Jessica Clay
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Forward-thinking professional with 12+ years of experience in fast-paced kitchens. Demonstrated expertise in menu development, kitchen management, and staff training. Proven ability to create innovative and delicious dishes while effectively controlling food and labor costs. Committed to maintaining high standards of the business and remaining focused and productive in high-stress situations. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills and extensive experience in menu and recipe development. Collaborative and dedicated to seeking feedback from customers and staff to continuously improve kitchen workflows.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner/Caterer
Bites by Jess Catering
01.2020 - Current
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Menu planning and creating recipes with “Yummly” app, control food costs and quality control, sanitation, and food safety
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Specializes in crafting meals based the client's personal preferences, dietary needs and restrictions and food allergies
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Cooked an average of 250 meals per month for clients and delivered to requested locations
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Focused on attention to detail, and effective communication so the client positive experience.
- Achieved financial growth with strategic planning, cost control measures, and targeted marketing efforts.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
General Manger
HMSHOST - Balducci's & LaTapendne
01.2015 - 03.2018
- ServSafe manager level certification
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Maintained and logged equipment and product temperatures and sanitization stations to ensure food safety and compliance with health regulations in all establishment environments
- Proficient in managing “My Inventory” systems, tracking and minimizing waste, variances, discrepancies and ordering to par level
- Maintained and organized order system, invoices, purchase orders, and receiving logs for prompt payment to vendors and addressed unauthorized product credits
- Managed cash handling, department budgets, and payroll for a team of 75+ employees
- Conducted in-house audits to maintain high performance and service standards
- Trained in point-of-sales (POS), process orders, manage transactions and track sales data in Micros and Squirrel systems.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and penetrating new market segments with tailored marketing strategies.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with introduction of customer feedback system, leading to service improvements and repeat business.
Education
Northeast High School
2004
Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Conflict resolution
- Detail oriented
- Financial management and budget development
- POS (Point-of-sales) systems
- Business operations
- Food and menu preparations
- Customer relations and client service
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Business Development
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) - International HACCP Alliance.
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC) - American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
Accomplishments
- Local magazine “Voyage San Antonio” featured me and my business in their entrepreneur segment “Exploring life & Business with Jessica Clay of Bites By Jess Catering.” https://voyagesanantonio.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-jessica-clay-of-bites-by-jess-catering/
Community Outreach
Holiday Catering for Mentoring Mothers Ministries
- Organization: One by One Ministries, supported locally by Community Bible Church (CBC), San Antonio.
- Contribution: Donated catered services during the holidays to support the mentoring mother's group, One by One Ministries, which operates nationwide.
Back-to-School Pop-Up Tasting
- Event Location: King Maine Barbershop, a minority-owned business in San Antonio.
- Contribution: Organized and catered a pop-up tasting event featuring a variety of flavorful and tasty vegan alternatives to support the local community and promote healthy eating.
Teacher Appreciation Week Donated Catered Products
- Organization: Northeast Independent School District (NEISD), San Antonio.
- Contribution: Volunteered to provide assorted letter trays for special teachers, including options such as assorted dips, treat strawberries and pretzels, or charcuterie trays with various meats, cheeses, and jams. This initiative is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, recognizing nominated special teachers.
Timeline
Owner/Caterer
Bites by Jess Catering
01.2020 - Current
General Manger
HMSHOST - Balducci's & LaTapendne
01.2015 - 03.2018
Northeast High School
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) - International HACCP Alliance.
- Salesforce Certified Administrator
- Food Safety Manager Certification (FSMC) - American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
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