Culinary Director bringing a strong work ethic, interpersonal skills, and customer service expertise. Strong background in managing kitchen operations, menu development, r&d, and ensuring high standards of quality control. Dedicated to continuous process improvement in the face of rapidly evolving and changing restaurant trends while managing a well-trained team. Extremely quality-oriented and proactive in addressing and resolving problems.
Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and adapting to changing needs to achieve exceptional results. Renowned for reliability and results-driven approach in fast-paced environments.
Work History
Director Of Culinary
1 Year 6 Months
Dumpling Daughter | 11.2024 - 05.2026
Oversaw quality control for retail and commercial products through SOP and recipe development and updates that capture guest and product complaint details, alongside direct production oversight.
Improved and established clear handling and product standards with co-manufacturer to maintain best-possible production
Supported ingredient sourcing and goods packing to help reduce costs while maintaining quality.
Led teams of 2–16 people, ensuring proper training, providing coaching support, and reinforcing accountability as/if needed.
Planned event logistics, managed setup execution, and oversaw large company events for 1000+ daily guests.
Evaluated menu performance, revamped restaurant menu to promote big sellers, and removed low-selling items to support reduced food and labor cost.
Researched and developed recipe options to improve current product and evaluate potential new product concepts.
Assisted with social media content by creating and cooking recipes to highlight the product for our targeted market
Chef Operator
1 Year
Dig | 10.2023 - 10.2024
Hybrid position of an executive chef and general manager of a fast-casual style restaurant specializing in healthy/comfort food bowls.
Optimized food preparation processes through implementation of time-saving techniques, enhancing quality while coaching staff.
Maintained scheduling to ensure operational efficiency and ordering within the given budget to control costs.
Directed daily operations to enhance service quality to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
Head Chef
6 Months
The Friendly Toast | 02.2023 - 08.2023
Led and coached team to execute all dishes timely while adhering to company standards
Fostered efficient and welcoming work environment for team
Managed scheduling, labor, upkeep, and documentation of invoices and write-ups, and actively worked on the line and expedited tasks when required.
Personal Chef
3 Years 6 Months
Tiny Spoon Chef | 08.2019 - 02.2023
Curated an at-home experience for my clients weekly by shopping, preparing, and cooking meals while building and maintaining meaningful relationships.
Managed schedules, created individualized menus, led events, trained new employees, and coordinated with staff to help the business grow.
Planned customized weekly menus aligned with client preferences, dietary restrictions, and household routines.
Head Chef
1 Year 10 Months
Tatte Bakery & Cafe | 07.2017 - 05.2019
Upheld and established quality standards in food and cleanliness in a popular brunch/coffee restaurant chain.
Led, coached, scheduled and trained kitchen staff to ensure high performance and skill development while maintaining food and labor cost under budget.
Assisted in the opening & training of other stores as well as menu developments.
Sous Chef
1 Year 1 Month
Andolinis | 06.2016 - 07.2017
Produced high-quality Italian dishes using various cooking techniques and contributed to development of new weekly specials
Managed 'Sauce' & '15SX', side businesses associated with the establishment
Collaborated with Executive Chef to create and produce weekly kitchen/bar specials
Sous Chef
6 Months
Piattini | 11.2015 - 05.2016
Collaborated with owner in executing responsibilities of executive chef in busy rustic Italian restaurant
Supervised and trained kitchen staff, prepared daily specials for lunch & dinner, including low calorie/allergen meals, while ensuring a clean work environment
Trained kitchen staff on recipes, plating standards, and sanitation procedures to run a smooth kitchen
Line Cook
5 Months
22 Bowen's | 06.2015 - 11.2015
Kitchen Shift Supervisor
8 Months
Red Sauce | 09.2014 - 05.2015
Intern, Student Assistant, Teaching Assistant
2 Years 11 Months
Snowden Dinning | 09.2011 - 08.2014
Customer Service Associate
2 Years 2 Months
JCPenney | 06.2009 - 08.2011
Education
Bachelor in Food Service Management - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales | Providence, RI | 05.2014
Skills
Kitchen Operations
Menu Development
Food safety
Cost control
Workflow Optimization
Research & Development
Staff coordination
Serv-Safe Manager Certified
Multilingual proficiency
Languages
Spanish
Portuguese
Timeline
Director Of Culinary
Dumpling Daughter
11.2024 - 05.2026Read More
Chef Operator
Dig
10.2023 - 10.2024Read More
Head Chef
The Friendly Toast
02.2023 - 08.2023Read More
Personal Chef
Tiny Spoon Chef
08.2019 - 02.2023Read More
Head Chef
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
07.2017 - 05.2019Read More
Sous Chef
Andolinis
06.2016 - 07.2017Read More
Sous Chef
Piattini
11.2015 - 05.2016Read More
Line Cook
22 Bowen's
06.2015 - 11.2015Read More
Kitchen Shift Supervisor
Red Sauce
09.2014 - 05.2015Read More
Intern, Student Assistant, Teaching Assistant
Snowden Dinning
09.2011 - 08.2014Read More
Customer Service Associate
JCPenney
06.2009 - 08.2011Read More
Johnson & Wales
Bachelor in Food Service Management from Culinary Arts