Kali May
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Experienced in high-volume dining and kitchen management, consistently exceeding health standards and ensuring a safe dining environment at The Confluence Hotel. Expertise in multitasking and food safety enables effective orchestration of operations and delivery of exceptional results. Proven track record in developing innovative menus and providing effective staff supervision, enhancing the overall dining experience. Ability to foster strong vendor relationships contributes to the establishment's success, demonstrating dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Sous Chef
The Confluence Hotel
06.2024 - Current
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items, leading to increased guest return rates and positive reviews.
- 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.
- Reduced staff turnover rates through effective communication skills, creating a supportive work atmosphere for all team members.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Received praise from executive chefs for outstanding teamwork skills during large events or banquets.
- Utilized superior problem-solving skills to address any issues that arose during banquets or fine dining services professionally and discreetly.
- Coordinated seamless event execution for both small-scale gatherings and large-scale banquets or conferences.
- Provided exceptional support during weddings receptions, corporate meetings, banquets, fundraisers while delivering memorable experiences for guests.
Kitchen Manager
Olu's Beginnings
01.2021 - 08.2023
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Designed and maintained menus to offer variety of high quality and consistency of dishes.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers and a gardening team to acquire local produce with reasonable prices.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
Head Chef
Emily's Eatery
03.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
- Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
- Developed strong vendor relationships to secure fresh, quality ingredients at competitive prices while supporting local businesses whenever possible.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
- Led staff meetings to discuss upcoming events, address concerns or challenges, and reinforce company values as well as expectations within the workplace environment.
- Collaborated with front-of-house team to ensure seamless service during high-volume periods, resulting in increased customer satisfaction rates.
- Developed and cooked memorable dishes that brought new customers into establishment.
- In charge of menu development and planning.
- Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
Sous Chef
Grand Targhee
11.2013 - 06.2015
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Collaborated with executive chef to develop innovative menu items at this resort near Jackson Hole.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Mentored kitchen staff to prepare each for demanding roles.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current culinary trends and techniques.
- Developed full, tasting and special events menus to meet establishment needs and maintain strong customer levels.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
Sous Chef
Steamboat Grand Hotel
11.2011 - 09.2013
- Assisted Executive Chef and Executive Sous at this large hotel at Steamboat Springs Ski Resort.
- Helped oversee operations which included a fine dining establishment, a cafe, poolside bistro, room service and banquets including multiple meeting rooms and a ballroom.
- Created nightly specials featuring wild game and freshly flown in fish for fine dining restaurant.
- Ran sautee position and expedited service which often ran over 200 covers nightly.
Education
Journalism, Print
The University of Montana
Missoula, MTHigh School Diploma -
Hastings High School
Hastings, MN05.2001
Skills
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Recipes and menu planning
- Banquets and catering
- Performance improvement
- Fine-dining expertise
- Purchasing
Timeline
Sous Chef
The Confluence Hotel
06.2024 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Olu's Beginnings
01.2021 - 08.2023
Head Chef
Emily's Eatery
03.2019 - 03.2020
Sous Chef
Grand Targhee
11.2013 - 06.2015
Sous Chef
Steamboat Grand Hotel
11.2011 - 09.2013
Journalism, Print
The University of Montana
High School Diploma -
Hastings High School
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