Mark Grzelak
Forest Park,IL
Summary
Dynamic Kitchen Manager and Head Chef at Buzz Cafe, recognized for enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative menu changes and effective team training. Proven expertise in inventory management and compliance with health standards, coupled with strong communication skills, fosters a collaborative kitchen environment. Committed to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kitchen Manager, Head Chef
Buzz Cafe
08.2003 - 08.2025
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing supply chain processes for cost efficiency.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing team skills and performance.
- Implemented menu changes based on customer feedback, improving guest satisfaction.
- Knowledge of kitchen equipment, maintenance
- Customer service
- Conducted regular inspections of kitchen equipment to ensure operational reliability.
- Fostered a collaborative environment, encouraging open communication among team members.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, reducing waste and increasing output quality.
Professional Musician
Self Employed Writer
09.1984 - Current
- Composed and arranged original music across diverse genres to enhance audience engagement.
- Collaborated with various artists and producers to develop unique soundscapes for recordings.
- Performed live at numerous venues, showcasing versatility and adaptability to different audiences.
- Led rehearsals, providing constructive feedback to musicians and improving overall performance quality.
- Mentored emerging artists in performance techniques and industry best practices to foster talent development.
- Managed logistics for tours, ensuring seamless execution of travel plans and equipment setup.
- Developed marketing strategies for promotional materials, increasing visibility within the music community.
- Utilized digital audio workstations (DAWs) to produce high-quality recordings efficiently and effectively.
- Earned a reputation for professionalism by maintaining punctuality, preparedness, and effective communication in all interactions with clients and colleagues.
- Class B CDL over the road truck driving on tour (10yrs)
Caregiver
Always Best Care
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Provided compassionate care and support to clients, enhancing their quality of life.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety in home environments.
- Developed personalized care plans based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Monitored client health conditions, promptly reporting changes to healthcare professionals.
- Coordinated transportation for clients to medical appointments and social activities, promoting engagement.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced service delivery efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Built strong relationships with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication.
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and quality of life.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients, reducing risks and ensuring optimal health outcomes.
- Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
- Contributed to a positive atmosphere for patients by using effective communication and active listening skills.
- Prioritized patient dignity, privacy, and autonomy during all aspects of care provision.
Maintenance Crew Member
Parkway Bank
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Conducted routine inspections of facilities to identify maintenance needs and ensure safety compliance.
- Performed preventive maintenance on equipment, reducing downtime and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with team members to execute repairs and installations, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
- Trained new crew members on safety protocols and proper use of tools and equipment.
Education
Associate of Science - Professional Cooking
Cooking And Hospitality Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL09-1997
No Degree - Mass Communication
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, ILHigh School Diploma -
Holy Cross High School
River Grove, IL05-1985
Skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Effective communication techniques
- Constructive feedback delivery
- Adaptable to various genres
- Staff training and development
- Food preparation
- Staff supervision
- Inventory management
- Attention to detail
- Inventory control
- Kitchen management
- Problem-solving
- Safe food handling
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Ordering supplies
- Vendor relations
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Health code compliance
- Maintaining instrument care
- Exceptional musicality
- Emotional connection with audience
- Skilled in composition
- Efficient time management
- Solid ear training
- Advanced technical proficiency
- Reliable professionalism
- Confident leadership
- Networking within industry
- Marketing and self-promotion
- Strong attention to detail
- Writing lyrics
- Songwriting
- Live performances
- Sound engineering
- Teaching experience
- Social media engagement
- Scheduling
- Mixing skills
- Extensive performance background
- Studio recordings
- Instrument repairs
- Multitasking and organization
- Customer service
- Food safety
- Box Truck Driver (past Class B CDL) cross country
Certification
food handlers certificatrion
Timeline
Caregiver
Always Best Care
01.2020 - 01.2023
Maintenance Crew Member
Parkway Bank
01.2010 - 01.2012
Kitchen Manager, Head Chef
Buzz Cafe
08.2003 - 08.2025
Professional Musician
Self Employed Writer
09.1984 - Current
Associate of Science - Professional Cooking
Cooking And Hospitality Institute of Chicago
No Degree - Mass Communication
University of Illinois At Chicago
High School Diploma -
Holy Cross High School