Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Kwesi Stephen

Kwesi Stephen

Waldorf,MD

Summary

With over 15 years of experience and a passion for culinary innovation, consistently delivering exceptional culinary creations throughout a career as a Chef. Track record speaks for itself, showcasing the ability to exceed expectations and create memorable dining experiences. Strong leadership skills and dedicated to pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry, continuously seeking new ways to delight and satisfy diners.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

SOUS CHEF

The Mather
07.2024 - 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.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Collaborate with head Chefs to create new menu items and specials, contributing to a diverse culinary experience.
  • Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
  • Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with front-of-house management teams to address any potential issues before they escalated into larger problems affecting overall guest satisfaction levels.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing guest concerns or special dietary requests, building loyalty among returning clientele.

SOUS CHEF

Sodexo; Howard University
05.2023 - 07.2024
  • Managed a team of kitchen staff, ensuring smooth operations and timely meal preparation
  • Managed the flow of the kitchen to ensure that catering events were prepared, cooked and served in a timely manner.
  • Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Ensuring proper inventory management in accordance with Sodexo standards.

Catering Manager

Apple Spice Junction
11.2021 - 02.2023
  • Manage all catering functions and activities for the catering sector of Apple Spice Junction.
  • Completed all production and delivery of food for all events (for a brief time frame).
  • Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
  • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
  • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
  • Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
  • Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
  • Maintained a safe work environment by enforcing proper food handling procedures and adhering to health department regulations.
  • Ensure proper staffing and preparation for events
  • Updated catering pricing to reflect market trends

EVENT COORDINATOR/CANDLELIGHT EVENT LEAD

Fever - Entertainment Discovery Platform
07.2021 - 01.2022
  • Locating & Contracting Venues to Host Series of Events
  • Assisted in Curating Menus for Events
  • Curated Menu Language, Host Script Language & Event Profile
  • Off-Site Curation & Preparation
  • On-Site Logistics & Development
  • Hosting the Full Production of Curated Experience from Set-Up to Break-Down
  • Proven ability to lead and manage a team of event staff, ensuring a productive and efficient work environment

COOK (2020-2021)/ SOUS CHEF (2018-2020)/ FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER (2016-2018)

First Baptist Church of Glenarden
05.2016 - 07.2021
  • Successfully managed and organized daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely delivery of food
  • Developed and implemented & standardized modern unique recipes & menus based on catering theme & season, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and repeat business
  • Trained and supervised a team of kitchen staff, ensuring high-quality food preparation and adherence to safety and sanitation standards
  • Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to negotiating pricing, maintain inventory and control costs, optimizing profitability for the church
  • Scheduled & Managed a staff of 12 (annual interns)
  • Oversaw food court day-to-day operations to include Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Subway and Sodexo Brands
  • Ensured completion of small catered functions
  • Played key role in the opening of a new retail outlet (Red Mango)
  • Managed a team of 15+ employees, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service
  • Facilitated daily operations including management of employees, ordering, safety, sanitation, requisitions, inventory management, staff scheduling, and food safety compliance in accordance with RA, state, and local regulations
  • Carried out various catering functions, Catering Planning, Menu Planning & Execution
  • Implemented rules and provided customer service through guest interactions
  • Managed operations of food service facilities, Conference and Catering events, themed dining activities, reports, interviews, scheduling, and training
  • Ensured the delivery of high-quality service while working with residents & dieticians to fulfill modified meal request, special interest and increase client satisfaction
  • Main Cook for Breakfast and Lunch
  • Food Preparation & Plating for Banquet Events
  • Operation, set-up and breakdown of action stations and outdoor grill
  • Production of Standard Recipes

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

Sodexo; The Agency
11.2015 - 04.2016
  • Oversaw food court day-to-day operations to include Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts,Burger King, Subway and Sodexo Brands
  • Ensured completion of small catered functions
  • Played key role in the opening of a new retail outlet (Red Mango)
  • Managed a team of 15+ employees, ensuring smooth operations and excellent customer service.
  • Trained and supervised new staff to enhance customer service skills and comply with food safety standards.
  • Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.

SENIOR CAFE MANAGER

Restaurant Associates (Compass Group); The Advisory Board Company/The World Bank Group
06.2014 - 02.2015

· Facilitated daily operations including management of employees, ordering, safety, sanitation, requisitions, inventory management, staff scheduling, and food safety compliance in accordance with RA, state, and local regulations.


· Carried out various catering functions, Catering Planning, Menu Planning & Execution.


· Implemented rules and provided customer service through guest interactions.

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

Sodexo - Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
08.2012 - 06.2014

· Managed operations of food service facilities, Conference and Catering events, themed dining activities, reports, interviews, scheduling, and training.


· Ensured the delivery of high-quality service while working with residents & dietician's to fulfill modified meal request, special interest and increase client

satisfaction.

LINE COOK

The Country Club at Woodmore
03.2010 - 06.2010
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
  • Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.

Education

M.S. - Marriage & Family Therapy

Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management Concentration; Food & Beverage

University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD
05.2012

A.A.S - Hospitality Services Management (Concentration; Culinary Arts)

Prince Georges Comm. College
Lanham, MD
05.2010

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Team leadership
  • Culinary arts
  • Creativity
  • Communication
  • Menu creation
  • Food preparation
  • Kitchen management
  • Safety & sanitation

Timeline

SOUS CHEF

The Mather
07.2024 - Current

SOUS CHEF

Sodexo; Howard University
05.2023 - 07.2024

Catering Manager

Apple Spice Junction
11.2021 - 02.2023

EVENT COORDINATOR/CANDLELIGHT EVENT LEAD

Fever - Entertainment Discovery Platform
07.2021 - 01.2022

COOK (2020-2021)/ SOUS CHEF (2018-2020)/ FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER (2016-2018)

First Baptist Church of Glenarden
05.2016 - 07.2021

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

Sodexo; The Agency
11.2015 - 04.2016

SENIOR CAFE MANAGER

Restaurant Associates (Compass Group); The Advisory Board Company/The World Bank Group
06.2014 - 02.2015

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

Sodexo - Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
08.2012 - 06.2014

LINE COOK

The Country Club at Woodmore
03.2010 - 06.2010

B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management Concentration; Food & Beverage

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

A.A.S - Hospitality Services Management (Concentration; Culinary Arts)

Prince Georges Comm. College

M.S. - Marriage & Family Therapy

Liberty University
Kwesi Stephen