Lea Cookson
Winchester,VA
Summary
I am a passionate and hardworking individual, with over 20 years of experience in a variety of different facets of the culinary industry. I am exceptionally proficient in communication, managing efficiency, and organization. My explorative and creative nature makes me continuously strive for more knowledge and experience in my craft.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef
Love At First Bite Catering and Events
05.2023 - Current
- Actively oversaw and completed purchasing, food production and BOH operations for all events
- Designed seasonal menus reflecting current culinary trends and customer preferences.
- Wrote and refined recipes used by kitchen
- Implemented cost-saving measures through inventory management and waste reduction strategies.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Participated in community outreach opportunities around Winchester
Sous Chef/Lunch Chef
Good Foods
08.2022 - 03.2023
- Handled all aspects of lunch service for retirement community
- Created menus, shopping lists, recipes, and cost guides for lunch service
- Shopped for all food and product served for lunch
- Organized holiday gatherings and special events for residents
- Assisted catering company in every aspect
- Captained small medium and large events all over Colorado
- Prepared all food in accordance with food service guidelines
Private Chef
Boundless Chef
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Personal small business
- Provided personal chef services for 2-30 people
- Develop and execute menus
- Develop shopping lists and purchase all product
- Prepare and serve meals for a variety of dietary restrictions
- Menu Consulting
- Cooking class instruction
- Clean, organize and manage kitchen in client's home
- Travel with clients, packing and preparing all meals while on vacation
Executive Chef
Elevated Catering
05.2018 - 07.2021
- Managed food, staff, and off-site catering for every event hosted by the company. Ranging from 10 person intimate dinners to 5000+ festival vending, backstage and VIP service, corporate and private holiday parties, weddings from 20 to 200+ guests, meals for in-flight services for the NBA and /NHL, backstage catering for a variety of Denver concert venues, etc.
- Good knowledge of PC software and POS systems (Word, Excel, Outlook, Caterease, QuickBooks, etc)
- Developing New menu items with standardized recipes and food cost analysis
- Manage day to day activities of the kitchen plan and assign work and establish performance goals for the team members
- Managing relocation business to new facilities
- Possesses a strong understanding of food safety and HACCP standards
Executive Chef
Nova Catering
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Menu redesign with costing and recipes
- Oversee daily management of employees
- Manage all catered events from 10 to 1000 guests
- Prepare and serve a variety of meals daily for corporate lunches
- Prepare a wide variety of baked goods and bread
- Manage monthly marketing newsletter on Constant Contact including monthly specials
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Crave
05.2014 - 09.2016
- Manage staff of fast-paced kitchen environment
- Oversee daily kitchen operations of fine dining restaurant
- Develop menu items and standardized recipes
- Ensure cleanliness and functionality of kitchen and equipment
- Mange offsite catered events
Education
Associate in Science (AS) and Bachelors in Business Administration (BS) - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
Charlotte, NC05.2010
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team Work
- Labor Cost Analysis
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Menu Planning
- Event Planning
- Pricing
- Food Preparation
- Leadership
- Food Safety
Certification
ServSafe Certified 10/30/23-10/30/28
Timeline
Chef
Love At First Bite Catering and Events
05.2023 - Current
Sous Chef/Lunch Chef
Good Foods
08.2022 - 03.2023
Private Chef
Boundless Chef
09.2021 - 03.2023
Executive Chef
Elevated Catering
05.2018 - 07.2021
Executive Chef
Nova Catering
09.2016 - 03.2018
Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager
Crave
05.2014 - 09.2016
Associate in Science (AS) and Bachelors in Business Administration (BS) - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte
Section name
Authorized to work in the US for any employer