Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
VALUE I BRING
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STEPHEN MATTHEWS

STEPHEN MATTHEWS

EXECUTIVE CHEF
Tucson,AZ

Summary

Culinary professional with solid track record in creating exceptional dining experiences and managing high-volume kitchens. Adept at developing innovative menus and ensuring seamless kitchen operations. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability to dynamic environments, consistently delivering high-quality results.

Work History

Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Manager

Arizona National Golf Club
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • Recruited to modernize F&B operations and elevate guest experience. Designed new menus, retrained staff, and introduced tighter cost controls.
  • Increased profit margins 18% and improved event-satisfaction ratings across all outlets.

Owner / Executive Chef

Prime Catering Services
01.2003 - 01.2021
  • Founded and managed full-service catering company for private and corporate clients.
  • Delivered 250 + successful events and achieved sustained repeat business through creative, high-quality dining experiences.

Owner / Operator

GNC, Anytime Fitness, Ironworks Athletic Club
01.1998 - 01.2018
  • Transferred hospitality and nutrition expertise into multi-unit fitness and wellness ventures.
  • Built profitable, community-driven operations integrating nutrition and performance coaching.

Cruise Line Chef Leadership

Carnival, Holland America, Orient Lines, V Ships
01.1985 - 01.1998
  • Led multicultural galley teams of 70 + chefs producing 35 000 meals daily.
  • Maintained USPH standards, trained international staff, and earned multiple culinary awards including Top 150 Chefs Worldwide (Epicurean World Master Chef Society).

Executive Chef / Food Service Manager

Dhahran International Hotel
01.1992 - 01.1995
  • Directed 22-chef brigade across fine-dining, banquet, and airline-catering operations.
  • Improved operational efficiency and achieved record profitability through standardized purchasing and prep systems.

Education

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 - Culinary Arts

Henley College of Catering
UK

City & Guilds 707/1 & 707/2 - Restaurant Management

Henley College of Catering
UK

Skills

  • Culinary Operations
  • Menu Development
  • Food Cost Control
  • Staff Training
  • Client Relations
  • Event & Banquet Execution
  • Business Strategy
  • Health & Nutrition Integration

Accomplishments

  • Created signature dishes which generated high-interest and became best-selling dinner entrées for Prime Catering.
  • Re-designed kitchen stations and equipment placement which increased productivity and enhanced workflow processes.

Affiliations

  • Affiliations: Le Toque Blanche
  • Epicurean World Master Chef Association (Top 150)
  • Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Certification

  • Certifications: ServSafe Food Manager
  • Alcohol Service & Hygiene Compliance
  • CPR Certified

Timeline

Executive Chef / Food & Beverage Manager

Arizona National Golf Club
01.2023 - 01.2025

Owner / Executive Chef

Prime Catering Services
01.2003 - 01.2021

Owner / Operator

GNC, Anytime Fitness, Ironworks Athletic Club
01.1998 - 01.2018

Executive Chef / Food Service Manager

Dhahran International Hotel
01.1992 - 01.1995

Cruise Line Chef Leadership

Carnival, Holland America, Orient Lines, V Ships
01.1985 - 01.1998

City & Guilds 707/1 & 707/2 - Restaurant Management

Henley College of Catering

City & Guilds 706/1 & 706/2 - Culinary Arts

Henley College of Catering

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Honored Listee — Marquis Who’s Who 2025, 2× Silver Platter Award – Italian Food Festival, Silver Medal – MeFex Bahrain, Federation Wine & Food Association of NZ Award, 3× First Place Culinary Merit Awards – Bahrain

VALUE I BRING

A chef’s precision with an operator’s mindset — experienced in building systems, leading teams, and delivering consistent excellence. Global perspective, business acumen, and a lifelong drive to create memorable dining experiences through quality and care.

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