- Homebrewing: I brew 5 gallon batches of Beer, Cider, and Hard Seltzers, force carbonating them, and serving them on a dual spout kegarator with corny keg inputs
- Digital Audio Recording: I record guitar, midi, vocals, and hand drums via varous recording systems - MAC logic and PC ProTools
- Snowboarding, Survival skills, & Outdoor Recreation
Jeff Sell
Chef Instructor & Hospitality Professional
Denver,CO
Summary
Versatile culinary and hospitality professional with extensive experience in front and back of house operations. Proven track record as a Chef Instructor, Head Chef, and Hospitality Manager. Highly skilled in kitchen management, menu development, and team leadership. Consistently delivers exceptional customer service, staff training, and operational efficiency. Expertise in curriculum development, workflow optimization, and implementing cost-saving initiatives for seamless service. Well-versed in account management, licensing contracts, and front-of-house coordination. Recognized for innovative food preparation techniques, including the implementation of a wort chilling system for green chili that earned commendation from health inspectors.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Chef Instructor
Stir Cooking School
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Led a team of bartenders and assistants in executing diverse culinary courses, instructing up to 35 students with engaging lesson plans and visual aids
- 18 different curriculums with over 60 different custom recipes
- Developed 12 seasonal cocktail recipes, introducing creative techniques to improve student engagement and overall bar sales - pairing unique cocktails complementing various menu profiles
- Demonstrated a wide range of cooking methods, simplifying complex concepts through clear communication while fostering an interactive and inspiring learning environment
- Mentored junior instructors, providing guidance on effective teaching strategies and hands-on instruction
- Managed kitchen operations, ensuring proper inventory, organization, and seamless execution of classes and catering menus
- Cultivated strong relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators, reinforcing a positive and collaborative learning atmosphere
Head Chef
Recess Beer Garden
03.2016 - 08.2022
- Oversaw kitchen operations, including food ordering, inventory management, and quality control, ensuring freshness and compliance with health regulations, providing annual revenue in food sales consistently above $300,000
- Led the kitchen through the COVID-19 pandemic by managing staffing, scheduling, promotions, and supplier relationships to maintain consistent food supply
- Supervised and trained a team of up to 10 employees, fostering efficiency, enforcing sanitation standards, and implementing quality control measures
- Innovated menu offerings, developed seasonal dishes, standardized recipes, and introduced cooking techniques that enhanced food consistency and service speed
- Designed and implemented an award-recognized wort chilling system for green chili, earning commendation from city health inspectors
- Collaborated with restaurant managers and vendors to streamline service, improve profitability, and enhance the overall dining experience
Kitchen Manager
British Bulldog
01.2015 - 03.2016
- Trained and supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food preparation standards, efficiency, and productivity
- Managed inventory, ordering accurate amounts of ingredients to minimize waste and maintain seamless operations
- Ensured compliance with local health regulations, enforcing safe food handling, storage, and sanitation practices
- Scheduled and coordinated kitchen shifts to optimize staffing during peak business hours
- Provided guidance on recipe execution, portioning, and plating techniques to maintain consistency and quality
- Fostered effective communication between kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and management to ensure smooth service
Kitchen Manager
The Highland Tavern
02.2011 - 12.2014
- Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Food Network) for innovative takes on classic menu items
- Maintaining contact with Food Network when episodes re-aired in order to prepare for a 3 fold increase in weekly sales
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, implementing structured programs focused on food prep, safety, and customer service
- Managed inventory, ordering, and supplier coordination to maintain stock levels while minimizing waste and costs
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring recipe accuracy, food quality, and adherence to safety standards
- Interviewed prospective employees, oversaw hiring, and scheduled shifts efficiently to meet peak business demands while maintaining a smooth workflow
- Fostered a collaborative team environment, promoting communication and efficiency across all kitchen roles
Account Manager
Parking Panda
02.2012 - 08.2013
- Company Overview: An Avant-garde online startup company in which individuals and parking garages/lots can list and sell parking space inventory
- Oversaw city-wide account management, with Albuquerque, NM, being the largest territory under supervision, and oversaw promotions and social media for events like the Boston Marathon, Ultra Music Festival, and Grand Prix, providing strategic guidance and ongoing support to clients
- Resolved complex customer issues efficiently, ensuring client satisfaction and retention, maintaining strong client relationships through proactive communication and problem-solving
- Collaborated with internal teams to optimize service offerings and enhance customer experience
- Contributed to the startup's growth by implementing efficient account management strategies
- An Avant-garde online startup company in which individuals and parking garages/lots can list and sell parking space inventory
Server & Bartender
Riptide by the Bay
04.2011 - 08.2012
- Specialized in raw bar service, including oyster shucking and cooking blue crabs to order
- Managed bar service and multiple tables simultaneously in a high-volume environment
- Delivered exceptional customer service by anticipating guest needs and ensuring prompt responses
- Created a welcoming atmosphere, greeting and accommodating guests to enhance their dining experience
- Engaged with customers in a friendly, professional manner to build rapport and repeat business
- Balanced efficiency and quality service, maintaining accuracy in orders and presentation
Head of Licensing, Contracts, and Agreements
Selectracks Studio
10.2010 - 01.2012
- Negotiated and structured derivative contract agreements with independent artists, expanding the studio's audio library for various productions
- Organized and maintained a vast catalog of over 50,000 audio assets, tagging selections by genre, style, and pricing for easy client access
- Coordinated and prepared studio spaces for re-recording sessions, ensuring alignment with audio engineers' specifications
- Managed artist schedules, providing studio tours and overseeing daily recording plans
- Delivered responsive client support, addressing needs and resolving issues to ensure seamless licensing experiences
- Working with prestigious clients such as Warner Brothers, Paramount, 20th Century Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, Disney, Discovery Communications, Microsoft, Smirnoff, Volkswagen, T-Mobile, Walgreens, the Maryland Lottery, and DreamWork- contributing to over 10,000 annual airings across TV shows, promos, trailers, and more
Manager
Padonia Station
09.2010 - 04.2011
- Supervised front and back-of-house operations, including staff training and scheduling
- Delivered high-quality customer service and resolved guest concerns efficiently
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
Poolside Restaurant Manager
Greenspring Valley Hunt Club
05.2006 - 09.2010
- Memorized and managed over 30 member account numbers, ensuring seamless and discreet billing interactions
- Conducted daily facility inspections to uphold cleanliness and compliance with health standards
- Delivered exceptional customer service by promptly addressing patron concerns and enhancing guest satisfaction
- Built strong relationships with members through attentive hospitality and personalized service
Retail Associate
Performance Bicycle Shop
05.2006 - 08.2010
- Assisted customers with product selection, pricing inquiries, and Redphone orders to ensure a seamless shopping experience
- Delivered excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail environment, addressing questions and resolving concerns
- Assembled bicycle frames and performed minor repairs to support customer needs
- Managed inventory by unpacking shipments, organizing special orders, and conducting stock checks
- Collaborated with team members to maintain store efficiency and exceed management expectations
- Supported daily operations by ensuring organized displays, restocking merchandise, and assisting in store upkeep
Associate
Panera Bread
01.2004 - 08.2005
- Provided excellent customer service through daily interactions, ensuring a positive guest experience
- Trained new employees on customer service techniques and operational procedures
- Processed transactions efficiently using the cash register, handling cash, checks, and credit payments
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
Denver, CO 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA 05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Loyola Blakefield
Baltimore, MD 05.2001 -
Skills
Aloha, Toast, Shamrock, & Cisco Systems
Proficient in Food Safety Practices
Cost Management
Culinary Techniques
Food presentation
Recipe development
Sanitation Protocol Implementation
Food spoilage prevention
Expense Management
Culinary Preparation
Food Production Management
Accomplishments
- As an undergraduate at Penn State, I carried out an extensive independent student survey that resulted in the CATA bus system extending service from 12AM to 2AM in the morning, resulting in a measurable decline in sexual assault occurrences, DUIs, and overall alcohol related crime
- Oversaw the scheduling, travel, and housing for 6 separate interviews involving surviving World War II veterans, recording their account of their war experience.
Certification
ServSAFE
Interests
Timeline
ETIPS
11-2023
ServSAFE
07-2023
Chef Instructor
Stir Cooking School
08.2022 - 01.2025
Head Chef
Recess Beer Garden
03.2016 - 08.2022
Kitchen Manager
British Bulldog
01.2015 - 03.2016
Account Manager
Parking Panda
02.2012 - 08.2013
Server & Bartender
Riptide by the Bay
04.2011 - 08.2012
Kitchen Manager
The Highland Tavern
02.2011 - 12.2014
Head of Licensing, Contracts, and Agreements
Selectracks Studio
10.2010 - 01.2012
Manager
Padonia Station
09.2010 - 04.2011
Poolside Restaurant Manager
Greenspring Valley Hunt Club
05.2006 - 09.2010
Retail Associate
Performance Bicycle Shop
05.2006 - 08.2010
Associate
Panera Bread
01.2004 - 08.2005
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Pennsylvania State University
05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Loyola Blakefield
05.2001 -
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