Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Media
Certifications
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Kaimana Chee

Kaimana Chee

214 Sudbrook Lane,MD

Summary

Experienced chef and culinarian with a strong leadership record in the kitchen. Skilled at motivating teams and maintaining productivity in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Proficient in international cuisine, ingredient sourcing, budget control, and enhancing restaurant profiles. Extensive travels across six continents and nearly 40 countries have provided a diverse culinary perspective that shapes a unique approach to the culinary world. As a former IT professional with extensive training experience, I have the ability to utilize technology processes to increase efficiency and streamline culinary operations.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Brand & Chef Ambassador

Chef Kaimana LLC
03.2022 - Current
  • Created and showcased recipe content for social media and marketing materials.
  • Organized and presented product demonstrations at diverse food & conferences and tradeshows
  • Collaborated with culinary professionals and business owners to enhance product visibility and brand recognition.
  • Implemented culinary market strategies by understanding client needs and assessing product utility.


Executive Chef /Owner

Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz
01.2016 - Current
  • Crafted unique Hawaiian-inspired menus highlighting the use of fresh, local produce
  • Maximized financial gains by performing regular menu audits
  • Managed high volume (1000+) catering events
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • 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.

Research and Development Chef/Director of Culinary

Blue California Ingredients (Sweegen/Sensegen)
04.2022 - 10.2023
  • Supported multi-disciplinary collaboration to drive innovation by gathering market intelligence, analyzing consumer trends, and identifying key areas for exploration
  • Managed and directed the allocation of culinary resources, including budget and LOE, to ensure efficient delegation.
  • Conducted product demonstrations and culinary tastings for internal and external stakeholders
  • Spearheaded culinary R&D to create optimal prototypes to feature natural flavors
  • Proactively organized monthly discussions and conducted sampling of competitor products and category leaders
  • Evaluated client briefs, collect requirements to ensure adherence to project scope.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by fostering open communication between culinary staff and other departments within the organization.
  • Earned favorable media coverage through participation in culinary competitions showcasing original creations.
  • Developed innovative recipes by researching and experimenting with unique ingredients and cooking techniques.

Brand & Chef Ambassador

EAT Just Inc.
01.2016 - 04.2022
  • Coordinated successful debut of the world's first cultured meat in Singapore
  • Showcased products to potential customers at technology conferences and tradeshows
  • Achieved success in planning and executing prestigious tasting events for notable individuals such as celebrities, investors, and government officials
  • Instrumental in raising over $400M of investor capital
  • Managed Culinary Support Team, consultants, and $1M annual budget
  • Developed Event Management Tracking and Request System
  • Integral to exponential sales growth of over 400% over 5 years
  • Created innovative culinary menus for numerous establishments across the Americas, Asia, and Europe.
  • Visited more than 30 nations to augment corporate objectives, raising brand visibility and driving growth in market share.

Chef Instructor

CulinAerie, LLC.
11.2012 - 01.2020
  • Developed a series of Asian Fusion cooking classes
  • Featured in Washington Post “25 Things to Do in Washington D.C.”
  • Participated in outreach and marketing events on behalf of the school.
  • Planned and delivered courses for industry professionals and general public.
  • Developed comprehensive lesson plans for a diverse range of culinary classes, ensuring students gained practical experience in food preparation and presentation.
  • Facilitated hands-on workshops for students to practice advanced knife skills, plating techniques, and flavor pairings.

Education

No Degree - Business And Criminal Justice

Boise State University
Boise, ID

Skills

  • Innovative menu and product development experience
  • Extensive international travel and culinary experience
  • Developed and facilitated product training for culinary teams across the globe
  • Kitchen Management
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Food presentation
  • Meal Preparation
  • Kitchen Operations
  • Ingredient Knowledge
  • Developed chef/brand ambassador role
  • Extensive Customer Service Management background
  • Developed and delivered 100 in-person training sessions across multiple disciplines

Affiliations

  • Member, Project Management Institute (Silver Spring Chapter)
  • Founder and Kumu Hula, Halau Nohona Hawai’i

Media

  • 2021 Vogue Singapore - https://vogue.sg/eat-just-kaimana-chee-ethical-chicken/
  • 2021 Nas Daily Show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-o0hS1w2Mo
  • 2021 Freethink Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq0XkT_-wjw
  • 2021 Nikkei Asia - https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Asia-Insight/Singapore-cultivates Silicon-Valley-of-food-in-a-hungry-Asia
  • 2018 Just Egg India - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJYiMJ-0OlE&t=613s

Certifications

  • ServSafe
  • ITIL v3 Foundations
  • Google Power Searching 2012
  • Certified Project Management Professional
  • Train The Trainer, Lingos (October 2008)


Accomplishments

    2019 Best Restaurant, Harford County

    2017 Chef's Taste Challenge Champion

    2017 Maryland Chef of the Year Finalist

    2016 Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen Champion

    2015 Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games Runner Up

    2015 Featured Chef of the Cherry Blossom Festival

    2015 Smithsonian's Iron Chef Champion

Timeline

Research and Development Chef/Director of Culinary

Blue California Ingredients (Sweegen/Sensegen)
04.2022 - 10.2023

Brand & Chef Ambassador

Chef Kaimana LLC
03.2022 - Current

Executive Chef /Owner

Uncle’s Hawaiian Grindz
01.2016 - Current

Brand & Chef Ambassador

EAT Just Inc.
01.2016 - 04.2022

Chef Instructor

CulinAerie, LLC.
11.2012 - 01.2020

No Degree - Business And Criminal Justice

Boise State University

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