Dynamic Dining Services Director with a proven track record at Meridian Senior Living, excelling in menu planning and operational efficiency. Expert in staff training and customer satisfaction, I have successfully enhanced dining experiences and implemented waste reduction strategies, fostering a culture of excellence and compliance in food safety standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dining Services Director
Meridian Senior Living & Orchard Park Senior Living
Manvel, Texas
03.2014 - 10.2021
Hired, trained, and directed kitchen staff and servers to enhance operational efficiency.
Managed office tasks, including schedule creation, to maximize productivity and profitability.
Coordinated customer service initiatives that strengthened resident relationships and enhanced overall satisfaction.
Planned menu offerings while assuring quality control and minimizing waste.
Oversaw marketing strategies to elevate dining experience and attract clientele.
Facilitated opening of new community establishment, ensuring all systems were operational.
Collaborated with health professionals to support resident nutrition plans.
Developed and implemented menus catering to diverse dietary needs.
Evaluated staff performance to improve team efficiency and morale.
Enhanced resident engagement through special dining events and activities.
Conducted periodic evaluations of staff performance in order to identify areas for improvement.
Ensured proper sanitation practices were followed by kitchen staff during meal preparation.
Monitored inventory levels of food items to ensure adequate supplies were available at all times.
Oversaw daily operations of dining hall, ensuring compliance with health department regulations and maintaining service quality.
Identified and addressed areas of improvement in food quality, presentation and service.
Coordinated special events requiring catering services from outside vendors.
Created menus that met nutritional needs while remaining cost-effective.
Managed the selection, training and development of staff members for all dining services areas.
Negotiated contracts with suppliers to secure competitive pricing on food products and equipment.
Established procedures for handling complaints regarding food quality or service issues.
Developed and implemented strategies that successfully increased customer satisfaction with dining services.
Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
Self Made-Chef
Elmcroft Senior Living
Houston, Texas
04.2011 - 03.2014
Hired, trained, and directed kitchen staff and servers to enhance team performance and service quality
Plan menu, assure quality control, and minimize waste
Delivered high-quality service by attentively addressing customer needs and preferences
Marketed dining experience through creative promotions and engaging customer interactions
Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
Oversaw daily office operations to ensure efficiency and organization.
Self Made-Chef, serving Creole, Southern, Italian, French, Jewish, Continental cuisine. Motto: You Name It, I'll Fix It.
Self Made-Chef
Emeritus assisted living
Houston, Texas
09.2001 - 04.2011
Self-Made Chef, serving Creole, Southern, Italian, French, Jewish, Continental cuisine. Motto: You Name It, I'll Fix It.
Planned menu and assured quality control while minimizing waste.
Hire, train, and direct Kitchen Staff & Servers
Delivered high-quality service to meet customer expectations.
Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction.
Marketing the dining experience
Oversaw daily office operations to ensure efficiency and organization.
Restaurant Manager & Trainer
KFC
Houston, Texas
12.1998 - 10.2001
Managed restaurant operations and trained staff on service standards.
Managed daily operations of restaurant ensuring efficient service delivery.
Supervised and trained team members on food safety and customer service standards.
Hiring, training & development
Train & develop shift managers
Trained workers in food preparation, money handling, and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
Coached team members on food safety, customer service, menu knowledge, and up-selling techniques to improve guest experiences and increase sales.
Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
Conducted performance evaluations to enhance team capabilities and support career development.
Resolved customer complaints promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling and evaluation of employees.
Scheduled staff shifts to optimize coverage during peak business hours.
Implemented inventory control procedures to optimize stock levels and minimize waste.
Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
Analyze P n L reports
Enforced compliance with health regulations and company policies for safe operations.
Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
Adhered to all health department regulations regarding food storage and preparation.
Counseled and disciplined staff to address issues promptly and provide constructive feedback.
Facilitated teambuilding activities for units to improve collaboration.
Complied with health, sanitation and liquor regulations by clearly communicating and reinforcing standards and procedures to employees.
Established policies for cash handling procedures to maximize security measures.
Sought feedback from guests on food quality and addressed any issues promptly.
Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
Education
St. Croix Central High School
St Croix, U.S.Virgin Islands
01-1983
Some College (No Degree) -
Gadsden State College
Gadsden, Al
Skills
Catering management
Menu planning
Meal planning
Food safety compliance
Food safety
Health compliance
Quality control
Sanitation standards
Operational efficiency
Waste reduction
Inventory management
Supplier negotiations
Cost management
Staff training
Employee scheduling
Team leadership
Employee coaching
Monitoring food preparation
Kitchen staff coordination
Customer satisfaction
Kitchen staff coordination
Certification
Safe Serve & Health certification
References
References & Supporting Documentation Furnished Upon Request
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Dining Services Director
Meridian Senior Living & Orchard Park Senior Living