sous Chef)
ElNico
03.2023 - 04.2025
Chef de Partie, Host, Server
Au Cheval NYC
01.2019 - 03.2020
Chef de Partie
Cosme
03.2018 - 01.2019
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Institute of Culinary Education
Bachelor of Arts - Global Business
UAM College Nicaragua
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