Paul Rivera
Executive Chef
Kaneohe,HI
Summary
Dynamic Executive Chef with over 38 years of culinary experience, including leadership at Hula Grill Waikiki. Expert in menu development and cost control using COMPEAT systems, while fostering teamwork and mentoring future chefs. Proven track record in enhancing culinary offerings and maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Hula Grill Waikiki
03.2006 - Current
- Created and collaborated menu planning and recipe development to enhance culinary offerings.
- Followed strict Food Safety & Health regulations
- Supported inventory management by tracking ingredient usage and ensuring stock availability using COMPEAT systems
- Maintain cooking techniques and equipment operation to prepare high-quality dishes efficiently.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
Kitchen Manager
Cheese Cake Factory
05.2003 - 03.2006
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Managed inventory control, reducing waste through efficient ordering practices.
- Implemented health regulations and sanitation procedures, maintaining high cleanliness standards in the kitchen.
Chef
Creations in Catering
05.2001 - 01.2003
- Led kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Developed and executed diverse catering menus tailored to client preferences.
- Trained and mentored junior chefs, enhancing culinary skills and teamwork.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Executive Chef
Assaggio's Ristorante
06.1992 - 05.2001
- Part Ownership of Assaggio's Millilani restaurant
- Assisted in Italian menu planning and recipe development to enhance culinary offerings.
- Provided support during meal service, ensuring timely delivery of orders to customers.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
- opened and trained new managers/staff in Hawaii Kai (2004), Ala Moana shopping center (2008), Torrance, california (2000)
Sargent
Hawaii Army National Guard
01.1987 - 05.2000
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments under severe stress.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Responsible for platoon size TOW gunnery unit
Dinner Cook Apprentice
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
08.1989 - 06.1992
- Trained in all sheraton Waikiki Hotel food service restaurants ie; Ciao's Italian restaurant, HanoHano room, Banquets, Butchery, Pantry, Gade Manager, each executive chefs of their restuarants.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Learned theoretical in culinary arts with other hotel apprentices.
- worked side by side with chef mentors/lead cooks
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Hawaii State Apprentice Program
Honlulu, Hawaii05-2001
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Kapiolani Community College
Kaimuki, Hawaii05-1989
Skills
- Cost control using COMPEAT systems
- Kitchen operations oversight
- Menu development
- Strong work ethic
- ServSafe certification
- over 38 years in industry
- Special events and community service
- Chef mentor for Roosevelt & Castle High School culinary students
Accomplishments
*Published recipe "Shrimp Lumpia, banana dipping sauce" in "A Filipino Kitchen" by Adam Tabura
*Allan Wong's lumpia challenge winner
*1st place NAGA juijitsu tournament 2008
*Sargent of the year 1998
*Soldier of the year 1994
*State Wrestling 6th place 1986
*OAI Wresting 6th place 1986
Timeline
Executive Chef
Hula Grill Waikiki
03.2006 - Current
Kitchen Manager
Cheese Cake Factory
05.2003 - 03.2006
Chef
Creations in Catering
05.2001 - 01.2003
Executive Chef
Assaggio's Ristorante
06.1992 - 05.2001
Dinner Cook Apprentice
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
08.1989 - 06.1992
Sargent
Hawaii Army National Guard
01.1987 - 05.2000
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Hawaii State Apprentice Program
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Kapiolani Community College