Joshua Graffius
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Dynamic professional with demonstrated success in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies to boost sales, while maintaining operational efficiency. Skilled in budget management to reduce costs and maximize profits. Passion for food preparation, providing quality products to customers.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dietary Manager
LECOM Senior Living Center
Erie, PA
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Managed daily meal preparation and service for residents, ensuring dietary needs were met.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to maintain food supply levels and minimize waste.
- Assisted in developing menus that align with nutritional guidelines for senior care.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Interviewed, hired and trained dietary personnel to provide optimal service.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations through meticulous record-keeping and documentation of all dietary department activities.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to create customized care plans that enhanced patients'' overall health outcomes.
- Visited with residents to inquire about satisfaction, quality, and personal preferences.
- Assisted in achieving and maintaining required certifications, such as ServSafe, for all dietary department staff members.
- Implemented cost-saving measures without sacrificing quality of meals or service to residents, contributing to better financial performance of the facility.
- Increased employee retention rate through proactive leadership style focusing on open communication and staff recognition for hard work and achievements.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Colao's Restaurant
Erie, PA
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Managed daily kitchen operations, delegating tasks among staff members to optimize workflow and maintain high-quality standards.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Supported timely service by coordinating with front-of-house staff to ensure accurate order completion and prompt delivery.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when faced with unexpected challenges or emergencies within the kitchen environment.
- Scheduled and received food and supplies deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
Sous Chef
UPick6 Restaurant Group
Erie
03.2019 - 08.2024
- Supervised restaurant operations, communicating with front-of-house and back-of-house to ensure the facility was in peak condition for guests, reservations were confirmed, all stations prepared for service, and all staff informed on the game plan for service.
- Increased sales of oysters to the highest volume in an area from Cleveland to Buffalo and down to Pittsburgh, resulting in numerous magazine and social media recognition for the restaurant.
- Visited guests throughout service to ensure their satisfaction, creating lasting relationships and unforgettable memories.
- Played a key role in achieving positive health inspection results by maintaining strict compliance with all relevant guidelines and regulations throughout daily operations.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Implemented proper cleaning procedures, ensuring a safe and sanitary kitchen workspace compliant with health department regulations.
- Increased kitchen productivity by optimizing workflow processes and delegating tasks appropriately within the team.
- Ensured consistent quality control of all dishes leaving the kitchen, resulting in a reputation for excellence among patrons.
- Introduced new culinary techniques to the team, elevating the overall skill level and leading to more diverse menu offerings for guests.
- Participated in menu planning meetings, offering creative input that led to new signature dishes garnering rave reviews from guests.
- Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
- Served as an integral part of the hiring process for new kitchen staff members, contributing valuable insights into candidate selection based on experience and skill set compatibility with existing team dynamics.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.
- Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing fresh ingredients at competitive prices while supporting community businesses.
- Assisted in budget planning and cost management efforts, helping the establishment maintain profitability without sacrificing quality or service standards.
- Enhanced staff retention by implementing mentorship program that supported career development within culinary team.
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Wegmans Supermarket
Erie, PA
10.2014 - 03.2019
- Led daily operations of prepared foods department, ensuring product quality and freshness.
- Conducted regular quality checks to ensure compliance with health regulations and company standards.
- Coordinated with other departments to optimize cross-functional communication and support initiatives.
- Integral member of the team that launched Wegmans new Sushi Program, participating in training sessions and imparting culinary skills to provide customer's with the highest quality products.
- Lead Wegmans "Green Team" Program, overseeing proper disposal of waste from all departments. We brought the store's ranking from last in the company to first overall in two months.
- Collaborated with management to implement marketing strategies that increased customer footfall.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic decisions on product offerings and promotions.
- Addressed customer complaints with professional demeanor and used communication and problem-solving skills to resolve issues.
- Monitored food quality standards, conducting regular taste tests and adjusting recipes as needed for optimal results.
- Collaborated with store management to achieve overall store goals and objectives.
Line Cook
Erie Club
Erie, PA
04.2009 - 09.2014
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications to the highest standards of fine dining
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Worked every station of the kitchen during my time there, from dishwasher to assisting Sous Chefs, learning and mastering all facets of operation of the kitchen.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
- Ensured smooth kitchen operations during special events or private parties by collaborating with front-of-house staff and adjusting to specific client requests.
- Strengthened team communication through active listening and constructive feedback during shift meetings or one-on-one sessions.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene, surpassing health inspection requirements.
- Sourced locally grown produce to support community farmers and improve dish freshness.
- Responded promptly to feedback, adjusting dishes to meet member preferences and improve satisfaction.
- Maintained kitchen equipment, upholding the highest standard of cleanliness.
- Performed any task asked of me outside of the kitchen, helping with facility maintenance, valet parking, taking reservations and ensuring a stellar experience for every member.
Education
Business Administration
Penn State University, Behrend College
Erie, PAHigh School Diploma -
Villa Maria Academy
Erie, PASkills
- Cross-functional coordination
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Operational efficiency
- Supply ordering and management
- Health and safety regulations
- Interpersonal skills
Certification
ServSafe Certification
Timeline
Dietary Manager
LECOM Senior Living Center
01.2025 - 12.2025
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Colao's Restaurant
09.2024 - 01.2025
Sous Chef
UPick6 Restaurant Group
03.2019 - 08.2024
Prepared Foods Team Leader
Wegmans Supermarket
10.2014 - 03.2019
Line Cook
Erie Club
04.2009 - 09.2014
Business Administration
Penn State University, Behrend College
High School Diploma -
Villa Maria Academy