Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Theodore R Gawens

Rochester,United States

Summary

Accomplished Food Service Director at Aramark with expertise in strategic planning and staff development, achieving a notable 4% reduction in food costs. Proven track record in leading renovations and managing high-profile catering events while building strong client relationships. Skilled in inventory management and policy implementation, ensuring operational excellence and compliance with safety standards. Committed to transforming food service operations through performance improvements to enhance service quality and profitability.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Food Service Director

Aramark
Rochester, NY
09.2020 - Current
  • Led the reduction in food cost from 51% to 47% for Bausch and Lomb
  • Implemented multiple menu changes showing immediate results in revenue stream
  • Oversaw on-site renovation of front of the house kitchen including the addition of a new micro market
  • Held the roll of District Safety Champion as well as Marketing Champion
  • Participated in the openings of all Lockheed Martin accounts, Tesla and Geico -responsibilities included marketing for new locations, front of the house set up and mentoring new managers as they came on board
  • Work closely with the Bausch executive team in developing multiple high level caterings throughout the year
  • Developed a close relationship with Bausch and Lomb executive team which led to us signing a new 5 year contract in 2023

Sr. Executive Chef

Metz Culinary Team
Buffalo, NY
06.2019 - 09.2020
  • Helped oversee the successful opening of both Buffalo General Hospital Patient Line and Retail operation as well as Oshei Children’s Hospital
  • Helped direct a staff of over 200 members including 60 culinary members
  • Held weekly culinary meetings with all chefs that included topics of food safety, plate presentation, budget concerns and overall staff readiness
  • Met daily with GM to discuss and implement any needs with the culinary team
  • Revamped the entire catering system working on presentation as well as set up
  • Saw an immediate increase in pop up caterings with Sr
  • Staff at the hospital that raved about all aspects of the food
  • Oversaw strict menu compliance on patient line to stay in line with patient’s diet

Executive Chef

Parkhurst Dining Services Inc.
Syracuse/Rochester, NY
06.2017 - 06.2019
  • Oversaw successful opening of BCBS Dewitt
  • Implemented Parkhurst Gold Standards
  • Revamped inventory packet to allow for more than one manager to count
  • Updated pricing from opening day pricing resulting in better inventory controls and accuracy in numbers
  • Upgraded staffing with hiring of two new sous chefs and continuous training of on hand employees
  • Worked on writing the budget for all locations for both 2018 and 2019 revenue cycles
  • Led weekly meetings with the district to review labor, revenue and food cost
  • Refocused training on food safety and standards resulting in passing of Steritech Audit followed by increasing of score shortly after on a random Parkhurst Audit

Food Service Director

Aramark
Rochester, NY
11.2014 - 05.2017
  • Worked closely with staff to begin rebuilding morale into an effective unit
  • Implemented PRIMA system and cleaned up old inventory practices
  • Developed close relationship with staff to better meet daily and catering needs
  • Produced budget for location and reported out to district weekly on all hits and misses
  • Maintained safety standards ensuring all employees were held to a high standard in both food safety and personal safety
  • Conduct monthly inventory and keep all on hands inventory at acceptable levels
  • Created all marketing and signage for location including special events, catering and daily items

Education

High School Diploma - Computer Science

Wilson High School
Rochester, NY, United States

Paul Smith's College
Paul Smith's, NY, United States

Skills

  • Proficient in Office 365
  • Serve Safe Certified Trainer
  • Staff training and development
  • Inventory management
  • Policy implementation
  • Cost control
  • Business leadership
  • Continuous operational improvement
  • Health inspections
  • Strategic planning

Accomplishments

  • Helped create on campus THRIVE Team
  • Created the Commons Healthy Grill concept as well as a concessions program for Student Athletics
  • Raised guest satisfaction scores significantly
  • Outside of the box thinking bringing new concepts to a stagnant environment
  • At various times held the roles of VOC (Voice of the Consumer) Champion, Marketing Champion and Safety Champion for my district
  • Oversaw the culinary team for 5 corporate accounts ranging from Utica NY to Buffalo NY
  • Became a certified Servesafe Instructor teaching classes over multiple regions to ensure manager compliance
  • Implemented and revamped the entire safety program at Buffalo General Hospital passing both the DNV audit as well as NYS Health Inspections with zero deficiencies

Certification

  • Servsafe Certification

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Food Service Director

Aramark
09.2020 - Current

Sr. Executive Chef

Metz Culinary Team
06.2019 - 09.2020

Executive Chef

Parkhurst Dining Services Inc.
06.2017 - 06.2019

Food Service Director

Aramark
11.2014 - 05.2017

High School Diploma - Computer Science

Wilson High School

Paul Smith's College

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Theodore R Gawens