Jon Yagin
San Francisco
Summary
Experienced culinary expert with a strong emphasis on team collaboration and delivering exceptional results. Demonstrated proficiency in menu development, kitchen management, and consistently producing high-quality food. Reputation for reliability and adaptability, maintaining consistent excellence in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Acknowledged for leadership, creativity, and upholding high standards in all culinary operations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
SSA Group at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
San Francisco, CA
04.2023 - 11.2024
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- 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 kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Fostered a positive working environment among kitchen team members that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and open communication.
- Expanded catering services through strategic marketing efforts, increasing event bookings and revenue streams.
- Crafted unique dishes that significantly increased restaurant reputation and customer base.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning to ensure profitability and sustainable growth.
Chef
Dropbox
San Francisco, California
10.2017 - 01.2021
- Supervised cooks and kitchen staff, providing direction in preparing daily dishes and various cuisine stations.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Worked cross-functionally with recipe development, operations and creative teams on implementation of new ingredients, menu timelines and product launches.
- Experimented with various ingredients and cooking techniques to develop new and flavorful dishes for customers.
- Monitored quality, presentation and quantities of plated food across line.
- Developed long-term business relationships with food vendors to find and purchase ingredients at cost-effective rates.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
Culinary Cook / Supervisor at Dropbox
Acrobat Outsourcing
San Francisco, CA
06.2014 - 10.2017
- Prepared food for service based on daily specials and chef's needs.
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Maintained safe operations of food prep equipment to reduce complications and retain safety procedures.
- Kept detailed records of food and supply inventory, ordering more or alerting chefs of deficiencies.
Sushi Chef
Tsunami Panhandle
San Francisco, CA
01.2014 - 03.2015
- Greeted restaurant guests arriving at establishment and explained special sushi items and options.
- Collaborated with Head Sushi Chef to create restaurant sushi menu with unique and delicious options.
- Maintained exceptional standards of customer service during high-volume, fast-paced operations.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
Bar Back
Lookout Bar
San Francisco, California
09.2011 - 06.2014
- Managed bar area, cocktail design and menu and handled inventory, regulation compliance and customer relationships.
- Maintained knowledge of bar and menu options to prepare drinks and make food recommendations.
- Stocked bar with beer, wine, liquor and related supplies.
- Greeted guests with friendliness and professionalism.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
Cook
Bar Crudo Resataurant
San Francisco, CA
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Maintained consistent quality and high accuracy when preparing identical dishes every day.
- Replenished food items from inventory and rotated ingredients.
- Coordinated orders to expedite food from kitchen according to cook time and delivery time.
- Sanitized workstation at end of shift to minimize risk of salmonella and other food-borne illnesses.
- Maintained clean and orderly appearance throughout kitchen and dining area.
- Prepared dishes in fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
Teppanyaki Chef
Kaiwa Restaurant
Honolulu, HI
06.2007 - 06.2010
- Greeted restaurant guests and explained processes for teppanyaki dining.
- Demonstrated meal creation and preparation for guests in entertaining and fun atmosphere.
- Plated dishes using tasty garnishes and sauces to appeal to and delight patrons.
- Built and managed relationships with local vendors to obtain fresh, quality ingredients at cost-effective prices.
- Supervised kitchen staff of 3 individuals, delivering on-the-fly training and mentoring to improve skills.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Thai Cookery
Bangkok Cooking School
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
University of Hawai'i-Kapi'olani College
Honolulu, HI06.2009
Skills
- Hawaiian Regional Asian Cuisine
- Creativity and attention to detail
- Adaptable in response to a changing environment and product availability
- Menu Development
- Catering and events
- Hospitality service expertise
- Time Management
- Cost control
- ServSafe certification
- Coaching and mentoring
Certification
- ServSafe Managers Food Handler's Certification
- ServSafe Food Handlers Certification
- Alcohol Certificate (TiPS, ServSafe Alcohol)
- California RBS (Responsible Beverage Service)
Timeline
Executive Chef
SSA Group at San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
04.2023 - 11.2024
Chef
Dropbox
10.2017 - 01.2021
Culinary Cook / Supervisor at Dropbox
Acrobat Outsourcing
06.2014 - 10.2017
Sushi Chef
Tsunami Panhandle
01.2014 - 03.2015
Cook
Bar Crudo Resataurant
06.2012 - 01.2014
Bar Back
Lookout Bar
09.2011 - 06.2014
Teppanyaki Chef
Kaiwa Restaurant
06.2007 - 06.2010
Some College (No Degree) - Thai Cookery
Bangkok Cooking School
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
University of Hawai'i-Kapi'olani College