Wendy D. Solomon
Cohoes,NY
Summary
Results-driven hospitality leader with expertise in operations and client relationship management. Specializes in formulating business goals, implementing policies, and training staff. Enhances service quality and ensures compliance with health regulations, while fostering positive customer relationships.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES II
UNIDINE
01.2025 - Current
- Oversaw day-to-day operations for 200 residents, managing front-of-house functions, card watch tracking, ordering, data entry postings, cash handling, daily safety and sanitation walk-throughs, and execution of scheduled events.
- Coordinated training and in-service sessions for new staff, ensuring effective workflow directives were communicated.
- Identified and evaluated areas needing improvement, then planned and implemented workflow solutions for waitstaff.
- Maintained strong relationships with clients, residents, and staff through ongoing communication and engagement, continually evaluating and anticipating their needs.
- Contribute to business outcomes through effective organization, prioritization, and execution of key assignments, such as HealthStream education and standout programming.
DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES I
UNIDINE
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Led entrepreneurial initiatives with full ownership of outcomes, holding on-site leadership team accountable for service behavior standards.
- Developed and implemented an overall strategy with the client’s business strategy and vision of the community.
- Assessed personnel, operations, and culinary situations and provided guidance to involved parties.
- Analyzed financial reports and statements to assess account performance against budget.
- Performed daily walk-throughs to ensure full compliance with Department of Health regulations.
- Communicated relevant updates to executives, supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates through phone, written communication, email, or in person.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES I
UNIDINE
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed daily operations for 130 residents, leading front-of-house functions, card watch tracking, ordering, data entry, cash handling, safety and sanitation inspections, and event execution.
- Assisted the director in the interviewing process and onboarding of new staff, including training, coaching, and conducting in-service training sessions for service staff members with effective workflow directives.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, residents, and staff through ongoing communication and active engagement, while continually evaluating and anticipating their needs.
- Identify, evaluate, and anticipate areas needing improvement, then plan and implement changes, such as new workflow solutions for the waitstaff.
- Prioritized and executed key tasks, focusing on HealthStream education and standout programming.
PRIVATE NUTRITION-BASED CHEF & CATERER
PRIVATE CLIENTS
01.2011 - 01.2022
- Planned and produced high-quality, nutritionally balanced meals within budget, ensuring client satisfaction through meticulous record-keeping of weekly expenditures.
- Adapted recipes and food preparation to meet specific dietary needs of clients, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Uphold a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment, including maintaining equipment.
- Recruited staff according to event needs while maintaining client relationships.
DINING SERVICES
MARIPOSA AT ELLWOOD SHORES SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Prepared and served 100 meals per service, adhering to standardized recipes and safety regulations.
- Executed kitchen and dining room operations during in-school work-study program, ensuring smooth service.
- Rotated through dining services stations, gaining experience in kitchen and office operations to enhance versatility.
- Assisted staff with set-up, breakdown, and service in dining room, fostering positive interactions with residents.
WELLNESS KITCHEN CHEF
CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Developed and presented recipes for wellness programs, catered events, and cooking classes, enhancing participant engagement and satisfaction.
- Created nutritionally balanced meals, ensuring adherence to dietary guidelines under RDN supervision.
- Assisted culinary demonstrations and led interactive cooking classes for healthy living programs.
- Engaged corporate, private, and retail clients throughout events, fostering strong relationships and encouraging repeat attendance.
CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT I & II
CONEJO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Supported central kitchen operations by preparing, producing, and packaging food for 30+ schools.
- Ensured food service equipment met food safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained kitchen staff in scratch cooking techniques and knife safety practices.
- Formatted standardized recipes throughout the school district in Nutra-Kids software program for K-12.
HEAD CHEF INSTRUCTOR – CONSULTANT
VENTURA SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Taught scratch cooking techniques to over 30 school food service managers & kitchen staff, enhancing culinary skills across multiple sites.
- Developed and implemented standardized recipes & manuals for 30+ food service managers, ensuring consistency and quality in food preparation.
- Created new, formatted recipes in the Nutri-Kids Program within USDA nutrition guidelines.
- Conducted monthly demonstrations and training sessions on newly developed recipes, equipping staff with practical skills and knowledge.
KITCHEN MANAGER - CHEF DE PARTIE
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Oversaw wellness kitchen operations, including menu planning, ordering, staffing, inventory control, budget compliance, and equipment maintenance.
- Managed day-to-day operations of the culinary and dining staff for events from 10 to 150 guests.
- Created and refined healthy recipes and menus for corporate, private, and consumer events, enhancing client satisfaction.
- Led interactive cooking classes under the direction of a registered dietitian for health and wellness programs.
- Authored training manual for wellness kitchen and established protocols for off-site events to ensure consistency and quality.
Education
MBA -
SUNY College At Oswego
Oswego, NY06-2028
Associate of Science - Hospitality Management
Moorpark College
Moorpark, CA03.2026
Bachelor of Science - Food and Nutrition
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL03.2021
Hospitality Administration And Management -
California State Polytechnic University
Pomona, CA01.2017
Associate - Culinary Arts
California School of Culinary Arts - Le Cordon Bleu
Pasadena, CA01.2002
Pastry Arts Degree -
New York Restaurant School
NYC01.1996
Master of Science - Human Nutrition
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, ALSkills
- Customer service
- Food safety
- Menu development
- Team leadership
- Event planning
- Computer skills/applications
- Daily production reports
- Financial management
Activities And Certifications
- Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional (CDM, CFPP)
- Serve-Safe Manager Certification – National Restaurant Association
- HACCP Manager Certification
- CPR Certification
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Member
- Association of Nutrition and Foodservice Professionals Member
Previous Work Experience
- Banquet Manager, Harley Davidson Café, High Volume Theme Restaurant Group in NYC, 1+ year
- Restaurant Manager / Maître d / Catering Manager, Angeli Restaurant Group, Los Angeles, 6 years
- Server, Hostess, Cashier, Various Restaurants, 5+ years
- Office Manager, Rondon International Inc., Apparel, Piece Goods, Fabric Company, 6 years
Timeline
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES II
UNIDINE
01.2025 - Current
DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES I
UNIDINE
01.2024 - 01.2025
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - DINING SERVICES I
UNIDINE
01.2022 - 01.2024
DINING SERVICES
MARIPOSA AT ELLWOOD SHORES SENIOR ASSISTED LIVING
01.2020 - 03.2020
CHILD NUTRITION ASSISTANT I & II
CONEJO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2015 - 01.2016
WELLNESS KITCHEN CHEF
CALIFORNIA HEALTH & LONGEVITY INSTITUTE
01.2012 - 01.2018
HEAD CHEF INSTRUCTOR – CONSULTANT
VENTURA SCHOOL DISTRICT
01.2012 - 01.2013
PRIVATE NUTRITION-BASED CHEF & CATERER
PRIVATE CLIENTS
01.2011 - 01.2022
KITCHEN MANAGER - CHEF DE PARTIE
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
01.2007 - 01.2011
MBA -
SUNY College At Oswego
Associate of Science - Hospitality Management
Moorpark College
Bachelor of Science - Food and Nutrition
The University of Alabama
Hospitality Administration And Management -
California State Polytechnic University
Associate - Culinary Arts
California School of Culinary Arts - Le Cordon Bleu
Pastry Arts Degree -
New York Restaurant School
Master of Science - Human Nutrition
The University of Alabama