Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

James Bernier

Summary

Talented kitchen leader and team motivator successful at maintaining staff focus and productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Experienced with all cuisines, sourcing ingredients, controlling budgets and boosting restaurant profiles. Conversational skills. High-performing individual with solid background in culinary arts. Skilled in creating innovative and delicious dishes while managing kitchen staff and inventory. Efficient and committed to keeping high standards of food safety and sanitation.

Overview

39
39
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chef

Notch8 Wood Fired Bar And Grill
09.2020 - Current
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
  • Requisitioned food, selected and developed recipes and standardized production recipes for consistent quality.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • 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.

Head Chef

My Place Restaurant
05.2010 - 02.2020

RE energized a struggling Family business

  • Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
  • Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
  • Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance, and cleanliness of production and service areas.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.

Head Chef

Knapp's Landing Restaurant
07.1998 - 04.2008
  • Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
  • Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
  • Inspected kitchens to observe food preparation quality and service, food appearance, and cleanliness of production and service areas.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Interacted with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
  • Planned promotional menu additions based on seasonal pricing and product availability.
  • Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.

Exec Sous Chef

Z Tejas Grill
05.1993 - 02.1997
  • Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Plated every dish with attractive flair to meet strict restaurant standards and maintain stellar business reputation.
  • Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current culinary trends and techniques.
  • Monitored food and labor costs to verify budget targets were met.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
  • Coordinated with vendors to order supplies and maintain high quality standards.
  • Trained and mentored new staff members in kitchen safety, sanitation and cooking techniques.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.

Restaurant Manager

Saybrook Fish House
04.1985 - 03.1993
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations, and procedures.
  • Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
  • Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
  • Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
  • Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
  • Developed, implemented, and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
  • Assisted in development and implementation of new menus to offer variety and options to customers.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.

Education

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Johnson And Wales Univ
Providence, RI
05.1986

Skills

  • Safe Food Handling
  • Performance Assessments
  • Team Leadership
  • Inventory Management
  • Vendor Relationship Management
  • Food Plating and Presentation
  • Menu Planning
  • BOH Operations
  • Staff Scheduling

Timeline

Executive Chef

Notch8 Wood Fired Bar And Grill
09.2020 - Current

Head Chef

My Place Restaurant
05.2010 - 02.2020

Head Chef

Knapp's Landing Restaurant
07.1998 - 04.2008

Exec Sous Chef

Z Tejas Grill
05.1993 - 02.1997

Restaurant Manager

Saybrook Fish House
04.1985 - 03.1993

Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts

Johnson And Wales Univ
James Bernier