James Simpson
La Grange,TX
Summary
Working in hospitality industry for nearly thirty years, I have been assigned every position possible. From ownership to dishwasher, it has been learning and humble experience. Any position given, I thrive to exceed, succeed and show I can be a worthy asset to the company.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Chef
Mullins Praire Store
2025.01 - 2025.04
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Make the best possible menu items in order to keep the guests at their happiest.
Lead Chef
Hyatt Regency
2024.06 - 2025.01
- Ensure all morning banquets and buffets are prepared by there timely manner.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly to provide constructive feedback, acknowledging strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
- Prepare the next days tasks in order to be sufficiently ready for the next morning to be a success.
- Increased customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
Kitchen Manager
Mullins Prairie Store
2022.10 - 2023.10
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
Kitchen Manager
Post Oak Grill And Bar
2020.12 - 2022.10
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate meal service and special events, executing smooth operations.
- Designed and maintained menus to offer variety of high quality and consistency of dishes.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Inspected stock to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
Assistant General Manager
Jay Deez Sports Grill
2019.11 - 2020.12
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Mentored and motivated team members to achieve challenging business goals.
Owner/Operator
Cafe 77
2017.09 - 2019.11
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
General Manager
Joe's Place
2012.08 - 2017.09
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
Skills
- Staff Coordination
- Recipes and Menu Planning
- Food Quality
- Hospitality Service Expertise
- Kitchen Management
- Operations Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- New Hire Training
- Inventory Management
- Staff Supervision
- Shift Scheduling
- Food and Beverage Management
- Menu Development
- Time Management
Timeline
Head Chef
Mullins Praire Store
2025.01 - 2025.04
Lead Chef
Hyatt Regency
2024.06 - 2025.01
Kitchen Manager
Mullins Prairie Store
2022.10 - 2023.10
Kitchen Manager
Post Oak Grill And Bar
2020.12 - 2022.10
Assistant General Manager
Jay Deez Sports Grill
2019.11 - 2020.12
Owner/Operator
Cafe 77
2017.09 - 2019.11
General Manager
Joe's Place
2012.08 - 2017.09