Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Katherine O'Connell

Cincinnati,OH

Summary

Dynamic and Accomplished Culinary Leader with extensive experience in executive chef roles, restaurant ownership, and fine dining management. Proven track record in creating innovative menus, leading high-performance teams, and driving exceptional guest experiences. Expert in fine dining service, including extensive wine knowledge and bourbon and beer specialization, with a keen ability to curate unique beverage programs. Adept at orchestrating sophisticated wedding events and managing dining services in healthcare settings. Known for strategic operational management, cost control, and enhancing culinary excellence across various dining environments. Committed to delivering outstanding quality, efficiency, and memorable dining experiences.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Dining Services

Evergreen / Wellspring Retirement
Cincinnati, OH
07.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw dining operations for a resort style retirement home as well as the health care side of the facility
  • Developed and implemented specialized menus tailored to Independent Living residents (resort high end side) as well as following strict diets for skilled nursing facility
  • Managed a team of dining services staff, including 3 chefs, 3 dining room managers, two dietitians, and 60 other hourly staff members.
  • Collaborated with dietitians and healthcare professionals
  • Implemented cost control measures and inventory management systems, reducing food waste by 12% and lowering operational costs, while maintaining high-quality service.
  • Directed the renovation and upgrade of kitchen and dining facilities - helped assist in a 9 million dollar renovation of the whole facility
  • Monitored and ensured compliance with federal and state regulations
  • Ran events of 50-250 people with Resident Programming director as well as the sales team - Events resulted in immediate lease signings on 8 separate occasions.
  • Managed 4 separate kitchens at once that all serve multiple meal services and different menus

Consulting Chef / Restaurant Operator

Self Employed Services
Cincinnati, OH
04.2019 - 09.2023
  • Conducted comprehensive operational audits
  • Developed and executed customized business plans
  • Provided expert guidance on menu development and design, creating menus from ground up for 4 different restaurants
  • Streamlined back-of-house operations by recommending and implementing new kitchen workflows and technology solutions and menu development
  • Built full websites for businesses on the squarespace platform. Integrating their POS , carryout, table reservation systems to increase revenue, add better visibility, and collect data.
  • Advised on staff training programs and wrote full Human Resource handbooks, and training manuals for 3 companies.
  • Implemented cost control measures
  • Assisted with marketing and promotional strategies, I have extensive social media experience as well as menu design experience.
  • Facilitated crisis management and turnaround strategies for underperforming restaurants

Owner /Restaurant Owner/ Operator /Executive Chef

Self- Copper & Flame
Over-The-Rhine, OH
03.2020 - 07.2023
  • Worked with designers, architects, and general contractors to build out a 10,000 square foot restaurant and bar in Over the Rhine.
  • Brought new self pour technology to the bustling over - the rhine business district on vine street
  • Ran social media and web design to integrate with our POS systems and make us visible
  • Fought through the hardest years of ownership during a world wide pandemic.
  • During the pandemic, still kept sales high enough to keep 100 percent of staff working rather than closing a single day
  • Developed a menu competitive in Over the Rhine.
  • Won several awards for best of Cincinnati - such as best Appetizer
  • Reached 8 million TikTok views for our innovative business

Operating Partner / Event Planner

Nine Giant Brewing
Cincinnati, OH
11.2019 - 10.2022
  • Created menus, cocktail menus, and decided on beers for brewery
  • Held special events and weddings in our event space
  • Ran day to day operations while also fully owning and operating a second business
  • Did not qualify for second round of PPP during Pandemic because our sales did not decrease, they increased during Covid due to pivoting entire business model to overcome the stay at home orders
  • Integrated our POS to allow for creative cocktail kits, carry out and delivery to ensure sales did not lack during pandemic
  • Expanded business to second building nearby, increasing revenue by 1 million a year.

Restaurant Owner/ Operator /Executive Chef

Revolution Rotisserie & Bar - Self
Cincinnati, OH
01.2015 - 09.2019
  • Operational Management: Successfully managed all aspects of restaurant operations, including staffing, inventory control, and vendor relations
  • Financial Oversight: Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
  • Event Planning Curated menus, and planned entire weddings for 300 plus people, Catered at Western and Southern open for 9 days straight.
  • Menu Development: Developed and curated innovative menus for the Over-The-Rhine and Pleasant Ridge area. Winning " best of " taste of Cincinnati 2 years in a row.
  • Staff Leadership and Development: Recruited, trained, and mentored a team of 50 employees between 2 locations. Many employees continue to work for me this day. Many of which have outgrown me and opened their own businesses or become corporate dining chefs and managers
  • Marketing and Promotion: Designed and executed successful marketing campaigns, including social media promotions and local partnerships
  • Quality Control: Implemented rigorous quality control measures to maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation

Bar Manager & Corporate Trainer

Eddie Merlots
Indianapolis, IN
03.2010 - 01.2015
  • Aided in developing a wine and cocktail list with a focus on national and international selections, resulting in a 17% increase in wine club sales for our store.
  • Implemented a bar training program for new staff, improving cocktail preparation efficiency and consistency. Traveled to train new servers and bartenders at new locations around the country.
  • Managed inventory and procurement for the bar and wine cellar.
  • Top Tier fine dining server - After transferring to the Cincinnati location, my bar and table section became my micro business, full of regulars nightly such as Marvin Lewis, Hugh Jackson, Dr. Mandell Brown and more high bar Cincinnati locals.
  • Created and executed themed wine and cocktail events.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with wine distributors and vineyards.
  • Continually achieved top 4 sales status - Top 4 in country in loyalty club sales, wine sales, and overall PPD, quarter after quarter.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations and liquor laws.
  • Trained and mentored service staff on steps of service, fine dining etiquette, wine service, wine tasting, bourbon tasting, and event service.
  • Collaborated with the kitchen team to create wine and food pairing recommendations, enriching the dining experience, and running fine dining events of sometimes 300 people or more.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy

University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
12-2010

Skills

  • Operational Excellence
  • Large Staff Development & Leadership
  • Large & Small Scale Event Coordination
  • Wine Selection
  • Service Excellence
  • Menu Creation
  • Culinary Innovation
  • Fast Casual & Fine Dining Service

Certification

  • Level 2 ServSafe
  • Level 1 Cicerone (Beer)
  • Level 1 Sommelier
  • Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)

Accomplishments

  • "Best of" Taste of Cincinnati 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022
  • Women under 40 - Cincinnati

Timeline

Director of Dining Services

Evergreen / Wellspring Retirement
07.2023 - Current

Owner /Restaurant Owner/ Operator /Executive Chef

Self- Copper & Flame
03.2020 - 07.2023

Operating Partner / Event Planner

Nine Giant Brewing
11.2019 - 10.2022

Consulting Chef / Restaurant Operator

Self Employed Services
04.2019 - 09.2023

Restaurant Owner/ Operator /Executive Chef

Revolution Rotisserie & Bar - Self
01.2015 - 09.2019

Bar Manager & Corporate Trainer

Eddie Merlots
03.2010 - 01.2015

Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy

University of Cincinnati

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Katherine O'Connell