Rachel Lavacca
Pawtucket
Summary
Experienced food service leader with a proven track record in managing multi-unit operations, driving revenue, and optimizing budgets. Skilled in team leadership, event planning, process improvement, and food safety compliance. Known for delivering personalized customer experiences, fostering partnerships, and executing large-scale projects with efficiency and attention to detail.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Dining Services
Chartwells Schools Dining Services
Barrington, RI
08.2025 - Current
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance nutrition standards and meal quality across multiple school districts.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health regulations and food safety protocols.
- Implemented cost-control measures that optimized resource allocation while maintaining high service levels.
- Collaborated with culinary teams to develop seasonal menus tailored to student preferences and dietary needs.
- Coordinated logistics and site planning for construction project, optimizing operational efficiency during relocation of production facilities.
- Managed budgeting processes, aligning financial goals with overall dining service objectives for maximum impact.
General Manager
Guckenheimer, at Takeda Pharmicuticals
08.2022 - 08.2025
- Oversaw and processed sales across a main cafeteria, three barista locations, and a high-volume catering operation, collectively generating approximately $3 million in annual revenue, across 3 buildings.
- Led the implementation of a new POS system, including the launch of an online ordering platform, proactively troubleshooting self-checkout issues to ensure a seamless customer experience.
- Managed unit expenditures to align with annual budgets, monitoring labor management and food costs to support operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
- Collaborated with registered brand partners to open a new barista location, ensuring compliance with brand standards and integrating personalized service elements to enhance customer experience.
- Led the hiring, onboarding, and training of front-of-house salaried managers and hourly staff, fostering a well-prepared and cohesive team.
- Crafted custom menus for C-suite clients, reflecting latest culinary trends while accommodating individual preferences and dietary needs for personalized dining experiences.
- Secured new vendors for the approved supplier list to meet diverse dietary requirements, including vegan and certified gluten-free options, ensuring compliance with client requirements and food safety standards.
Path Assistant
Amazon
01.2022 - 08.2022
- Led a team of 15-30 associates, fostering a productive and efficient work environment.
- Utilized computer programs to optimize arrival times, staffing levels, and package processing, ensuring team met demanding daily volumes.
- Streamlined workflows by assigning daily tasks effectively, enhancing overall team productivity.
Executive Sous Chef
Epting Events
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Produced three culturally and religiously specific meals for 6,000 refugees, ensuring dietary needs were met with sensitivity and respect.
- Handled and processed large quantities of food daily, maintaining efficient and hygienic operations.
- Maintained the highest level of food safety compliance, adhering to stringent military, state, and private food safety regulations.
- Adapted meal preparation to seasonal changes in mobile kitchen, showcasing resourcefulness and effective problem-solving skills.
Perishable Team Lead
Wegmans
06.2019 - 01.2020
- Acted as a floating manager across bakery, produce, meat, seafood, and cheese departments, demonstrating adaptability and a broad understanding of fresh food operations.
- Supported department managers in ordering and receiving products, maintaining optimal stock levels and effective inventory control.
- Managed timely completion of catering orders, enhancing client satisfaction and facilitating successful event execution.
Chef Manager
Cartwells Higher Education
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Managed all food, beverage, and paper goods procurement, ensuring efficient inventory control and cost-effectiveness.
- Managed food, beverage, and paper goods procurement to enhance inventory control and cost management.
- Created weekly schedules to optimize staffing and resource allocation for operational efficiency.
- Ensured strict adherence to budgetary guidelines to maintain financial health.
Education
Secondary School -
Depew High School
Depew, NY01-2011
Associates of Culinary Arts - undefined
Johnson & Wales University
Charlotte, NC01-2012
Skills
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Budget Management
- Financial Oversight
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Project Management
- Event Planning & Execution
- Operational Leadership
- Team Leadership & Development
- Strong Communication
Certification
Servsafe Manager
Timeline
Director of Dining Services
Chartwells Schools Dining Services
08.2025 - Current
General Manager
Guckenheimer, at Takeda Pharmicuticals
08.2022 - 08.2025
Path Assistant
Amazon
01.2022 - 08.2022
Executive Sous Chef
Epting Events
10.2021 - 12.2021
Perishable Team Lead
Wegmans
06.2019 - 01.2020
Chef Manager
Cartwells Higher Education
06.2018 - 06.2019
Associates of Culinary Arts - undefined
Johnson & Wales University
Secondary School -
Depew High School