Gokhan Elma
New York New Jersey
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with 18 years of experience, including leadership as Head Line Chef at Zula Restaurant. Proven expertise in menu customization and compliance with health regulations. Certified in food and beverage management, I excel in enhancing guest satisfaction through attentive service and effective team collaboration.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Line Chef
Zula Restaurant
- Spearheaded special event menu planning, customizing offerings to cater to unique guest preferences or dietary requirements.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, creating a safe workspace for staff and customers alike.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks for optimal functionality, prolonging the lifespan of essential tools.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective delegation and time management.
Server
Marida Restaurant
07.2024 - 05.2025
Head Line Chef
Truva Restaurant
03.2019 - 12.2019
Line Cook
Anatolian Gyro
04.2018 - 05.2019
Line Cook
Saray Restaurant Connecticut
08.2017 - 01.2019
Server
Istanbul Borek Nj
03.2016 - 07.2017
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Streamlined order-taking process to minimize wait times for diners.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
- Boosted repeat customer rates, remembered regular guests' preferences and greeted them by name.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
Assistant Server
Royal Caribbean International
11.2012 - 05.2013
Server
Rixos Hotel
04.2011 - 12.2011
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
Captain Waiter
Cratos Hotel
06.2010 - 10.2011
Server
Princess Hotel
03.2010 - 12.2010
Server
Cahide Macka
01.2008 - 07.2009
Skills
I have 18 years of experience in sector
I am having wset wine course
Food and beverage management certificate from cornell university
Servsafe certificate
Certification
Food and beverage certificate cornell university
Servsafe
Wset 2 certificate
Languages
English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Server
Marida Restaurant
07.2024 - 05.2025
Head Line Chef
Truva Restaurant
03.2019 - 12.2019
Line Cook
Anatolian Gyro
04.2018 - 05.2019
Line Cook
Saray Restaurant Connecticut
08.2017 - 01.2019
Server
Istanbul Borek Nj
03.2016 - 07.2017
Assistant Server
Royal Caribbean International
11.2012 - 05.2013
Server
Rixos Hotel
04.2011 - 12.2011
Captain Waiter
Cratos Hotel
06.2010 - 10.2011
Server
Princess Hotel
03.2010 - 12.2010
Server
Cahide Macka
01.2008 - 07.2009
Head Line Chef
Zula Restaurant
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