James Gericke
Summary
High-performing Chef offering 16 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Self proven talent with an business analytics approach for building streamlined, cohesive teams that build successful profitable venues within properties across multiple states.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Corporate Executive Chef Executive
Caesars Entertainment
09.2019 - Current
- Ensured a strong relationships was held between Caesars Entertainment and Gordon Ramsay North America Brand
- Overseen and lead multiple teams in multiple states, successfully opening venues within Caesars Entertainment including opening multiple "Gordon Ramsay Steak" fine dining locations
- Overseen multiple venues with gross revenue exceeding 15 million annually.
- Collaborated with other executive team members to develop strategic plans for business growth and profitability.
- Coordinated successful seasonal promotions that attracted new customers while satisfying existing clientele preferences.
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements for executive review, aiding in effective decision-making processes regarding growth opportunities and resource allocation.
- Oversaw recruitment efforts for kitchen staff members, ensuring a talented workforce committed to excellence in culinary execution.
- Championed sustainable practices within the kitchen operations by sourcing locally grown produce whenever possible, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing quality or taste profiles.
- Reduced food costs by implementing efficient inventory control systems and streamlining purchasing processes.
- Streamlined menu offerings based on sales data analysis, resulting in reduced waste and improved profit margins.
- Enhanced restaurant reputation by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative dishes in a competitive market.
- Established strong relationships with local vendors to ensure access to high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
- Introduced new culinary techniques and trends, elevating the dining experience for patrons.
- Launched employee training programs focused on improving technical skills as well as customer service abilities across all positions within the restaurant environment.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Established budgetary benchmarks and formulated financial management strategies by researching operating and historical financial records.
- Improved revenue compliance with corporate revenue standards.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art - St. Louis
St Louis04.2014
Skills
- Sanitation Standards
- Nutritional knowledge
- Food Safety Compliance
- Culinary expertise
- Allergen awareness
- Banquet operations
- Fine dining experience
- Food Cost Management
- Operations Management
- Kitchen Management
- Banquets and catering
- Vendor Relations
Timeline
Corporate Executive Chef Executive
Caesars Entertainment
09.2019 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art - St. Louis