Kem Watson
Ruskin
Summary
Dynamic Executive Sous Chef with a proven track record at American Cruise Lines, excelling in cost control and team supervision. Renowned for enhancing menu offerings and fostering a collaborative kitchen environment. Skilled in inventory management and effective communication, driving quality and customer satisfaction in high-pressure settings.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Sous Chef
American Cruise Lines
tampa
03.2023 - Current
- Managed inventory control processes, ensuring timely ordering and proper storage of ingredients.
- Supervised a diverse kitchen team, fostering a collaborative environment to enhance productivity and morale.
- Coordinated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients while managing cost-effectiveness.
- Collaborated with the Executive Chef to refine menu offerings, balancing innovation with customer favorites.
- Trained new employees in food safety and sanitation regulations.
- Maintained accurate records of invoices related to food purchases for accounting purposes.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines were met in a timely manner.
Chef Lead
Saltblock Hospitality LLC
Tampa
06.2021 - Current
- Created visually appealing dish presentations to enhance the dining experience.
- Supervised food preparation and cooking processes to uphold quality and consistency.
- Trained new team members in food preparation techniques and safety protocols.
- Exercised portion control for items served, eliminating waste.
- Handled customer complaints and feedback to improve service and menu offerings.
Lead
HAIG POINT CLUB
Beaufort
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Trained new cooks on recipes, preparation methods, safety procedures and sanitation guidelines.
- Kept stations stocked and ready for use to maximize productivity.
- Assisted in food inventory and control while properly receiving and storing delivered items.
- Followed proper food handling methods and maintained correct temperature of food products.
Cook
MONTAGE
Bluffton
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Directly managed 6 to 8 employees at any given time, both front of house and back of house.
- Trained and supervised junior cooks in proper culinary techniques.
- Prepared sauces, dressings, soups, stocks, marinades and other items as needed throughout the day.
- Modified existing recipes based on availability of ingredients or customer requests.
- Ensured accurate completion of prep lists and production sheets on a daily basis.
Cook
BREAKWATER
Bluffton
12.2014 - 06.2016
- Led kitchen operations in lieu of chefs.
- Help with recipes.
- Delegated work for the cooks and maintained a clean sanitary environment.
Athletic Lead
NIKE
Bluffton
02.2014 - 07.2015
- Provide customer service and product knowledge and retail store.
- Answering phone, customer inquiries regarding Nike goods and services.
- Help shoppers locate items, recommend suitable products.
- Stock and organize sales merchandise on the floor and in back of store.
- Assembling in store displays.
- Teach new athletes on the new merchandise and sneakers.
- Give weekly training on Nike history, up to date information, and objectives as a company.
Aviation Machinist Mate
Navy Branch
06.2007 - 12.2013
- To maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, preserve and de-preserve aircraft engines and related systems, including the induction, cooling, fuel, oil, compression, combustion, turbine, gas turbine compressor, exhaust and propeller systems.
- Highlighted key parts in Evals.
- Temporary security force; responsible for the application of law enforcement, physical security and force protection for a crew of over 3000 personnel.
- Temporary Corrosion Control Technician; performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on 53 F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet Aircraft.
- Watches: BPO, Duty Driver, and Line/Hanger.
- Military Service
Airman Apprentice
Navy Branch
06.2007 - 12.2013
- Assist in the maintenance of aircraft and associated aeronautical equipment and in the maintenance of aircraft support equipment; service and clean aircraft: assist in aircraft handling; and perform other apprenticeship duties required in the operation of naval aviation activities afloat and ashore.
- Among many other jobs and assignments while being a part of the Navy Branch.
- Military Service
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FLSkills
- Cost control
- Inventory management
- Quality assurance
- Team supervision
- Customer service
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Menu development
- Kitchen management
- Special event catering
- Food presentation
- Food pairing
- Allergy awareness
- Conflict resolution
Certification
ServSafe, 12/01/22, 12/01/27
Assessments
Cooking skills: Basic food preparation, Proficient, 06/01/21
Military Service
Navy, United States, E5, 06/01/07, 12/01/13
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
American Cruise Lines
03.2023 - Current
Chef Lead
Saltblock Hospitality LLC
06.2021 - Current
Lead
HAIG POINT CLUB
08.2019 - 01.2021
Cook
MONTAGE
08.2015 - 10.2017
Cook
BREAKWATER
12.2014 - 06.2016
Athletic Lead
NIKE
02.2014 - 07.2015
Aviation Machinist Mate
Navy Branch
06.2007 - 12.2013
Airman Apprentice
Navy Branch
06.2007 - 12.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality
Hillsborough Community College