Ryan Allen
8035
Summary
Innovative Sous Chef specializing in menu planning and customer service. Successful in coordinating kitchen operations and training teams to uphold food safety and quality standards.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sous Chef
ACTS Retirement-Life Community
Vero Beach, FL
04.2023 - Current
- Assisted in menu planning, focusing on seasonal ingredients and resident preferences.
- Coordinated kitchen operations to ensure timely meal preparation and service.
- Trained new culinary staff on food safety protocols and kitchen procedures.
- Developed daily specials, enhancing variety and dining experience for residents.
- Full Knowledge of MealSuite platform and menu input.
- Knowledgeable in spend down input.
- Experienced in inventory organization and accuracy.
- Conducted regular inspections of equipment functionality; coordinated repairs or replacements as needed.
Cook/Prep
ACTS Retirement-Life Community
Vero Beach, FL
10.2018 - 03.2023
- Maintained a clean and organized work station, following sanitation guidelines at all times.
- Assisted in training new line cooks on cooking techniques, recipe execution, and safety procedures.
- Operated various kitchen equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, etc ensuring they are properly functioning.
- Adhered to portion control guidelines while plating dishes for consistent portion sizes.
- Followed all food safety regulations including temperature monitoring and labeling of prepared foods.
- Communicated effectively with servers regarding special requests or modifications from customers.
- Worked efficiently under pressure during busy service periods to meet customer demands without compromising quality.
- Maintained knowledge of current menu items, ingredients used, allergens present, and any dietary restrictions or preferences upon request from customers.
- Ensured that all dishes leaving the kitchen were visually appealing by garnishing plates appropriately.
Assistant Culinary Manager
Bonefish Grill
Vero Beach, FL
07.2013 - 11.2018
- Assisted in creating and implementing culinary standards to enhance menu quality.
- Coordinated training programs for kitchen staff to improve efficiency and food preparation techniques.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing supply usage.
- Led daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations.
- Managed a team of 18 kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
- Ensured compliance with healthy and safety regulations by implementing proper sanitation practices throughout the kitchen area.
- Created standardized recipes for all menu items to maintain consistency in taste, presentation, and portion sizes across multiple locations.
- Coordinated special events such as banquets by planning menus, estimating food quantities needed, and overseeing execution.
- Implemented cross-training programs for kitchen staff members to enhance their skills across different stations within the culinary department.
- Collaborated with the executive chef on menu planning, recipe development, and culinary innovation initiatives.
Server/Host/Cashier
Bob Evans Restaurant
Vero Beach, FL
10.2007 - 05.2010
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed order accuracy by collaborating with kitchen staff for timely meal preparation.
- Maintained cleanliness of dining area by promptly clearing tables, sanitizing surfaces, and restocking supplies as needed.
- Adhered to all food safety regulations to ensure the health and well-being of customers.
- Handled cash transactions accurately using POS system while maintaining a balanced cash drawer at the end of each shift.
- Resolved customer complaints or concerns promptly and professionally to ensure a positive dining experience.
- Developed strong product knowledge including ingredients used in dishes allowing me to provide detailed information about menu items.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Management And Research
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL09-2012
High School Diploma -
Sebastian River High School
Sebastian, FL05-2009
Skills
- Team leadership
- Kitchen leadership
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Safe food handling
- Food presentation
- Menu planning
- Food preparation
- Customer service
- Kitchen organization
- Cooking techniques
- Allergen awareness
- Safety management
- Supervising food prep
- Knife skills
- Ingredient knowledge
- Mentoring and coaching
- Cost control
- Employee scheduling
- Kitchen management
- Spend Down
- Inventory
Certification
ServSafe Management Certification - Completed 08/02/2023
Acts Leadership Academy - Completed 11/14/2025
Timeline
Sous Chef
ACTS Retirement-Life Community
04.2023 - Current
Cook/Prep
ACTS Retirement-Life Community
10.2018 - 03.2023
Assistant Culinary Manager
Bonefish Grill
07.2013 - 11.2018
Server/Host/Cashier
Bob Evans Restaurant
10.2007 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Management And Research
University of South Florida
High School Diploma -
Sebastian River High School