Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Accomplishments
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic
Isaias Pena

Isaias Pena

Winnetka,CA

Summary

I am looking for a well-established group that is hospitality focused to showcase my culinary expertise and financial savvy. My passion for food and the creation of the ultimate guest experience is what drives me towards excellence on a daily basis. From an operational standpoint I consider myself to be a well balanced leader and creative innovator.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Regional Executive Chef

Caruso Management Co.
Los Angeles, CA
05.2021 - 02.2024
  • Multi unit Brand/Executive Chef for award winning restaurants
  • Catering and event coordinator
  • Recipe development
  • Menu design
  • Head of beverage program
  • Interview, hiring, and terminations
  • Training manual creation at management level
  • Manager and chef training
  • Marketing strategist
  • Business plans and development
  • Acting VP of Restaurant Operations
  • Financials (P&L and GL review)
  • Corporate negotiations and contracting
  • Caruso portfolio financial reporting

Corporate Executive Chef

Restaurant
All over Southern, CA
11.2018 - 03.2021
  • Red Mile LLC, Evalee, RFD - Spare Tire Kitchen and Tavern, Busby's Sports Bars (West and East), Sagebrush Cantina, Ye Old Kings Head, Real Food Daily (Weho, Pasadena and LAX)
  • Corporate Chef originally from December 2014 to September 2017 left
  • Sales range $25 million
  • Rolling out new menu specials preparing a matrix for the staff
  • Multi-unit operations knowledge
  • Managing the P & L for BOH at of my locations
  • Successful financial control system creation and implementation
  • Menu development
  • Costing out new menu items
  • Recipe development and cost analysis
  • Multi-unit banquette chef/coordinator
  • Overall purchase and cost control
  • PR/marketing assistance
  • Vendor contract negotiations
  • Shift, daily, weekly and monthly cleaning/food safety guide standard creator
  • Controlled schedule with financial forecasting
  • Chef development and staff training expert
  • Vegan culinary experience
  • Locations (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Calabasas, Weho, Pasadena and LAX).

Executive Chef

Trispan -- Rosa Mexicano L.A. Live
Los Angeles, CA
09.2017 - 11.2018
  • 6 million Annual sales
  • Uphold company standards and image
  • Successful financial control both in labor and food cost
  • Recipe development
  • Banquette chef
  • Vendor relations
  • Uphold company shift, daily, weekly and monthly cleaning/food safety guide standards
  • Financial forecasting
  • Chef and Manager training.

Corporate Executive Chef

Red Mile LLC
12.2014 - 09.2017
  • Rejoined in 2018
  • Locations (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Studio City and Calabasas)
  • Assistant Corporate Chef (Santa Monica, San Diego and New York).

Regional R&D Chef

RSR Group - La Sandia, Xengo, Venga Venga, Maya
12.2012 - 12.2014
  • Multi-unit operations knowledge
  • Financial system implementation
  • Menu development
  • Recipe development and cost analysis
  • Purchase and cost control
  • Shift, daily, weekly and monthly cleaning/food safety guide standard creator
  • Controlled schedule with financial forecasting
  • National company chef development and staff training expert
  • High profile event chef and coordinator
  • Assistant to James Beard award-winning chef
  • Menu development
  • Recipe development and cost analysis
  • Overall purchase and cost control
  • Upheld brand standards and company policies/recognition.

Education

Alhambra High School

Citrus College

Skills

  • Culinary Expertise
  • Recipe Creation
  • Budgeting and Cost Control
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Special Event Coordination
  • Restaurant Operations
  • Operations Management
  • Productivity Optimization

Certification

  • Professional Food Management Certification
  • ServSafe Certified

Languages

Fluent in English and Spanish

Accomplishments

  • Los Angeles Times - Best of 2023, Best Burger in Southern California
  • Los Angeles Times- Best of 2022, Best Burger in Southern California
  • Los Angeles Magazine- Best New Restaurants
  • Food and Beverage Magazine- Hank's Consecutive La Times Wins
  • Gayot Magazine- La's Top Ten Best Taqueria's in the US
  • LA Weekly- LA's Top Chef's on the Perfect Father's Day
  • Gayot Magazine- Best Burger's in the USA, 2016
  • Please see PR deck for additional relevant awards

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Regional Executive Chef

Caruso Management Co.
05.2021 - 02.2024

Corporate Executive Chef

Restaurant
11.2018 - 03.2021

Executive Chef

Trispan -- Rosa Mexicano L.A. Live
09.2017 - 11.2018

Corporate Executive Chef

Red Mile LLC
12.2014 - 09.2017

Regional R&D Chef

RSR Group - La Sandia, Xengo, Venga Venga, Maya
12.2012 - 12.2014

Alhambra High School

Citrus College

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Isaias Pena