James Cornelison
Carolina Beach,NC
Summary
Veteran food service professional with over 35 years of comprehensive industry experience and a commitment to long-term recovery. I am transitioning into Peer Support for addiction counseling and currently have my CPSC from FAVOR Lowcountry SC. Proven track record in business management, including operations, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Achievements include enhanced efficiency, increased revenue, and improved team performance through innovative problem-solving.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Chef
WIN Restaurant Services
Pawleys Island, SC
01.2015 - Current
- Servicing and working with restaurants in all facets of business. Menu production, cost analysis, HACCP plan development, and hazard analysis
- Staff training both kitchen and wait staff
- Certified ServeSafe Instructor and Proctor
- ServeSafe Certified in Food Sanitation, Alcohol, and Allergens
Operating Partner/General Manager
Inlet Prohibition Company
Murrells Inlet, SC
10.2023 - 06.2025
- Responsible for all facets of high volume restaurant including menu development, payroll, food cost controls, broadline distributor contracts
- Managed staff of 35-55, seasonal
- Responsible for menu development and implementation
- Participated in many local community fundraisers through donations and peer support
F&B Director
Avocet Hospitality
Charleston, SC
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Responsible for all facets of food service for multiple outlets at full service Beach Front hotel
- Responsible for support of 6 managers at all outlets
- Managed staff of 45, 80 during summer season
- Created and managed $8 million annual food and labor budget
- Operated within budget for full-service outlets, 2 restaurants Beachfront Bar and Coffee shop
- Worked closely with Executive Chef on menu development
- Private functions ranging from 15 to 150 people
- Operate and maintain budget for all outlets and banquets
F&B Director/ Executive Chef
Tara Investments
Charleston, SC
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Responsible for managing all F&B outlets across multiple locations (Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites)
- Upheld brand standards for Hilton and IHG brands
- Created and managed banquet menus and functions
- Operated within budget full-service Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites
- Manage staff of 40+ across all F&B outlets
- Insure sanitation standards for each hotel
Executive Chef
Capital City Club
Columbia, SC
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Created and managed $3 million annual food and labor budget
- Established direct contact with members to drive sales and improve menu offering
- Catered 100+ private functions ranging from 15 to 350 people
- Worked closely with F&B Director and Private Events coordinator to improve culinary offerings and experience
Executive Chef
Embassy Suites
Columbia, SC
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Responsible for all facets of full service restaurant
- Operated special events revenue of $3.5 million within budget
- Worked closely with Sales and F&B to increase revenue 10%
- Supervise and train front of the house and kitchen staff
- Developed menu items to reflect current trends and local tastes
- Operated with corporate budget parameters
- Improved overall food cost and rebates through AVENDRA program
Kitchen Manager/Volunteer
Winyah Bay Long Term Recovery Group
Georgetown, SC
03.2016 - 08.2016
- Responsible for menu production and development
- Responsible for feeding volunteers, up to 100 per day
- Source vendors and work with local businesses
Account Manager
HOPCO Food Service Marketing
Columbia, SC
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Manage 61 vendors for Sysco Columbia.
- Negotiate marketing for each of the vendors
- Responsible for all food show and street sales at Sysco Columbia
- Source vendors and negotiate inventory costs
- Responsible for Sysco brand transitions (Stratas, Aryzta, Schwan’s)
- Responsible for sales meeting, MA trainings, customer presentations
- Extensive street experience and MA knowledge
Food Service Manager
Earthfare – Columbia
Columbia, SC
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Direct sales and profitability of full service natural food store
- Train and supervise 30-40-person staff (seasonal)
- Responsible for all payroll operations
- Source vendors and negotiate inventory costs
- Increased revenue by 20% in the first six months
- Responsible for compliance with FDA organic regulations
General Manager
THE CHARLESTON CRAB HOUSE
Columbia, SC
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Direct sales and profitability of full service seafood restaurant with annual sales of $3 million
- Train and supervise 35-60-person staff (seasonal)
- Responsible for all payroll operations
- Source vendors and negotiate inventory costs
- Increased revenue by 20% in the first six months
Education
2 Years College - English/Philosophy
University of Georgia
Athens, GA05.1988
High school diploma or GED -
Greenville High School
Greenville, SC06.1986
Skills
- Addiction counseling
- Presentation skills (10 years)
- Serve Safe Certified in Food Sanitation, Alcohol and Allergens
- Restaurant Management
- Forecasting
- Microsoft Office
- Menu Planning
- Motivational interviewing
- Budgeting
- Guest relations
- Addiction counseling
- Recruiting
- Oracle/Aloha/FOCUS POS
Certification
- Certified Recovery Specialist
- Driver's License
- ServeSafe Proctor September 2023 to September 2028
- Certified ServeSafe Food Manager
- CPSS February 2025 to February 2028
- Certified Peer Support Specialist through FAVOR Lowcountry and NAADAC
- ServSafe
Affiliations
ServeSafe Certified and Proctor
CPSC through FAVOR Lowcountry SC
Comminuity volunteer
Timeline
Operating Partner/General Manager
Inlet Prohibition Company
10.2023 - 06.2025
F&B Director
Avocet Hospitality
08.2022 - 09.2023
F&B Director/ Executive Chef
Tara Investments
01.2020 - 08.2022
Executive Chef
Capital City Club
01.2019 - 12.2020
Executive Chef
Embassy Suites
01.2017 - 12.2019
Kitchen Manager/Volunteer
Winyah Bay Long Term Recovery Group
03.2016 - 08.2016
Owner/Chef
WIN Restaurant Services
01.2015 - Current
Account Manager
HOPCO Food Service Marketing
01.2012 - 12.2014
Food Service Manager
Earthfare – Columbia
01.2011 - 12.2012
General Manager
THE CHARLESTON CRAB HOUSE
01.2009 - 12.2011
2 Years College - English/Philosophy
University of Georgia
High school diploma or GED -
Greenville High School
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