Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Strategic Growth
References
Timeline
Generic

Nico Sims

La Jolla,CA

Summary

Raised in the catering industry, I began honing my culinary skills at a young age, peeling potatoes and dicing onions in my father's restaurant. By 14, I secured my first job as a line cook/cashier at a Vietnamese restaurant, quickly advancing to an expo/line cook position at a larger establishment by 15. During the COVID pandemic, I contributed to opening Cali Alley, where I rose to sous chef, driven by my passion for cooking and high standards in food quality. In addition to my culinary experience, I've demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by launching and managing three businesses, including a successful catering company in high school. My leadership skills and dedication to quality make me a valuable asset in any culinary setting.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sous Chef

Cali Alley
Berkeley, California
03.2020 - 08.2024
  • Opened a restaurant during the COVID-19 pandemic with only four employees, working 50 hours per week until success allowed for hiring additional staff.
  • Trained on all kitchen stations until fully mastered and trained all staff.
  • Hands-on experience with Clover POS system.
  • Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
  • Coordinated ordering, receiving, storage, and distribution of food items.
  • Directed kitchen staff in day-to-day operations, including food production, sanitation, safety practices, and personnel management.
  • Operated various kitchen appliances, including blenders, food processors, fryers, ovens, grills, and stand mixers.

Catering Chef

California Rose Catering
Berkeley, California
02.2017 - 08.2024
  • Coordinated ordering, prep, and production of weddings/special events.
  • Provided guidance to staff regarding kitchen operations, equipment use, and safety protocols during catering events.
  • Loaded and unloaded vans in a coordinated manner to protect the food from damage.
  • Managed scheduling of staff members for various tasks, including cooking, baking, plating, serving, and cleaning up.
  • Created innovative recipes to enhance presentation of menu items at catered events.

Line Cook/Expeditor

Romanos Macaroni Grill
El Cerrito, California
01.2019 - 03.2020
  • Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking, and waste control guidelines.
  • Expedited a 4 station birgade hotline during the busy weekend rushes.
  • Communited betweenn cooks and servers to maintain a smooth service.
  • Assisted in prep work such as chopping vegetables or butchering meats.

Cashier/Line Cook

Kims Cafe
Albany, California
01.2018 - 12.2018
  • Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the menu.
  • Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, or card.
  • Ensured freshness of food and ingredients by checking for quality, keeping track of old and new items, and rotating stock.
  • Tasted all prepared dishes in order to check flavorings, texture and presentation prior to serving them to customers.

Education

Bachelor Degree - Business Economics

University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, CA
06-2026

Associate Degree - Business

Contra Costa College
San Pablo, CA
05-2024

High School Diploma -

Albany High School
Albany, CA
06-2020

Certification

Serv Safe Certification Issued 12/8/2021 Exp 12/08/2026

Strategic Growth

Successfully launched and managed the Cali Alley restaurant generating $1.9M in revenue within three years, while navigating challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the establishment's recognition as the second Black-owned restaurant in Berkeley.

Organic Press:

https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/01/26/berkeley-chef-on-catering-covid-and-opening-walk-up-window-cali-alley/

References

Adrian Vargas- Califonria Rose Catering- Site Director/Coordinator- 407-718-7987

Kathy Carbajal- Cali Alley- Chef De Cusine- 510-815-6484

Amer Hawari - Albany High School- Football Coach- 510-926-1610

Timeline

Sous Chef

Cali Alley
03.2020 - 08.2024

Line Cook/Expeditor

Romanos Macaroni Grill
01.2019 - 03.2020

Cashier/Line Cook

Kims Cafe
01.2018 - 12.2018

Catering Chef

California Rose Catering
02.2017 - 08.2024

Bachelor Degree - Business Economics

University of California - San Diego

Associate Degree - Business

Contra Costa College

High School Diploma -

Albany High School
Nico Sims