Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Matthew Owens

O'Fallon,MO

Summary

Dynamic culinary leader with extensive experience at Coppers Hawk Winery Restaurant, recognized for enhancing food presentation and maintaining high sanitation standards. Proven ability to innovate menus that elevate customer satisfaction and streamline kitchen operations. Skilled in mentoring teams and optimizing processes, fostering a collaborative environment while achieving budgetary goals.

Experienced with overseeing kitchen operations and maintaining quality standards in fast-paced environment. Utilizes effective leadership and team management to ensure smooth daily operations and high customer satisfaction. Knowledge of inventory management, cost control, and staff development, contributing to efficient and productive kitchen operations.

Dedicated culinary professional with 25 years of experience

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Kitchen Manager

Coppers Hawk Winery Restaurant
01.2023 - Current
  • Played an instrumental role in menu development, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations for maximum appeal.
  • Mentored junior chefs in advanced culinary techniques, fostering a collaborative learning environment within the kitchen team.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless coordination between the kitchen and dining areas.
  • Reduced food waste through careful inventory management and creative menu planning.
  • Streamlined ordering processes to reduce delivery errors from vendors while staying within established budgets.
  • Facilitated effective communication within the kitchen team, addressing concerns promptly and fostering a positive work atmosphere.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process for new hires by interviewing candidates, assessing their skills, and making recommendations to upper management based on fit within the existing team dynamic.
  • Regularly reviewed performance metrics to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the areas of cost control, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw equipment maintenance and repair schedules to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
  • Led the successful execution of special events and catering orders, coordinating with other departments to ensure seamless delivery of high-quality dishes on time and under budget.
  • Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
  • Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
  • Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
  • Manage all Wine dinners and special in house events monthly
  • Oversees all new menu roll out every two months

Personnel Chef

My Chef St. Louis
07.2022 - 01.2023

I worked closely with clients in there homes to create weekly menus for there family's .

prepared and prepped all meals on site for them .

Created menus designed for dietary and special needs for clients

worked for as many as 8 different family on a weekly basis

Did extra events for clients as well , Holidays and special occasions

Weekly menus planning and shopping for all products needed

  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
  • Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
  • Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.

Executive Chef

Walnut Grill
01.2022 - 07.2022
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Implemented special events promotions such as theme nights or cooking demonstrations to attract new clientele and boost sales revenues.
  • Crafted unique dishes that significantly increased restaurant reputation and customer base.
  • Butchery of all meats and seafood that was received on site
  • Created menus for bourbon and wine dinners

Chef De Cuisine

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05.2021 - 12.2021
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
  • Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Ran multiple outlets in Casino from fine dinning Steak house final Cut , 99 hops house , Celebrity Grill
  • Created menus for special event , Wine dinners
  • Concert season large catering on site for 300 + guest
  • Managed ordering and scheduling for all outlets

Executive Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
12.2020 - 04.2021
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Butchery of all proteins on site
  • Seafood trimming of all fish in house
  • Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.

Executive Chef

Bristol Seafood Grill
03.2004 - 01.2021
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
  • Successfully managed and participated in all facets of the kitchen operation from food preparation and production
  • Actively ensure quality products Inventory with weekly planning scheduling , procurement and storage
  • Contributed to new menu items roll out planning and implementation
  • Developed and maintained long term supply chain relationships for local and regional produce , baked goods and world wide sourcing of fresh fish
  • Extensive knowledge in filleting multiple species and different preparations
  • Soux chef 2007 - 2011
  • Executive chef 2011 -2021
  • Hit all budgets and labor targets
  • Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
  • Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
  • Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
  • Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills, teamwork, and overall productivity.
  • Designed seasonal menus showcasing fresh local ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture practices within the community.
  • Created menus for 4 course wine , bourbon , beer dinners
  • Ran off site events


Education

No Degree - Culinary Arts / Baking And Pastry

St. Louis Forest Park Community College
St Louis, MO

No Degree - Fish Sourcing And Quality

Foleys School of Fish
Boston, MA
01-2012

High School Diploma -

Fort Zumwalt South High School
City Of Saint Peters, MO
01-2000

Skills

  • Sanitation standards
  • Kitchen operations
  • Health and safety regulations
  • Food presentation
  • Skilled in Butchery of any protein
  • Fish filleting of multiple spices of fresh fish
  • Creating menus for special dinners and off site events
  • Wine pairings and menu creation
  • very organized culinary professional
  • Scheduling and rostering
  • Menu development
  • Waste reduction
  • Recipe creation
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Culinary techniques
  • Safety audits
  • Attention to detail
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Food safety
  • Team collaboration and leadership
  • Food preparation
  • Safe food handling

Accomplishments

    Local St. Louis TV Fox 2 Culinary video segment with Bristol Seafood Grill

    St. Louis best Bridal Magazine spotlight on desserts ( fall/winter 2016 issue )

    Best restaurant in St. Charles Award

Certification

Serve safe Certified through 2029

Timeline

Senior Kitchen Manager

Coppers Hawk Winery Restaurant
01.2023 - Current

Personnel Chef

My Chef St. Louis
07.2022 - 01.2023

Executive Chef

Walnut Grill
01.2022 - 07.2022

Chef De Cuisine

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
05.2021 - 12.2021

Executive Chef

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
12.2020 - 04.2021

Executive Chef

Bristol Seafood Grill
03.2004 - 01.2021

No Degree - Culinary Arts / Baking And Pastry

St. Louis Forest Park Community College

No Degree - Fish Sourcing And Quality

Foleys School of Fish

High School Diploma -

Fort Zumwalt South High School
Matthew Owens