Jo Michalski
Food Operations Chef/Manager
Tahlequah,OK
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as Executive Chef recognized for enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative menu development and exceptional food presentation. Proven expertise in food safety and sanitation, coupled with strong communication skills. Strong background in high-pressure kitchen environments. Expertise in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation. Known for fostering collaboration, adapting to changing needs, and consistently achieving desired results. Skilled in team leadership, inventory management, and culinary innovation.
High-performing Chef offering 30 years of restaurant, hotel, resort, education, catering and owner/operator experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams. Well liked and upbeat personality.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef/Owner/Veteran
Jo's Downtown Dawgs
Sitka, AK
04.2019 - 12.2025
- Created and launched unique menu offerings aimed at enhancing customer experience and fostering repeat business. Upscale seasonal food cart serving Reindeer Brats, Steak Burgers and Gourmet Mac & Cheese. Along with award winning Muddy Mermaid Muddy Pie.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and efficient workflow management.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, reducing waste and improving overall kitchen efficiency.
- Facilitated training for new chefs on advanced cooking techniques, portion control, and restaurant protocols to ensure consistent quality.
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
General Manager of Food Service
Nana Management Services
Sitka, AK
09.2013 - 10.2023
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in a K-12 CNP School District
- Developed training programs to enhance staff performance and service quality in 4 schools.
- Implemented cost control measures, optimizing inventory management processes.
- Established school district relationships, NSLP practices, audits, inventories, production records, menu development, employee work schedules and a high standard of food safety and sanitation.
- Analyzed customer feedback to improve menu offerings and overall dining experience.
- Reduced food waste through better inventory management and portion control, leading to increased profitability.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff, ensuring seamless coordination for optimal service delivery.
Executive Chef
Westmark Hotels
Sitka, AK
08.2004 - 05.2013
- Directed culinary operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation across multiple dining venues.
- Developed seasonal menus, incorporating local ingredients to enhance guest satisfaction and drive restaurant traffic.
- Implemented cost control measures, reducing food waste while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement in culinary skills.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
- Managed catering logistics, including event setup, staffing, and equipment procurement.
- Trained and supervised team members to ensure high-quality service standards during events.
- Oversaw banquet operations, ensuring seamless execution of events and exceptional guest experiences. Included were Wine Tastings, Gourmet Holiday Brunches and Alaskan Seafood Fest
Executive Chef/Sous Chef/Pastry Chef
Un-Cruise Adventures
Seattle, WA
08.2013 - 09.2016
- Led culinary team in menu development and execution, ensuring high-quality dishes aligned with guest expectations on small 62 passenger expedition boat.
- Designed seasonal menus that reflect regional flavors while adhering to dietary restrictions and preferences of guests.
- Streamlined kitchen operations by implementing efficient food preparation techniques, reducing waste and enhancing productivity.
- Mentored galley staff fostering skill development and promoting a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with front-of-house teams to enhance overall dining experience through effective communication and service alignment.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Memorial High School
Tulsa, OKCertification of AH-1G Helicopter Repair - Helicopter Maintenance, Repair And Quality Control Technician
US ARMY Ft. Eustice Transportation School
Ft. Eustice, Va.Skills
- Food safety and sanitation
- Food presentation
- Effective communications
- Grilling techniques
- Verbal and written communication
- Hospitality service expertise
- Attention to detail
- Banquets and catering
- Business management
- Signature dish creation
- Time management
- Equipment maintenance
Certification
- Certified Serv Safe Manager, Oklahoma Health Card
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Elementary
Quote
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston S. Churchill
Interests
Cooking, road trips, beach, family and a clean house
Accomplishments
- Recognized as one of America's Top 10 Female Chefs sponsored by Celestial Teas and The Red Dress Show in NYC
- Recognized by Las Vegas Tribune Food Critic Sandy Zimmerman
Timeline
Chef/Owner/Veteran
Jo's Downtown Dawgs
04.2019 - 12.2025
General Manager of Food Service
Nana Management Services
09.2013 - 10.2023
Executive Chef/Sous Chef/Pastry Chef
Un-Cruise Adventures
08.2013 - 09.2016
Executive Chef
Westmark Hotels
08.2004 - 05.2013
High School Diploma -
Memorial High School
Certification of AH-1G Helicopter Repair - Helicopter Maintenance, Repair And Quality Control Technician
US ARMY Ft. Eustice Transportation School