Mark Edward Smith
Santa Clarita,CA
Summary
Innovative professional with a diverse background in food management and technical expertise. Proven leader focused on team building and operational efficiency. Consistently delivers creative solutions to complex challenges.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Chef de Partie
Whole Foods Market Inc
Santa Cruz, California
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Streamlined kitchen operations through effective team collaboration.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies to ensure stock availability.
- Prepared high-quality dishes adhering to Whole Foods' standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations during shifts.
- Addressed customer inquiries in prepared foods regarding product details, preparation methods, and allergen accommodations.
Senior Food Service Manager
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
11.2017 - 05.2022
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations across all food preparation areas.
- Coordinated special events, providing catering services for university functions.
- Evaluated menu offerings based on budget constraints, student feedback, and dietary trends.
- Managed daily operations of union kitchen staff to meet established standards.
- Developed training programs for kitchen staff and student workers to enhance skills.
- Oversaw daily food service operations for a campus dining facility serving over 3,000 meals daily and generating over $250k weekly in revenue.
General Manager
Cafe Gratitude
Santa Cruz, CA
07.2011 - 07.2017
- Conducted hiring and training for back-of-house and front-of-house staff.
- Performed food cost analysis to support menu development initiatives.
- Achieved payroll goals through effective staffing and scheduling practices.
- Managed events and executed social media advertising strategies.
- Collaborated with food, beverage, and local farm suppliers to enhance offerings.
- Covered all café positions during breaks and absences as necessary.
- Operated a local, organic café specializing in farm-to-table vegan cuisine.
Sous Chef
Assembly
Santa Cruz, CA
04.2009 - 10.2011
- Collaborated with Executive Chef on menu planning for seasonal offerings.
- Trained line cook staff in culinary techniques and menu execution.
- Acted as expeditor during high-volume services and events.
- Substituted for Executive Chef when required to ensure kitchen operations continuity.
General Manager
Culver City Theatres
Culver City, California
01.2005 - 10.2007
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and payroll.
- implemented standard operating procedures across the board for money handling, inventory and ordering
- Worked with assistant managers to maximize show quality, address technical difficulties, and customer service.
- Performed scheduled prevention maintenance and emergency repairs to keep projection systems in good working order.
- Worked with distributors in acquiring and advertising product
Assistant Manager
Century Theaters
San Jose, California
02.1997 - 07.2005
- Provided exceptional customer service to promote positive movie-going experience.
- Troubleshot technical issues to maintain high-quality viewing experience.
- Handled emergency situations to maintain safety of staff and customers.
- Removed film splicing after showings, prepared films for shipment and returned reels back to original owners.
- Spliced separate film reels, advertisements and movie trailers together to form feature-length presentation on one continuous reel.
- Inspected movie films prior to film showings to verify completeness and condition.
Education
Associates of Occupational Studies -
California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Program
Pasadena, CA02.2009
High School Diploma -
Wilson High School
Santa Clara, CA06.1997
Skills
- Food preparation and menu planning
- Inventory management and catering coordination
- Health regulations compliance
- Staff training and development
Points Of Interest
- Member of Santa Cruz Chapter of Slow Food
- Member of the American Culinary Federation
Affiliations
Hockey Team Captain - San Jose, Ca 2016 to 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chef de Partie
Whole Foods Market Inc
05.2022 - 07.2024
Senior Food Service Manager
University of California Santa Cruz
11.2017 - 05.2022
General Manager
Cafe Gratitude
07.2011 - 07.2017
Sous Chef
Assembly
04.2009 - 10.2011
General Manager
Culver City Theatres
01.2005 - 10.2007
Assistant Manager
Century Theaters
02.1997 - 07.2005
Associates of Occupational Studies -
California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Program
High School Diploma -
Wilson High School