Wayman Clayton
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Dedicated Executive Chef with 20+ years of experience. With a proven track record in elevating culinary experiences and driving restaurant success. Seeking a challenging position to leverage my culinary expertise, creativity, and leadership skills to contribute to the growth and excellence of a dynamic culinary establishment. Committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences and exceeding customer expectations through innovative menu development and kitchen operations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
Trussville Social
03.2022 - Current
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Managed kitchen staff for efficient food production, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality dishes.
- Streamlined kitchen operations with effective inventory management and cost controls.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Implemented staff training programs to improve culinary skills, teamwork, and overall productivity.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless dining experiences for guests.
- Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
- Designed seasonal menus showcasing fresh local ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture practices within the community.
Executive Chef
Alsana
02.2021 - 03.2022
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Created visually appealing plate presentations, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction ratings by consistently delivering exceptional service in a high-pressure environment.
- Developed custom menus for clients with specific dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring their utmost satisfaction during their dining experience.
- Obtained fresh, local ingredients to improve dish flavors and limit grocery costs.
Head Chef
Farrellys Bar And Grill
04.2019 - 02.2021
- Elevated restaurant''s reputation by consistently creating high-quality, innovative dishes and maintaining top-notch presentation standards.
- Streamlined kitchen operations for increased efficiency through effective staff scheduling and proper inventory management.
- Fostered a positive working environment by promoting teamwork and open communication among all kitchen staff members.
- Managed food costs effectively with careful menu planning, accurate portion control, and utilization of seasonal ingredients.
Line Cook
Highlands Bar & Grill & Chez Fon Fon
06.2018 - 03.2019
- Prepared food and soups
- Kept a clean work environment
- Trained in all parts of the kitchen
- Trained new employees.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by streamlining prep tasks and effectively organizing workstations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality dishes in a timely manner.
Executive Chef
Hotel Indigo
02.2018 - 10.2018
- Manage & train kitchen staff
- Prepare all food
- Prep, working all stations
- Inventory & ordering for BOH.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Implemented special events promotions such as theme nights or cooking demonstrations to attract new clientele and boost sales revenues.
Chef Manager (Seasonal position)
LEGENDS
01.2017
- Organized kitchen operations
- Manage & train kitchen staff
- Prepare all food items
- Work all stations
- Inventory & ordering.
Sous Chef
College Chefs
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Manage & train kitchen staff
- Prepare all food for 20 to 2000 daily plates
- Prep, working all stations
- Inventory & ordering for BOH.
Food Service Supervisor
Children's Hospital Alabama
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Manage BOH staff
- Prepare all food items
- Work all stations
- Inventory & ordering.
- Reduced food waste by implementing proper inventory tracking and storage practices.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently managing food service operations and maintaining a clean environment.
Culinary Manager
Seasons 52
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Lead a team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, great tasting food
- Maintained proper food safety and sanitation
- Followed procedures for profitability
- Supports the Sous Chef.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA06.2014
Criminal Justice -
Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GA01.2012
Jefferson State Community College
Birmingham, AL01.2011
Skills
- Kitchen Management
- ChefTec
- Training and Mentoring
- Food Safety Regulations
- Menu Planning
- Budget Management
- Menu Development
- Knife skills
- Baking
- Recruiting and Hiring
- Supply Ordering
- Team Management
- Cleaning and Sanitation
Accomplishments
- Featured on Talk of Alabama and Good Day Alabama
- ServeSafe Manager certified and American Culinary Federation certified
- 1st place winner in Taste of Trussville
- Worked for James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Stitt
- Cooked for Martha Stewart and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
- Contributed to over a million dollars in revenue for each restaurant worked
- Selected to create & prepare unique dishes for private parties with well-known celebrities
- Prepared 300 meals, including appetizers and desserts, for high-volume catering event.
- Created signature dish which generated high-interest and became best-selling dinner entrée for 6 months.
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager-2023
- Certified Culinarian, ACF - 2022
- Personal Certified Chef, ACF - 2019
Additional Information
- Organizational skills
- Initiative to work independently
Personal Information
Title: Executive Chef
Timeline
Executive Chef
Trussville Social
03.2022 - Current
Executive Chef
Alsana
02.2021 - 03.2022
Head Chef
Farrellys Bar And Grill
04.2019 - 02.2021
Line Cook
Highlands Bar & Grill & Chez Fon Fon
06.2018 - 03.2019
Executive Chef
Hotel Indigo
02.2018 - 10.2018
Chef Manager (Seasonal position)
LEGENDS
01.2017
Sous Chef
College Chefs
01.2017 - 01.2018
Food Service Supervisor
Children's Hospital Alabama
01.2015 - 01.2017
Culinary Manager
Seasons 52
01.2013 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Culinary Arts
The Art Institute of Atlanta
Criminal Justice -
Art Institute of Atlanta
Jefferson State Community College
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