Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gillian Cramer

Tuscaloosa,AL

Summary

Results-driven Executive Chef Manager with expertise in kitchen operations and menu development. Specializes in staff training and business efficiency, driving revenue growth through strategic culinary innovations. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction while ensuring high quality and cost-effective practices.

Overview

1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Private Chef

Dr Judy Travis
Demopolis, Alabama
10.2013 - Current
  • Prepared gourmet meals tailored to dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
  • Developed weekly menus featuring seasonal ingredients and diverse cuisines.
  • Managed kitchen inventory, ensuring timely ordering of fresh produce and supplies.

Chef Owner

Gillian Catering
Tuscaloosa, AL
09.2013 - Current
  • Managed daily operations of catering services for diverse events.
  • Coordinated staff schedules and assignments to ensure efficient service delivery.
  • Developed menus tailored to client preferences and dietary needs.

Assistant general manager

Sonic
Demopolis, AL
07.2021 - 12.2024
  • Assisted in managing daily operations of fast-paced drive-in restaurant.
  • Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours.
  • Trained new employees on customer service standards and operational procedures.
  • After breaking my leg I was out on medical leave when the store was permanently closed.

Cook III seasonal

Southern Foodservice Management
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
09.2011 - 10.2014
  • Prepared diverse meals in accordance with Southern Foodservice Management standards.
  • Assisted in menu planning and ingredient selection for daily specials.
  • Provided service for catered events as well as the Souther Endzone at the Bryant Deny Stadium during football games
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.

Executive Chef and Restaurant manager

Hickory Street Station
Hartselle, Alabama
06.2010 - 04.2013
  • .Developed seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients and culinary trends.
  • Supervised kitchen staff ensuring adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain efficient kitchen operations.
  • BBQ pitmaster.

Executive Chef

The Foscue House
Demopolis, Alabaqma
06.2010 - 04.2013
  • Developed seasonal menus showcasing local ingredients and culinary trends.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and sanitation practices daily.

Interim Catering Chef the University of Alabama

Aramark
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
03.2008 - 06.2008
  • Prepared diverse menus for large-scale events and daily operations.
  • Supervised kitchen staff and delegated tasks effectively during service.
  • Managed food inventory and ensured compliance with health standards.
  • Filled in the position when the catering Chef left until the new Catering Chef arrived.

Cook II

The Marriott Renaissance
Mobile, Alabama
09.2005 - 03.2007
  • Prepared high-quality meals according to Marriott Renaissance standards.
  • Managed kitchen inventory and ensured proper food storage practices.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
  • Assisted the Catering Chef with high volume events.
  • Assigned to take care of all high profile customers.
  • Assigned to develop and prepare all meals with dietary restrictions.

Prep Chef

Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant
Orange Beach, Alabama
05.2004 - 08.2005
  • Prepared ingredients for daily menu items in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
  • Assisted chefs with cooking techniques and meal assembly during peak hours.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and kitchen tools.
  • Recovery work between hurricanes Ivan and Katrina.

Kitchen Manager

The Birmingham Race Course
Leeds, AL
11.2001 - 05.2004
  • Oversaw food preparation, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Streamlined kitchen workflows to improve efficiency during peak service times.
  • Oversaw daily meal planning activities and menu development for special events.
  • Managed kitchen staff scheduling and daily task assignments.
  • Collaborated with vendors to maintain inventory levels and quality of supplies.
  • Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.

Executive Chef

Mama N Nems
Thomaston, AL
07.2000 - 07.2001
  • Developed seasonal menus showcasing local ingredients and culinary trends as well as utilization of their famous BBQ and green pepper jelly.
  • Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service.
  • Maintained high standards of food safety and sanitation practices daily.
  • Created signature dishes utilizing their own famous BBQ

Cook

Bartollo's Italian Eatery
Demopolis, Alabama
10.1999 - 07.2001
  • Prepared authentic Italian dishes following established recipes and presentation standards.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal delivery during peak hours.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of cooking stations and equipment.
  • Trained in the art of Italian cooking.

Line Cook

China Palace
Guangzhou, China
10.1998 - 10.1999

Prepared dishes according to restaurant recipes and customer specifications.

  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of the kitchen workspace and equipment.
  • Trained in the art of Chinese cooking
  • Assisted in inventory management and restocking of kitchen supplies.

Server

China Palace
Demopolis, Alabama
08.1995 - 10.1998
  • Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
  • Took customer orders and accurately entered them into the POS system.
  • Served food and beverages promptly to ensure a positive dining experience.

Cake Decorator

Walmart Supercenter
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
01.1993 - 07.1994
  • Created decorative designs for cakes using various icing techniques.
  • Assisted customers in selecting custom cake options and flavors.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of decorating station and tools.

Line Cook and server

The Corner Cafe
Demopolis, Alabama
05.1987 - 08.1992
  • Cooked meals according to recipes and restaurant standards for quality and presentation.
  • Prepared ingredients by chopping vegetables and marinating proteins for menu items.
  • Maintained cleanliness by washing dishes and sanitizing workstations throughout shifts.
  • Worked every station in a diner atmosphere

Education

Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management

University of Alabama Internet Program
Tuscaloosa, AL
09.2026 - 09.2026

Associate Degree Culinary Arts - Culinary

Culinard Verginia College
Homewood, Alabama
09.2001 - 07.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Hotel, Hospitality And Restaurant Management

University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
01.1993 - 07.1995

Demopolis High School
Demopolis, AL

Skills

  • Menu creation
  • Creative menu development
  • Menu design
  • Catering management
  • Event catering
  • Food preparation
  • Food safety
  • Sanitation and safety
  • Safe food handling
  • Allergen management
  • Dietary accommodation
  • Culinary skills
  • Kitchen management
  • Inventory management
  • Food stock and supply management
  • Supply purchasing
  • Purchasing oversight
  • Cost management
  • Cost control
  • Budget oversight
  • Forecasting and planning
  • Order management
  • Kitchen efficiency
  • Kitchen equipment operation
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Plate presentation
  • Recipe creation
  • Client service
  • Staff hiring and training
  • Employee training
  • Team management
  • Team leadership
  • Communication skills
  • Issue resolution
  • Event management
  • Special events
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • International cuisine
  • Sanitation standards
  • Restaurant operations
  • Inventory control
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Food preparation techniques
  • Catering services
  • Purchasing oversight
  • Cost control

Accomplishments

  • One of only 11 Chefs chosen for the Chef of the Year competition 2001, 2002, 2003
  • Silver medal in Restaurant Association competition
  • Rib Team of the Year Memphis in May BBQ society

Certification

  • Cerv safe certified
  • Certified in storeroom, purchasing and cost control
  • Professional cooking certification
  • Certified culinarian

Timeline

Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Administration And Management

University of Alabama Internet Program
09.2026 - 09.2026

Assistant general manager

Sonic
07.2021 - 12.2024

Private Chef

Dr Judy Travis
10.2013 - Current

Chef Owner

Gillian Catering
09.2013 - Current

Cook III seasonal

Southern Foodservice Management
09.2011 - 10.2014

Executive Chef and Restaurant manager

Hickory Street Station
06.2010 - 04.2013

Executive Chef

The Foscue House
06.2010 - 04.2013

Interim Catering Chef the University of Alabama

Aramark
03.2008 - 06.2008

Cook II

The Marriott Renaissance
09.2005 - 03.2007

Prep Chef

Louisiana Lagniappe Restaurant
05.2004 - 08.2005

Kitchen Manager

The Birmingham Race Course
11.2001 - 05.2004

Associate Degree Culinary Arts - Culinary

Culinard Verginia College
09.2001 - 07.2003

Executive Chef

Mama N Nems
07.2000 - 07.2001

Cook

Bartollo's Italian Eatery
10.1999 - 07.2001

Line Cook

China Palace
10.1998 - 10.1999

Server

China Palace
08.1995 - 10.1998

Cake Decorator

Walmart Supercenter
01.1993 - 07.1994

Bachelor of Arts - Hotel, Hospitality And Restaurant Management

University of Alabama
01.1993 - 07.1995

Line Cook and server

The Corner Cafe
05.1987 - 08.1992

Demopolis High School
Gillian Cramer