Levi Pena
Seattle,WA
Summary
Dedicated executive with 15+ years of experience in the food service industry, specializing in scheduling, invoicing, and food quality management. Proven ability to organize large banquets and adapt to various roles as needed. Skilled in menu costing and proficient in Microsoft Excel and ADP, ensuring operational efficiency and high standards in food service.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Sous Chef
ColumbiaTower Club
Seattle, WA
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Over saw a la carte service and large banquets.
- Directed daily kitchen operations for Columbia Tower Club dining and banquet service.
- Supervised line cooks and prep staff during club meal periods.
- Coordinated banquet menus with banquet and service teams.
Executive Sous Chef
Astra Hotel
Seattle, WA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Contributed to the opening team for the restaurant and rooftop lounge.
- Supervised club kitchen operations for Columbia Tower Club dining and private events.
- Coordinated banquet production with front-of-house teams and event planners.
- Developed seasonal menus for member dining and special club functions.
Executive Chef
Elysian Brewing
Seattle, WA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Served as the sous chef for a few months, then took over after the chef resigned.
- Directed kitchen operations for brewery dining service at Elysian Brewing.
- Developed seasonal menus and beer-pairing dishes for taproom guests.
- Supervised line cooks and prep staff through daily service.
Sous Chef
Walnut Street Cafe
Philadelphia, PA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Opened Walnut Street Cafe with a Michelin Star team from NYC's Rebelle.
- Supervised line cooks during service at Walnut Street Cafe
- Coordinated prep lists and kitchen stations for daily menu execution
- Monitored food safety and sanitation standards across kitchen operations
Sous Chef
Aqimero in the Ritz Carlton
Philadelphia, PA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Oversaw two kitchens for the 24-7 restaurant in the Philadelphia Ritz Carlton.
- Supervised kitchen line during Walnut Street Cafe service
- Executed prep lists for seasonal menu items and specials
- Coordinated expo timing with servers and line cooks
Sous Chef
Chandlers Crab House
Seattle, WA
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed high-volume seafood and steak operations.
- Supervised Walnut Street Cafe kitchen prep, line service, and station readiness.
- Coordinated daily mise en place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service.
- Trained cooks on recipes, plating, and food safety standards.
Education
High school diploma - culinary arts program
Mountlake Terrace High School
Mountlake Terrace, WASkills
- Culinary operations
- Menu design
- Banquet execution
- Event catering
- Cost control
- Inventory control
- Staff scheduling
- Staff training
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
ColumbiaTower Club
01.2023 - 01.2026
Executive Sous Chef
Astra Hotel
01.2022 - 01.2023
Executive Chef
Elysian Brewing
01.2018 - 01.2022
Sous Chef
Walnut Street Cafe
01.2017 - 01.2018
Sous Chef
Aqimero in the Ritz Carlton
01.2016 - 01.2017
Sous Chef
Chandlers Crab House
01.2014 - 01.2016
High school diploma - culinary arts program
Mountlake Terrace High School