Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Jon Tarcak

Chicago,IL

Summary

Adept Executive Chef with a proven track record at Horsethief Hollow and Lush Food and Drink, enhancing guest experiences and boosting profitability by 20 % through innovative menu development, a snout to tail philosophy, and effective vendor relations. Skilled in butchery and food presentation, my creative thinking and strong work ethic have consistently elevated culinary standards and operational efficiency throughout my career.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Executive Chef

City Cruises
02.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain five fully stocked kitchens.
  • Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised all related culinary activity.
  • Oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Worked with F&B director to improve guest experience.

Executive Chef

Horsethief Hollow
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Modernized work processes to reduce guest wait times and boost daily output.
  • Worked with Brewer to develop diverse menu items to either pair with or utilize as an ingredient to coincide with new beer releases.
  • Whole hog butchery and subsequent whole utilization, including fresh sausage and charcuterie.
  • Fostering relationships with specialty purveyors, farmers and a nearby agricultural school to ensure the freshest possible product, cost-effective procurement, and waste reduction.
  • Seasonal menu development and a host of tailored specialty menus which increased profitability by 18%.
  • Off-site cooking and catering program to expand brand name and build revenue.
  • Mentoring all BOH personnel.

Executive Chef

Lush Food And Drink
08.2021 - 11.2022
  • Spearheading a private pop-up space which increased revenue by 20%.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs, while keeping a modern French Bistro fare at its core
  • Scheduling, ordering, inventory and training all BOH personnel to uphold a high standard.
  • Increased BOH productivity 25% while lowering labor costs by 22%.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and prep lists for three restaurants.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Fiction Writing

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
05.2007

Skills

  • Strong Work Ethic
  • Creative Thinking
  • Food pairing
  • Food presentation
  • Inventory Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Recipe creation
  • Vendor Relations

Accomplishments

Winner of Top Dog Critics Choice award at Windy City Hot Dog Fest 2022.

Timeline

Executive Chef

City Cruises
02.2023 - Current

Executive Chef

Horsethief Hollow
01.2023 - 01.2024

Executive Chef

Lush Food And Drink
08.2021 - 11.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Fiction Writing

Columbia College Chicago
Jon Tarcak