Serhat Eylikeder
San Marcos,TX
Summary
Experienced Chef de Cuisine with a decade-long culinary journey, starting in high school in Turkey. Skilled in managing multiple priorities and leading high-performing kitchen teams. Possesses a deep passion for culinary innovation and a constant desire for continuous learning. Committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and maintaining the highest standards of food quality.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chef De Cuisine
Hildee's on the Square
03.2023 - Current
- Lead and manage all kitchen operations in a farm-to-table setting, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
- Direct a team of chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring smooth service and adherence to high standards of food quality.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef&Owner on menu development, emphasizing innovative and seasonal dishes.
- Optimize inventory management and vendor relations, achieving significant cost reductions.
- Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
- Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
Executive Sous Chef
True Food Kitchen
11.2023 - 02.2024
- Implemented effective safety protocols, maintaining a consistently clean and hazard-free kitchen environment.
- Oversaw business operations, including inventory control and customer service, ensuring efficient restaurant management.
- Balanced labor costs by effectively scheduling kitchen staff according to business needs.
- Assisted the Executive Chef in cost analysis and budget management, optimizing profitability without compromising quality.
Sous Chef
North Italia
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Assisted in managing kitchen operations, focusing on Italian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on fresh, handmade pasta.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
- Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
- Led kitchen team during high-volume service times, ensuring seamless operation and guest satisfaction.
Sous Chef / Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Fixe Southern House
03.2019 - 07.2023
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to source the best ingredients, enhancing menu quality.
- Managed food preparation tasks during high-volume service periods, ensuring all orders were executed in a timely manner without sacrificing quality or presentation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Managed inventory levels effectively, resulting in reduced food waste and cost savings for the establishment.
- Mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative work environment that improved overall team performance.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
Line Cook
Fixe Southern House
10.2016 - 03.2019
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Supported head chef during high-volume periods by efficiently executing complex tasks with precision under pressure.
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Chincoteague Diner & Restaurant
09.2014 - 09.2016
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Prepared and cooked full course meals based on restaurant recipes and specifications.
Line Cook
Ledo Pizza
05.2013 - 09.2014
- Prepared and cooked dishes according to customer specifications, maintaining consistency and quality.
Education
Associate Degree - Culinary Arts
Adnan Menderes University
Aydin, Turkey05.2013
Skills
- Hiring, Training, and Development
- Knife Skills
- Butchery skills
- Food Preparation and Safety
- Vendor Contracts and Negotiation
- ServSafe Certified
- Team Leadership and Development
- High-Volume Environments
- Cooking Technique Demonstrations
Certification
ServSafe Manager Certification
Timeline
Executive Sous Chef
True Food Kitchen
11.2023 - 02.2024
Sous Chef
North Italia
08.2023 - 11.2023
Chef De Cuisine
Hildee's on the Square
03.2023 - Current
Sous Chef / Head Chef / Kitchen Manager
Fixe Southern House
03.2019 - 07.2023
Line Cook
Fixe Southern House
10.2016 - 03.2019
Line Cook / Prep Cook
Chincoteague Diner & Restaurant
09.2014 - 09.2016
Line Cook
Ledo Pizza
05.2013 - 09.2014
Associate Degree - Culinary Arts
Adnan Menderes University