High-performing Chef offering over 15 years of restaurant experience. Excellent communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. Talent for building streamlined, cohesive teams.
Hi, I’m
Matt StClair
Chef
Lake Stevens,FL
Summary
Overview
16
years of professional experience
2
years of post-secondary education
2
Certificates
Work History
Everglades City DeliEverglades City, FL
Chef, Owner
02.2017 - 10.2020
Job overview
- Handled and stored food to eliminate illness and prevent cross-contamination.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
Havana Cafe Chokoloskee, FL
Sous Chef
10.2014 - 04.2018
Job overview
- Initiated training for new team members on culinary techniques to improve productivity and increase kitchen workflows.
- Collaborated with staff members to create meals for large banquets.
- Acted as head chef when required to maintain continuity of service and quality.
- Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf ClubNaples, FL
Lead Banquet Cook
08.2012 - 05.2014
Job overview
- Chopped vegetables, butchered meat and prepared sauces in advance to serve guests promptly and efficiently.
- Grilled, roasted, baked and performed other cooking techniques to produce high volume meals.
- Maintained food safety and sanitation standards.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
- Coordinated checklists to keep kitchen clean, stocked and sanitary.
Brinker International,Chili's Grill & BarPittsburg, KS
Kitchen Shift Leader
04.2011 - 08.2012
Job overview
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
In and Out ConceptsOrlando, FL
Personal Chef
01.2009 - 04.2010
Job overview
- Met with client and discussed preferred meals, dietary restrictions and food allergies.
- Planned menus that incorporated healthy, fresh food sourced from local farmers and stores.
- Prepared and served meals for small dinner parties and large events and complied with diet requests and special accommodations.
- Designed and prepared all menu items for private home/office setting.
- Generated invoice to request payment for services provided in client home or specifically requested location.
The Country Club of BirminghamBirmingham, AL
Banquet Cook, Pool Outlet Manager
07.2006 - 03.2008
Job overview
- Chef attended stations for large weddings and VIP events
- Recognized quality standards in vegetables, fish, dairy and meat products and selected and used freshest ingredients to prepare menu items.
- Grilled, roasted, baked and performed other cooking techniques to produce high volume meals.
- Practiced safe work habits to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Worked closely with kitchen team to meet high demand with delicious, on-recipe foods.
Myers Park Country ClubCharlotte, NC
Line Cook
02.2005 - 07.2006
Job overview
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Maintained smooth and timely operations in preparation and delivery of meals.
- Worked omelette/pasta stations for Grand Buffets
Education
Johnson & Wales University - CharlotteCharlotte, NC
Associate of Science from Culinary Arts
09.2004 - 05.2006
University Overview
Skills
Effective communications
New hire training
Food preparation and safety
Fine-dining expertise
Problem-solving
Purveyor relationship, Negotiation
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
JWU student ambassador to PGA, Wachovia Championship '06.
SWFL Garden club, Everglades City FL. Founder
ECCLV Board of Directors, 2017
Certification
ServSafe Food Safety Manager
Timeline
ServSafe Food Safety Manager
10-2023
WA Food Handlers Card
10-2023
Chef, Owner
Everglades City Deli
02.2017 - 10.2020
Sous Chef
Havana Cafe
10.2014 - 04.2018
Lead Banquet Cook
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
08.2012 - 05.2014
Kitchen Shift Leader
Brinker International,Chili's Grill & Bar
04.2011 - 08.2012
Personal Chef
In and Out Concepts
01.2009 - 04.2010
Banquet Cook, Pool Outlet Manager
The Country Club of Birmingham
07.2006 - 03.2008
Line Cook
Myers Park Country Club
02.2005 - 07.2006
Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte
Associate of Science from Culinary Arts
09.2004 - 05.2006