Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Jose Luis  Secundino

Jose Luis Secundino

Garland,TX

Summary

Dynamic Executive Chef with a proven track record at Gap Concepts, excelling in menu development and cost control. Expert in food safety and team leadership, I have successfully enhanced customer satisfaction through innovative recipes and efficient kitchen operations, while fostering strong vendor relationships to optimize ingredient sourcing and reduce waste.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Executive Chef

Gap Concepts
03.2022 - Current
  • Learned kitchen safety protocols and food handling standards.
  • Assisted in meal preparation and presentation for diverse menus.
  • Adapted recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
  • Supported inventory management by tracking stock levels and supplies.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen.
  • Provided support during high-volume service periods, ensuring timely food delivery.
  • Participated in menu planning discussions, offering input on seasonal ingredients and trends.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
  • Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.

Culinary Specialist

Olive Garden
04.2018 - 2022
  • Developed and standardized recipes to enhance menu offerings across multiple dining venues.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to optimize food preparation processes, ensuring consistency and quality.
  • Implemented food safety protocols, reducing waste and maintaining compliance with health regulations.
  • Trained junior culinary staff on advanced cooking techniques and efficient kitchen operations.
  • Coordinated special events, managing catering logistics and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
  • Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
  • Reduced food waste through efficient inventory management and proper rotation of ingredients.
  • Conducted inspections of food preparation and dining facilities to verify compliance with health and safety regulations.

Chef Manager

Meso Maya
05.2017 - 09.2018
  • Managed kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Developed and implemented menu offerings to enhance customer satisfaction and dining experience.
  • Trained and mentored culinary staff on food preparation techniques and service standards.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels to minimize waste and cost.

Chef Owner

123 Street Food
02.2016 - 2018

Run my own restaurant

  • Prepared diverse dishes following standardized recipes to ensure consistent quality and presentation.
  • Assisted in menu planning, incorporating seasonal ingredients and customer feedback for improved offerings.
  • Trained new kitchen personnel on safety protocols and proper cooking techniques to maintain operational standards.
  • Developed innovative recipes that contributed to positive customer reviews and increased repeat business.
  • Oversaw inventory management, optimizing supply usage while minimizing waste through effective stock rotation practices.
  • Implemented kitchen safety measures, ensuring compliance with health regulations and promoting a safe working environment.
  • Led team meetings to foster communication, address challenges, and drive continuous improvement within the kitchen unit.
  • Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
  • Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.

Chef Manager

Mi Cocina Restaurants
02.2010 - 01.2016
  • Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients, maintaining strong vendor relationships.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to refine dishes, promoting continuous improvement in menu quality.
  • Led team meetings to align on goals, enhancing communication and teamwork within the kitchen staff.
  • Established standard operating procedures for food preparation, improving efficiency across all shifts.
  • Placed food orders with suppliers on weekly basis, taking into account kitchen budget and expected demands.
  • Kept kitchen staff in compliance with safety and food regulations to reduce opportunities for illness or accidents.
  • Implemented strict adherence to food safety regulations, ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and delicious meals.
  • Pitched in to work line during busy periods or in place of sick employees.
  • Continuously updated knowledge of industry trends and incorporated innovative concepts into menu offerings, keeping clients engaged over time.
  • Managed staffing schedules, minimizing labor costs while maintaining optimal kitchen performance during peak hours.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Improved operational processes by implementing new technologies such as digital ordering systems or advanced cooking appliances.
  • Introduced creative specials that catered to customer preferences, contributing to an increase in repeat business.
  • Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure efficient functionality and reduce downtime due to malfunctions.
  • Established positive relationships with local suppliers to secure fresh produce and support the community economy.

Education

High School Diploma -

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Austin, TX

Skills

  • Food safety
  • Menu planning
  • Cost control
  • Menu development
  • Hospitality service expertise
  • ServSafe certification
  • Team leadership
  • Hiring, training, and development
  • Inventory control
  • Kitchen management
  • Safe food handling
  • Operations management
  • Customer service
  • Kitchen staff management
  • Food prep planning
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Special events
  • Catering and events
  • Staff training
  • Hygiene policy implementation
  • Banquets and catering
  • Inventory management
  • Staff scheduling
  • Food presentation
  • Food plating and presentation
  • Recipe creation
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Recruitment and onboarding
  • Fine dining
  • Menu supervision
  • Food service safety training
  • Waste reduction
  • Sanitation standards
  • Fine-dining expertise
  • Customer retention
  • Restaurant operations
  • BOH operations
  • Problem and complaint resolution
  • Vendor relations

Certification

Chef in arte culinary

Pastry chef

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Executive Chef

Gap Concepts
03.2022 - Current

Culinary Specialist

Olive Garden
04.2018 - 2022

Chef Manager

Meso Maya
05.2017 - 09.2018

Chef Owner

123 Street Food
02.2016 - 2018

Chef Manager

Mi Cocina Restaurants
02.2010 - 01.2016

High School Diploma -

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts