MICHAEL RENTERIA
Cambridge,Massachusetts
Summary
Operations and Food Service Professional experienced in kitchen and general management, specialty food retail, and team leadership. Achieved operational efficiency and profitability through effective vendor relations, purchasing strategies, and menu development. Focused on motivating and developing team members to excel in a competitive environment while ensuring compliance with health codes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen / General Manager
The Roasted Granola
Arlington, MA
10.2025 - Current
- Managed front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH) staff, coordinating daily operations to enhance teamwork and service delivery.
- Support efficient kitchen operations, consistent service, and adherence to established operating standards.
- Oversee inventory levels, place orders, and maintain appropriate stock to meet operational needs.
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate purchasing to support product availability and consistent quality.
- Contributed to menu development and evaluated menu cost of goods, promoting food cost control and maximizing profitability.
- Implement food safety and sanitation standards and ensure compliance with applicable health codes.
- Planned and coordinated catering events, overseeing operational preparation and execution to ensure successful event delivery.
Category Purchaser — Meat, Charcuterie, Cheese, Chocolate, Grains and Bulk
Provisions International
White River Junction, VT
08.2023 - Current
- Coordinate purchasing across multiple product categories, including meat, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, grains, and bulk products.
- Develop and maintain vendor partnerships to support supplier responsiveness and reliable product availability.
- Cultivated vendor partnerships to enhance supplier responsiveness and ensure reliable product availability.
- Coordinated with warehouse operations to optimize stock levels and streamline product flow.
- Monitored department budgets to uphold sustainable margins and drive profitability.
- Resolve logistical challenges and identify solutions to maintain operational continuity.
- Monitor department budgets to support sustainable margins and profitability.
- Work closely with Accounts Payable to manage purchase orders, invoices, and credits.
- Participate in monthly sales meetings to discuss product updates, vendor developments, and market opportunities.
Assistant General Manager
American Provisions
South Boston, MA
01.2018 - 02.2020
- Led front-of-house and back-of-house teams, supporting operational excellence, team development, and consistent customer service.
- Directed product sourcing and pricing across retail departments, including grocery, dairy, cheese and charcuterie, craft beer, and natural wine, using cost, availability, and market analysis.
- Cultivated collaborative workplace prioritizing communication, inclusion, and teamwork.
- Executed opening of second location in Dorchester, MA, in February 2019, enhancing brand presence.
- Coordinated project planning, product category selection, inventory planning, construction, budgeting, and labor requirements for successful launch.
- Enhanced team performance by training new employees in company standards and procedures.
- Coordinated in-store demonstrations, promotions, classes, and private dinners.
Sous Chef / Key Associate
Legal Test Kitchen
Boston, MA
05.2013 - 01.2018
- Supported operations at a high-volume Legal Sea Foods location in Boston's Seaport District, serving approximately 300–500 covers per night.
- Coordinated back-of-house operations and managed daily labor to ensure efficient service.
- Supported food preparation, ordering, and quality control while reporting on sales and labor.
- Assisted with food preparation, ordering, quality control, and sales and labor reporting.
- Managed inventory levels and set production pars to align with daily service needs.
Education
High School Diploma -
Land O' Lakes High School
Land O' Lakes, FLSkills
- Food service management
- Restaurant leadership
- Menu development
- Food Cost and Margin Control
- Inventory and Stock Management
- Food cost analysis
- Cross functional collaboration
- Operational Performance Analysis
- Event planning
- Customer Service and Problem-Solving
- Staff Training and Development
- Product analysis
Timeline
Kitchen / General Manager
The Roasted Granola
10.2025 - Current
Category Purchaser — Meat, Charcuterie, Cheese, Chocolate, Grains and Bulk
Provisions International
08.2023 - Current
Assistant General Manager
American Provisions
01.2018 - 02.2020
Sous Chef / Key Associate
Legal Test Kitchen
05.2013 - 01.2018
High School Diploma -
Land O' Lakes High School