Justin Gitlin
RIVERSIDE,CA
Summary
Highly skilled Executive Sous Chef with experience in managing culinary teams, developing innovative menus, and ensuring top-quality dining experiences. Strengths include strong leadership skills, creativity in menu development, and proficiency in diverse cooking techniques. Noteworthy impact includes elevating restaurant reputation through culinary excellence and consistently meeting high standard of food safety and quality.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Sous Chef
Cascade living group. Magnolia grand
Riverside, California
08.2025 - 05.2026
- Assisted in daily kitchen operations and food preparation activities.
- Collaborated with the Executive Chef on menu development and planning.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure food quality and safety standards.
Mass Production Cook
Riverside Convention Center
Riverside, CA
02.2024 - 08.2025
- Prepared large quantities of food for events and catering services.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen space and equipment.
- Followed recipes and cooking procedures to ensure consistent meal quality.
Chef de Cuisine
Retro on main
Riverside, CA
01.2024 - 08.2025
- Created seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients and culinary trends.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to food safety standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new kitchen team members.
- Maintain labor cost and control.
- Weekly inventory of product and waste management.
Sous Chef
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Riverside, CA
07.2021 - 11.2023
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Collaborated with head chef on menu development and seasonal offerings.
- Maintained food safety standards and ensured kitchen cleanliness at all times.
- Reopen Bella’s at mission inn. Meaning set up kitchen with new equipment as it was empty for a few years due to the pandemic.
- Created daily prep lists to streamline kitchen operations and workflow efficiency.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Trained kitchen workers on culinary techniques.
- Complied with all health department regulations regarding proper food handling methods.
Production kitchen supervisor
Pechanga Resort and Casino
Temecula, California
02.2007 - 06.2021
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Managed food preparation and cooking processes for diverse menus.
- Trained new employees on kitchen safety and procedures.
- Monitored food quality and presentation before service delivery.
- Maintained a clean working environment by delegating tasks appropriately among staff members.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Managed kitchen staff team and assigned tasks for various stages of food production.
- Monitored inventory levels of ingredients, supplies and equipment.
- Trained workers in food preparation, money handling, and cleaning roles to facilitate restaurant operations.
- Worked closely with front-of-house personnel during peak hours ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Guided trainees to boost safety and inventory waste management to meet pre-established business thresholds for operation.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding food quality or service issues.
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and boost results.
Line Cook
Stone world bistro and gardens
Escondido, California
09.2002 - 02.2007
- Prepared a variety of dishes following standardized recipes and guidelines.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and maintained cleanliness throughout work areas.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
Education
Temecula Valley High School
Temecula, CASkills
- Menu development
- Food safety standards
- Kitchen management
- Staff supervision
- Quality control
- Event catering support
- Recipe consistency
- Large scale food preparation
- Culinary techniques
- Staff training
- Inventory management
- Cost control
- Menu pricing
- Recipe creation
- Food pairing
- Allergy awareness
- ServSafe certification
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Order management
- Performance improvement
- Food stock and supply management
- Banquets and catering
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
Cascade living group. Magnolia grand
08.2025 - 05.2026
Mass Production Cook
Riverside Convention Center
02.2024 - 08.2025
Chef de Cuisine
Retro on main
01.2024 - 08.2025
Sous Chef
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
07.2021 - 11.2023
Production kitchen supervisor
Pechanga Resort and Casino
02.2007 - 06.2021
Line Cook
Stone world bistro and gardens
09.2002 - 02.2007
Temecula Valley High School