Nicole Hansen
Saint Peter,MN
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience as Director of Food and Beverage at Oak Terrace Senior Living. Expert in menu planning and client relationship building, delivering exceptional dining experiences. Proven track record in training teams and implementing innovative programs, enhancing resident satisfaction while maintaining strict compliance with health and safety standards.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Chef
Self Employed Services
Colorado Springs, CO
03.2018 - 09.2025
- Developed personalized meal plans based on client dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
- Sourced high-quality ingredients from local markets to ensure freshness and flavor.
- Prepared diverse cuisines, adapting recipes for various dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Managed kitchen operations, including inventory control and equipment maintenance.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by maintaining open communication with clients regarding meal selections.
- 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.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Reduced food waste through effective menu planning, sourcing local ingredients, and utilizing seasonal produce.
Director of Food and Beverage
Oak Terrace Senior Living
North Mankato, MN
05.2013 - 06.2017
- Directed food and beverage operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed and implemented innovative dining programs to enhance resident satisfaction.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for optimal pricing and quality.
- Trained and mentored staff, fostering a culture of excellence in service delivery.
- Analyzed menu performance data to refine offerings based on resident preferences.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create balanced, nutritious meal options for residents.
- Oversaw budget management, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to establish long-term goals and strategic plans for the food and beverage department.
- Ensured compliance with all health and safety regulations, maintaining impeccable inspection records throughout tenure.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences through personalized service offerings tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
- Developed a strong team of food service professionals, selecting top talent through comprehensive recruitment initiatives.
- Spearheaded staff development initiatives including ongoing training programs focused on customer service excellence, upselling techniques, and product knowledge enhancement.
Education
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
South Central College
North Mankato, MN05.2015
Skills
- Kitchen organization
- Client relationship building
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Meal preparation
- Sanitation practices
- Food presentation
- Kitchen management
- Culinary expertise
- Vegetarian cooking
- Grilling techniques
- Kitchen preparation
- Sauce making
- Ingredient sourcing
- Recipe development
- Allergy awareness
- Special events
- Pastry skills
- Menu planning
- Kitchen equipment usage
- Special diets
- Vegan cooking
- International cuisine
- Nutritional advice
- Gluten-free cooking
- Customized meal plans
- Diabetic menus
- Baking techniques
- Operations management
- Hiring, training, and development
- Strong work ethic
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Food prep planning
- Hygiene policy implementation
- Team leadership
- Verbal and written communication
- Food safety
- Decision-making
Timeline
Personal Chef
Self Employed Services
03.2018 - 09.2025
Director of Food and Beverage
Oak Terrace Senior Living
05.2013 - 06.2017
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
South Central College