John Acosta
Summary
Culinary Leadership
Experienced and passionate chef with experience in various restaurant and company settings, striving to serve the best food possible, Recognized as a visionary chef with knowledge of food trends and the ability to think outside the box when it comes to the creation of a menu. Bringing forth an in-depth knowledge of flavors and food relationships, resulting in mouth-watering dishes and attractive menus
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Executive Chef
The connell company
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
2023 - 2025
- Oversaw kitchen operations to maintain high standards of quality and consistency in food preparation.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and company policies in all kitchen activities.
- Inspected food items for quality assurance prior to serving guests.
- Developed innovative menus for corporate events and banquets.
- Coordinated special meal planning for VIPs and dignitaries, ensuring exceptional culinary experiences.
- Managed Food Truck for large events and banquets on campus and off.
- Maintained a positive working relationship with suppliers by negotiating favorable terms of purchase contracts.
Executive Chef
Sorriso kitchen
Chatham, New Jersey
2022 - 2023
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain stock levels.
- Developed seasonal menus reflecting local ingredients and culinary trends.
- Trained staff on food safety standards and proper cooking techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss menu changes, special events, promotions.
- Monitored temperatures of prepared food and cold-storage areas.
- Mondays Trained kids with special needs for 2 hours while we were closed.
Executive Sous Chef
central and main
Madison, New Jersey
2021 - 2023
- Maintained inventory levels and ordered supplies to meet kitchen demands.
- Led kitchen team in preparing diverse Italian dishes daily.
- Distributed food to service staff for prompt delivery to customers.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
- Developed seasonal menus focusing on local ingredients and culinary trends.
- Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
- Created cost-effective menus that increased customer satisfaction and profitability.
Executive Sous Chef
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
Morristown, NJ
2017 - 2021
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Created recipes that aligned with the restaurant's brand and culinary vision.
- worked all location floors of dining, locations/oysters bar, Vail bar, rathskeller, the dining room
- Maintained inventory levels and ordered supplies to meet kitchen demands.
- Analyzed recipes to determine menu prices based on cost of food, labor and overhead.
Banquet Chef
The Clock Tower
New York, New York
2017 - 2017
- Prepared diverse banquet menus tailored to client preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Collaborated with event planners to customize menu options for special occasions.
- Worked with chef to complete dishes on schedule and in line with exacting presentation and taste standards.
- Trained and coached banquet staff to maintain groups' reputation for impeccable service.
Sous Chef
La Esquina - Mexican Restaurant
New York, New York
2015 - 2016
- Prepared authentic Mexican dishes according to traditional recipes and standards.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety protocols.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to coordinate meal service effectively.
- Executed daily prep tasks, ensuring timely service during peak hours.
- Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Oversaw kitchen employee scheduling to meet coverage needs and avoid wasted labor.
- work both location in Brooklyn and manhattan.
Lead Line Cook
Buddakan NYC
New York, New York
2014 - 2015
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- worked every stat
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and food preparation areas.
- Followed all safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure food quality and hygiene standards.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated ovens, fryers and mixers safely to prevent kitchen accidents and machinery malfunction.
cook
Tabla
New York, New York
2013 - 2014
- Carried out additional duties assigned by head chef or sous chef as needed.
- Followed proper plate presentation guidelines for all dishes served.
- Performed workstation prep prior to shift start.
- Made meals in accordance with company standards and requirements.
- Weighed, measured and mixed ingredients, following recipes to produce quality dishes.
- Chopped vegetables and seasoned meats and fish in preparation for grilling, sautéing and braising.
- Reviewed recipes to determine exact measurements and ingredients to create dishes.
Lead Line Cook
ILILI Restaurant
New York, New York
2010 - 2013
- Coordinated food inventory and stock management for optimal freshness and quality.
- Mixed ingredients for batter or dough.
- Cooked menu items based on customer orders.
- Followed specific methods for food preparation and proper portioning.
- Carried pans and trays of food to and from work stations, stove, and refrigerator.
- Prepped garnishes to reduce wait times during lunch and dinner rush.
- Operated fryers and grills according to instructions to maintain safety and food quality.
Education
High School Diploma -
Canarsie High School
Brooklyn, NY06-2006
Skills
- Menu development
- Food safety compliance
- Kitchen operations management
- Quality assurance inspection
- VIP meal coordination
- Culinary innovation
- Fine dining experience
- Inventory control
- Catering and events
- Recipes and menu planning
- Event catering
- Staff scheduling
- Staff training
SKILLS
- Organization
- Time Management
- Ability to Prioritize
- Conflict Resolution
- Detail-Oriented
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- microsoft excel
Certification
- servSafe
- Qualifying Certificate in food protection NYC
Timeline
Corporate Executive Chef
The connell company
2023 - 2025
Executive Chef
Sorriso kitchen
2022 - 2023
Executive Sous Chef
central and main
2021 - 2023
Executive Sous Chef
Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen
2017 - 2021
Banquet Chef
The Clock Tower
2017 - 2017
Sous Chef
La Esquina - Mexican Restaurant
2015 - 2016
Lead Line Cook
Buddakan NYC
2014 - 2015
cook
Tabla
2013 - 2014
Lead Line Cook
ILILI Restaurant
2010 - 2013
High School Diploma -
Canarsie High School