John Dance
Sharpsburg,GA
Summary
Dynamic leader with hands-on experience in the culinary arts, with talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager/Bar Manager/AGM
Taco Mac
05.2022 - Current
- Very High volume upscale casual restaurant focused on high quality menu
- Responsible for all aspects of the restaurant, running high volume shifts in the kitchen, managing a staff of 10 cooks, ordering and rotating beers on 100 taps weekly, and creating weekly schedules for FOH and BOH teams.
GM/Executive Chef
Philanthropy Grill and Ale House
01.2020 - 01.2022
- High volume upscale casual restaurant focused on a fine dining menu
- Responsible for designing the entire menu, recipes, work flow, and assembling a capable team
- Managed the front of house team of 20 to maintain high service standards.
Executive Chef
Bon Ton
03.2019 - 11.2019
- High volume Cajun and Vietnamese restaurant
- Managed orders, payroll, and labor percentages, while adjusting and improving recipes and menu items. Led team of 25.
- Performed various tasks in the back of house and ran Expo during busy services.
Sous Chef
STK Atlanta
04.2017 - 10.2018
- Extremely high volume fine dining kitchen. 100 covers seated and served two to three times nightly.
- Worked under Executive Chef Thomas Mikesell, managing orders, inventory, supporting line cooks, and ensuring smooth service.
Lead Line/Jr. Sous
Black Market Liquor Bar
06.2015 - 03.2016
- High volume kitchen with fine dining cuisine
- Worked mainly on sauté station, preparing main courses with farm to table ingredients and fresh seafood.
Skills
- Serve Safe Certified
- Highly organized and experienced with Food and Labor Cost
- Food and Kitchen Safety and Cleanliness
- Concise Time Management Before and During Service
- Highly Experienced Managing Labor Hours and Employee Time
- Product Ordering and Detailing Ingredients
- Specialty Cuisine and Presentation
- Excellent People skills and communication with others
Statement
I am a creative and driven Chef and General Manager with eight full years of experience in the demanding and rigorous fine dining world. As a chef, I have received hands on training by notable Executive Chefs on both the East and West Coast in high volume kitchens. I prefer a position that puts the customer and the restaurant experience first, over all else. For as I view it, a restaurant is only as successful as it's last customer's experience. As a manager of employees, I am very approachable, honest, and most of all positive in the way I communicate and teach.
References
- Thomas Mikesell, Chef, 313-605-4828
- Terry Koval, Chef, 404-272-0976
- Geoff Prince, Chef, 773-501-8809
Timeline
Kitchen Manager/Bar Manager/AGM
Taco Mac
05.2022 - Current
GM/Executive Chef
Philanthropy Grill and Ale House
01.2020 - 01.2022
Executive Chef
Bon Ton
03.2019 - 11.2019
Sous Chef
STK Atlanta
04.2017 - 10.2018
Lead Line/Jr. Sous
Black Market Liquor Bar
06.2015 - 03.2016
Similar Profiles
Peter GagnePeter Gagne
General Manager at Taco MacGeneral Manager at Taco Mac
Alai TaylorAlai Taylor
Host at Taco MacHost at Taco Mac
Cambria SmallCambria Small
Bartender at Taco MacBartender at Taco Mac