Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Languages
References
Timeline
GeneralManager
Kamel Dahmani

Kamel Dahmani

Naples,USA

Summary

History of successfully transforming food service operations through performance improvements and cost reductions to maximize service and profits. Forward-thinking leader with analytical and critical thinking skills to solve all types of routine and complex business problems. Over 30 years dedicated to food service.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

FOUNDER

KD Speciality Food
Naples, USA
01.2022 - Current

KD Specialty Foods is a category of premium, high-quality ingredients that are distinct and unique. This category encompasses a wide range of products, including breads, spreads, chips, oils, butters, and more. These gourmet items are highly sought after by chefs, restaurateurs, home cooks, and food enthusiasts alike. Specialty ingredients have the ability to enhance flavors, add depth, and create interest in meals.

KD Specialty Foods often sets trends by staying innovative and keeping a close eye on developments in fine dining, street food, and home kitchens. Purveyors of specialty foods are constantly on the lookout for hard-to-find items and bring them to a broader audience. By making unique ingredients more accessible, KD Specialty Foods help introduce global flavors and expand people's palates and culinary horizons.

For instance, examples of KD Specialty Foods include flavored pita and naan breads, infused oils, quenelle-shaped flavored butters, roasted beet dips, and pita puffs. These products showcase the ability of specialty foods to share innovative, diverse, and global flavors with the world. At KD Specialty Foods, our mission is to bring the world to your table.

Executive chef/Director of Food and Beverage

Charlotte City Club
Charlotte, USA
04.2019 - 07.2022
  • Led operations at a platinum private club, overseeing fine dining restaurant and full banquet facilities
  • Implemented guest-centric approach, exceeding expectations, and fostering a culture of service excellence
  • Collaborated on menu innovation and quality improvement to align with industry trends and guest preferences
  • Directed team to achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including revenue and cost management targets
  • Developed comprehensive business plans emphasizing hospitality-driven initiatives
  • Managed financial targets for revenue growth while prioritizing service quality
  • Fostered strong supplier relationships to enhance offerings and quality
  • Ensured a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests through maintenance and capital management
  • Streamlined cost containment initiatives and adjusted staffing levels based on seasonal needs and business calendar
  • Led planning and renovation of restaurant, kitchen, and rooftop layouts.

Complex Executive Chef

Sheraton/LeMeridien
Charlotte, USA
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Managed culinary operations for a 300-room luxury resort and a 307-room resort with F&B group revenue of $14 million
  • Oversaw a team of 75 chefs and stewarding staff across multiple outlets and function rooms
  • Rewrote and costed all menus, including banquets and conferences, to optimize profitability
  • Conducted continual training to ensure compliance with company standards and HACCP guidelines
  • Developed and managed financial budgets and goals.

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts - W Hotels Downtown
Miami, USA
01.2014 - 01.2017
  • Transitioned Viceroy Miami to W Hotels, overseeing day-to-day operations and generating revenues of over $10 million
  • Implemented menu revisions to drive profitability and realized annual savings of over $300K through cost containment initiatives
  • Managed departmental strategies and maximized financial performance
  • Ensured high standards of food quality and outstanding customer service
  • Directed and controlled F&B department activities to meet hotel quality standards and policies.

Executive Chef

Sheraton Club des Pins Resort
Algiers, Algeria
01.2011 - 01.2014
  • Managed culinary operations for a 419-room beachfront resort with F&B group revenue of $30 million
  • Instrumental in renovating team and improving cost of goods while ensuring compliance with HACCP guidelines
  • Planned and renovated three restaurants, kitchens, and bars layouts.

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

The Blue Waters Resort & Spa
Antigua, West Indies
01.2006 - 01.2010
  • Led culinary and F&B operations for a high-end beachfront property with 425 rooms, suites, villas, and cottages
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to drive revenue growth, enhance guest satisfaction, and maintain operational excellence
  • Managed day-to-day operations of all F&B outlets and collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences
  • Recruited, trained, and mentored high-performing teams, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

Curtain Bluff Resort
Antigua, West Indies
01.2003 - 01.2006
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive F&B strategy aligned with hotel’s goals and guest expectations
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations of all F&B outlets, ensuring high standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation
  • Managed annual F&B budget, implemented cost control measures, and developed menus to reflect local industry trends
  • Fostered positive work environment, encouraged professional development, and addressed guest concerns promptly
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations and enforced quality standards.

Education

MSc - Master management, leadership, and Innovation

HAAGA-HELIA

MSc - Master Management, Leadership, and Innovation

INSTITUTE PAUL BOCUSE

Baccalaureate Professional – Culinary -

INSTITUTE PAUL BOCUSE

Internship - Culinary -

NEW WORLD SAIGON HOTEL

Internship - Culinary -

THE IMPERAIL QUEEN PARK HOTEL

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Team management
  • Financial management
  • Menu development
  • Operations Management
  • Marketing
  • Board Collaboration
  • Strategic Planning
  • Revenue development
  • Innovation management
  • Strategic Vision
  • Policies and Procedures Development
  • Human Resources
  • Negotiation
  • Start-Up Operations
  • Client Engagement

Languages

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

FOUNDER

KD Speciality Food
01.2022 - Current

Executive chef/Director of Food and Beverage

Charlotte City Club
04.2019 - 07.2022

Complex Executive Chef

Sheraton/LeMeridien
01.2016 - 01.2019

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts - W Hotels Downtown
01.2014 - 01.2017

Executive Chef

Sheraton Club des Pins Resort
01.2011 - 01.2014

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

The Blue Waters Resort & Spa
01.2006 - 01.2010

Executive Chef | Director of Food and Beverage

Curtain Bluff Resort
01.2003 - 01.2006

MSc - Master management, leadership, and Innovation

HAAGA-HELIA

MSc - Master Management, Leadership, and Innovation

INSTITUTE PAUL BOCUSE

Baccalaureate Professional – Culinary -

INSTITUTE PAUL BOCUSE

Internship - Culinary -

NEW WORLD SAIGON HOTEL

Internship - Culinary -

THE IMPERAIL QUEEN PARK HOTEL
Kamel Dahmani