Justin Fessenden
Worcester,MA
Summary
Experienced Chef leads and directs team of kitchen staff members on effective cooking operations, methods, and procedures. Adept at preparing and executing new and creative menu options and assisting head chef with daily preparation of food. Committed to preparing items quickly to promote guest satisfaction.
Hardworking Chef with extensive background in culinary arts and cooking. Expertise in food preparation, food science and safe food handling. Works various shifts, including weekends, and holidays. Exceptional menu planning and butchering skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Chef Manager
Eurest Compass Group
Marlborough, Massachusetts
04.2025 - 02.2026
- Assisted in meal preparation by following recipes and safety standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen and food storage areas.
- Collaborated with chefs to plan daily menus based on seasonal ingredients.
- Maintained product levels and quality of product for cafes front of house operations.
- Supported team members in managing food inventory and supplies efficiently.
- Followed dietary guidelines to accommodate special requests from guests.
Sous Chef
FLIK Hospitality
Devens, Massachusetts
10.2024 - 04.2025
- Prepared diverse menu items following established recipes and culinary standards.
- Collaborated with the head chef to develop seasonal menus and special offerings.
- Managed kitchen staff, assigning tasks and ensuring efficient workflow during service.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen areas in compliance with safety regulations.
- Assisted in cooking large quantities of meals for catering events and daily service.
- Created a positive work environment by encouraging teamwork among staff members.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
Executive Sous Chef
Professional Sports Catering & Oakview Group
Worcester, Massachusetts
02.2020 - 11.2024
- Managed daily kitchen operations for large-scale events at major venues.
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus reflecting current culinary trends.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety standards.
- Collaborated with event planners to customize catering services for diverse clientele.
- Trained junior chefs on cooking techniques and kitchen best practices.
- Streamlined inventory management processes to optimize food purchasing and storage.
- Coordinated with vendors to source high-quality ingredients for menu preparation.
- Led staff meetings to enhance team communication and operational efficiency.
- Assisted Executive Chef in creating new recipes while maintaining traditional favorites.
- Developed daily production schedules for kitchen staff and monitored performance to ensure quality standards were met.
Kitchen Manager
99 Restaurants
Worcester, MA
01.2006 - 01.2020
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain stock levels.
- Developed and implemented food safety protocols for kitchen operations.
- Trained new employees on cooking techniques and kitchen procedures.
- Monitored food quality and presentation to uphold restaurant standards.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to streamline service flow.
- Resolved customer complaints related to food quality or service issues.
- Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen including meal preparation, cooking methods, portion sizes and plate presentation.
Education
Associate of Arts - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MA 08.2000 - 05.2002
Culinary - Cultural Studies
Salter School
Worcester, MA 08.1998 - 05.2000
Skills
- Menu planning
- Food safety
- Culinary techniques
- Inventory management
- Food safety compliance
- Staff supervision
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Nutrition
- Allergen awareness
- Recipe development
- Cost control
Certification
- ServSafe Manager
- Allergen
- Choke Save
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Assistant Chef Manager
Eurest Compass Group
04.2025 - 02.2026
Sous Chef
FLIK Hospitality
10.2024 - 04.2025
Executive Sous Chef
Professional Sports Catering & Oakview Group
02.2020 - 11.2024
Kitchen Manager
99 Restaurants
01.2006 - 01.2020
Associate of Arts - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Quinsigamond Community College
08.2000 - 05.2002
Culinary - Cultural Studies
Salter School
08.1998 - 05.2000