Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Education and Training
Timeline
Generic

Katherine Ciurzynski

LOVETTSVILLE,VA

Summary

Results-driven Food and Beverage Operations Manager with extensive experience in optimizing daily operations, budget management, and inventory control. Proven track record of enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic planning and execution, while cultivating strong relationships with staff and the local community. Recognized for consistently achieving operational goals and delivering exceptional 5-star service. Aiming to leverage expertise to drive further growth and innovation in the industry.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Food & Beverage Operations Manager

Etihad /Chase Sapphire Club Lounge
Dulles, Virginia
05.2024 - Current
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Maintained accurate records related to payroll processing, inventory management, and purchasing orders.
  • Organized and conducted regular staff meetings to discuss food safety, customer service, and menu changes.
  • Updated and maintained databases with current information.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to enhance team performance, improve processes and boost results.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the kitchen, bar, and receiving, including staffing schedules and cash management procedures.
  • Maintained records of monthly expenses related to food and beverage services such as payroll costs, utilities bills.
  • Managed guest complaints in a professional manner by resolving issues quickly and efficiently.

General Manager of Market Salamander

Salamander Resort & Spa
Middleburg, Virginia
01.2023 - 06.2024
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
  • Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Recognized by management for providing exceptional 5-star customer service.
  • Monitored kitchen staff to ensure compliance with company expectations of taste, speed and presentation.
  • Trained FOH and BOH on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
  • Led team of culinary professionals in the execution of daily operations, including menu planning, purchasing and inventory control.

Director of Culinary Operations

Bluemont Vineyard/ Great Country Farms
Bluemont, VA
09.2016 - 02.2023
  • Managed the ordering process from vendors and distributors ensuring timely delivery of products at best prices available.
  • Monitored kitchen staff to ensure compliance with company expectations of taste, speed and presentation.
  • Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
  • Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
  • Ensured compliance with health codes by implementing strict sanitary procedures within the kitchen environment.
  • Developed menus at multiple properties based on customer feedback, local market conditions and seasonal availability of ingredients.
  • Collaborated with owners, GM and PR to coordinate marketing, special events and menu changes.
  • Chef for all properties: vineyard, private events, concessions, and agro-tourism education.

Elementary School Nutrition Manager

Loudoun County Public Schools
Ashburn, Virginia
03.2016 - 07.2020
  • Organized and supervised food production staff in the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals.
  • Collaborated with local farmers and vendors to source fresh ingredients for school meals.
  • Provided leadership and direction in developing policies regarding menu planning and food preparation.
  • Reviewed customer feedback surveys regularly in order to identify areas requiring improvement.
  • Assisted in the development of marketing strategies to promote healthy eating habits among students.
  • Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations related to school nutrition programs.
  • Represented Loudoun County at the National School Nutrition Conferences during tenure.
  • Developed 'Farm to School' practices and gardens at elementary school level.

Pastry Chef

Hollin Hall Pastry Shop
Alexandria, VA
06.2013 - 02.2015
  • Customized items for both in house and hotel clients seasonal offerings, special events and personal requests.
  • Offered exceptional customer service, handling special dessert requests and dietary restrictions.
  • Collaborated with the executive chef to pair desserts with menu items for optimal dining experience.
  • Created new recipes using available ingredients and for special occasions.
  • Utilized artistic skills to decorate cakes and pastries, enhancing presentation and customer satisfaction.
  • Designed and maintained a clean, organized, and efficient pastry kitchen layout.
  • Managed time efficiently to produce high-quality goods within tight deadlines.

Assistant Lead Pastry Chef

Wolfgang Puck/ Disney World
Orlando, FL
03.2001 - 01.2005
  • Supervised team of pastry chefs in production of high-quality desserts for multi level restaurant, off site events, and catering.
  • Designed and maintained a clean, organized, and efficient pastry kitchen layout.
  • Managed inventory of baking supplies and ingredients, reducing waste.
  • Participated in local and regional culinary competitions, winning several awards for pastry creations.
  • Reviewed cost sheets regularly to maintain profitability goals set by management.
  • Attended industry conferences and trade shows to stay up-to-date on trends in the pastry chef field.
  • Prepped recipes for Chef Wolfgang Puck's television appearances on the Home Shopping Network, The Food Network and other high profile events.

Education

High School Diploma -

Immaculata Academy
Hamburg, NY
06-1994

Some College (No Degree) - Art/ Business

SUNY At Fredonia
Fredonia, NY

Skills

  • Payroll administration
  • Customer service
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Vendor relations
  • Budget management
  • Staff training
  • Profitability optimization
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Team leadership
  • Culinary techniques

Accomplishments

  • Represented Loudoun County Public Schools at National conferences for School Nutrition.
  • Awarded School Nutrition Manager of the Month during first year.
  • Visit Loudoun BOH Employee of the Year nominee for 2022- Bluemont Vineyard/Henway Hard Cider
  • Developed new menu and execution at Bluemont Vineyard properties to increase sales 75%.
  • Revamped Great Country Farms market to include bakery and local coffee program. Increased sales by 50%.
  • Wolfgang Puck/Disney- went from plater to production in 2 weeks. Pastry chef to Asst. Head Pastry Chef in 18 months.

Education and Training

other,other

Timeline

Food & Beverage Operations Manager

Etihad /Chase Sapphire Club Lounge
05.2024 - Current

General Manager of Market Salamander

Salamander Resort & Spa
01.2023 - 06.2024

Director of Culinary Operations

Bluemont Vineyard/ Great Country Farms
09.2016 - 02.2023

Elementary School Nutrition Manager

Loudoun County Public Schools
03.2016 - 07.2020

Pastry Chef

Hollin Hall Pastry Shop
06.2013 - 02.2015

Assistant Lead Pastry Chef

Wolfgang Puck/ Disney World
03.2001 - 01.2005

High School Diploma -

Immaculata Academy

Some College (No Degree) - Art/ Business

SUNY At Fredonia

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