Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Websites
Timeline
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Oleh Zahorodniuk

Oleh Zahorodniuk

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

As a skilled Head Chef, I bring a combination of culinary expertise, creativity, and leadership to every kitchen I manage. I excel in creating innovative, high-quality dishes, seamlessly blending traditional Ukrainian, American, and European culinary traditions. I developed and implemented a modern Ukrainian fusion cuisine, reimagining classic dishes with contemporary techniques and international influences.

My leadership has driven business growth, with a 55% increase in revenue and a significant rise in guest visits. I have introduced new signature dishes, expanded catering services and weekend banquets, and optimized costs by strengthening supplier relationships. I focus on training and leading kitchen staff, enhancing service speed, efficiency, and consistency.

Through my dedication to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, I have built a loyal customer base, ensuring sustained success and growth.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Chef

Corner of Ukraine
Nyack, NY
06.2024 - 01.2025
  • Revitalized the restaurant’s kitchen operations, improving food quality, presentation, and overall efficiency.
    • Developed and implemented a modern Ukrainian fusion cuisine, seamlessly blending Ukrainian, American, and European culinary traditions.
    • Designed an innovative menu that reimagines traditional Ukrainian dishes with contemporary techniques and international influences.
    • Introduced new signature dishes, attracting more guests and increasing customer satisfaction.
    • After my arrival, the restaurant became profitable, with revenue increasing by 55% and a significant rise in guest visits.
    • Developed and expanded catering services and banquet offerings on weekends, boosting revenue and brand recognition.
    • Strengthened relationships with local suppliers, ensuring fresh, high-quality ingredients while optimizing costs.
    • Trained and managed kitchen staff, enhancing service speed, efficiency, and consistency.
    • Established a strong base of loyal customers, contributing to sustained business growth.
    • Today, the restaurant is thriving and continues to grow, maintaining a strong reputation in the community.
  • Assisted in developing marketing strategies aimed at increasing restaurant revenue.

Head Chef

"N"joy" family Cafe Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York
02.2023 - 06.2024

• Led kitchen operations in a family-oriented café, specializing in high-quality, child-friendly cuisine.
• Designed and executed a seasonal menu focused on nutritious and appealing dishes for both children and adults.
• Managed a team of kitchen staff, overseeing training, scheduling, and performance to ensure smooth service.
• Implemented cost-effective inventory management, reducing waste while maintaining ingredient quality.
• Maintained strict food safety and sanitation standards, ensuring full compliance with health regulations.
• Developed innovative menu items and promotions that increased customer engagement, contributing to a 40% revenue growth.
• Optimized kitchen workflow and service efficiency, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall dining experience.

• Organized and conducted interactive cooking masterclasses for children and families, enhancing customer experience and brand loyalty.
• Planned and executed private events and banquets, customizing menus to meet client preferences and dietary needs.

Sous Chef

Polskie Smaki
Wroclaw, Poland
12.2020 - 12.2022

• Assisted the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of food quality and presentation.
• Supervised and trained kitchen staff, improving efficiency and maintaining consistency in dish execution.
• Developed and refined menu items, incorporating seasonal ingredients, and modern culinary techniques.
• Oversaw inventory management and supplier coordination, optimizing costs, and minimizing waste.
• Maintained strict hygiene and safety standards, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
• Collaborated with front-of-house staff to enhance the overall dining experience and customer satisfaction.

  • Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to create innovative dishes for special events.

Executive Chef & Kitchen Manager

Fomich Group Hotels
Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
03.2017 - 11.2020

• Managed kitchen operations across five hotels within the Fomich Group, ensuring high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Designed and developed seasonal and à la carte menus, incorporating local ingredients and modern culinary trends.
• Supervised and trained kitchen staff across multiple locations, enhancing efficiency and maintaining a high level of service.
• Oversaw food cost management, inventory control, and supplier negotiations, optimizing profitability.
• Maintained strict hygiene and safety standards, ensuring compliance with health regulations and HACCP requirements.
• Organized and executed banquets, corporate events, and private dining experiences, tailoring menus to client needs.
• Developed and implemented culinary workshops and masterclasses for guests, enhancing the hotel’s dining experience.
• Collaborated with hotel management to create special promotions and dining events, increasing guest satisfaction and revenue.
• Successfully coordinated kitchen operations across five locations, ensuring seamless service and operational efficiency.

Skills

  • Forecasting and planning
  • Food spoilage prevention
  • Banquets and catering
  • Dish preparation
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Food science
  • Signature dish creation
  • Menu design
  • Seasonal menu planning
  • Menu planning
  • Regional cuisine expertise
  • Performance assessments

Languages

English
Limited
Polish
Full Professional
Ukrainian
Native/ Bilingual
Russian
Native/ Bilingual

Affiliations

• Travel: I am passionate about exploring different cultures and cuisines, which enriches my culinary expertise and broadens my understanding of global food trends. My travels have inspired many of my innovative menu ideas, combining diverse flavors and techniques from around the world.
• Culinary Masterclasses: I regularly host and participate in culinary workshops, where I share my knowledge and learn new skills. These sessions allow me to stay updated with the latest culinary techniques while also connecting with fellow chefs and food enthusiasts.
• Creative Pursuits: Outside of cooking, I enjoy engaging in creative activities like photography and painting. These hobbies enhance my aesthetic sense, helping me present dishes with an artistic touch and think outside the box when designing menus.

These activities help me maintain a well-rounded lifestyle and foster both personal and professional growth.

Timeline

Head Chef

Corner of Ukraine
06.2024 - 01.2025

Head Chef

"N"joy" family Cafe Brooklyn
02.2023 - 06.2024

Sous Chef

Polskie Smaki
12.2020 - 12.2022

Executive Chef & Kitchen Manager

Fomich Group Hotels
03.2017 - 11.2020
Oleh Zahorodniuk