Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Ian Reffner

Stuart

Summary

Dynamic Executive Chef with a proven track record at Pastaio Tradition, excelling in kitchen management and food presentation. Expert in food safety and sanitation, I foster effective communication and collaboration, enhancing customer satisfaction through innovative menu development and high-quality culinary creations. Committed to maximizing profitability while minimizing waste.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef

Ellie’s Dockside Deli
08.2024 - Current


  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
  • Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality culinary creations.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Managed food costs, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers to support community partnerships and sustainable practices.
  • Collaborated effectively with front-of-house team for seamless dining experience and positive customer feedback.
  • Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organization in kitchen, passing all health inspections with excellent ratings.

Line Cook

Harborage Yacht Club
11.2010 - 11.2014
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.

Executive Chef

Pastaio Palm City
01.2023 - 08.2024

Executive Chef

Meating Street
01.2022 - 08.2024

Executive Chef

Pastaio Tradition
10.2020 - 08.2024

I was the executive Chef for three stores under the OO restaurant group.

Pastaio tradition, Pastaio Palm city and Meating Street steak and seafood

  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.

Sous Chef

Tutto Fresco
01.2016 - 10.2020
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
  • Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
  • Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
  • Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
  • Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
  • Contributed to successful catering events by coordinating meal preparation and execution, exceeding client expectations on each occasion.
  • Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.

Line Cook

The Green Mango
12.2014 - 12.2016
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
  • Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
  • Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
  • Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.

Education

High Schoool - High School

John Carrol Catholic High School
Ft. Pierce, FLa
2004

Skills

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Customer service
  • Knife skills
  • Cooking techniques
  • Kitchen management
  • Food presentation
  • Attention to detail
  • Effective communications
  • Kitchen operations

Timeline

Chef

Ellie’s Dockside Deli
08.2024 - Current

Executive Chef

Pastaio Palm City
01.2023 - 08.2024

Executive Chef

Meating Street
01.2022 - 08.2024

Executive Chef

Pastaio Tradition
10.2020 - 08.2024

Sous Chef

Tutto Fresco
01.2016 - 10.2020

Line Cook

The Green Mango
12.2014 - 12.2016

Line Cook

Harborage Yacht Club
11.2010 - 11.2014

High Schoool - High School

John Carrol Catholic High School