Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Chris Velez

lancaster

Summary

Dynamic Chef De Cuisine with a proven track record at Bent Creek Country Club, excelling in menu development and team management. Renowned for enhancing guest satisfaction through innovative dishes and effective cost control, while fostering a collaborative kitchen environment. Expertise in food preparation and a commitment to food safety standards drive exceptional culinary experiences.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Chef De Cuisine

Bent Creek Country Club
05.2022 - Current
  • Optimized kitchen workflow by delegating tasks according to individual strengths, resulting in faster ticket times during peak hours.
  • Maintained high levels of sanitation and cleanliness, adhering to strict health code regulations and ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Participated in regular menu tastings with ownership and management to evaluate dishes for flavor balance, presentation, and ingredient quality.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Scheduled and supervised all kitchen employees such as line cooks, and dishwashers
  • Increased overall food quality by sourcing premium ingredients from trusted suppliers while managing cost controls effectively.
  • Reduced food waste through careful menu planning, portion control, and regular monitoring of product expiration dates.
  • Implemented creative weekly specials to showcase unique ingredients or techniques while maintaining consistent customer favorites.
  • Created menus and designed corresponding recipes.
  • Mentored junior chefs in culinary techniques, fostering their growth and development within the team.
  • Ensured proper storage of perishable items according to HACCP guidelines, minimizing risks associated with foodborne illness outbreaks or spoilage costs.
  • Forecasted seasonal staffing levels and interviewed and hired new staff members.
  • Regularly reviewed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement or adjustments to menu offerings based on preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Continuously researched industry trends and new culinary techniques to stay ahead of competitors while maintaining an innovative edge within the dining scene.
  • Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
  • Created lasting relationships with local purveyors, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the foodservice industry.
  • Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service and exceptional dining experiences for all customers.
  • Developed seasonal menus with a focus on sustainability and supporting local farmers, resulting in rave reviews from guests and critics alike.
  • Conducted daily pre-shift meetings with kitchen staff to communicate goals, updates, and expectations for each shift effectively.
  • Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
  • Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
  • Obtained fresh, local ingredients to lower grocery costs.
  • Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
  • Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
  • Placed orders to restock items before supplies ran out.
  • Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
  • Coordinated employee schedules and developed staff teams to boost productivity.
  • Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
  • Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
  • Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
  • Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
  • Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
  • Utilized culinary techniques to create visually appealing dishes.
  • Assisted with menu development and planning.
  • Trained and managed kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
  • Monitored food production to verify quality and consistency.
  • Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time.
  • Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
  • Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
  • Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
  • Developed close relationships with suppliers to source best ingredients.
  • Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
  • Modified recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.

Line Cook

American Bar and Grill
06.2019 - 05.2022
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
  • 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.

Lead Line Cook

Lombardos
03.2019 - 01.2020
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
  • Followed restaurant stock management schedule to monitor product freshness and rotate out old products.
  • Cultivated a positive working atmosphere among kitchen staff, fostering camaraderie and a strong sense of teamwork.
  • Produced high volume covers per day and maintained near-perfect customer satisfaction scores.

Education

High School Diploma -

Hempfield High School
Landisville, PA
01-2010

Skills

  • Seafood preparation
  • Plating techniques
  • Vegetable cookery
  • Leadership qualities
  • Knife skills
  • Food safety
  • Kitchen sanitation
  • Team management
  • Kitchen operations
  • Food presentation
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Culinary expertise
  • Allergen awareness
  • Food safety standards
  • Menu development
  • Recipe creation
  • Ingredient sourcing
  • Food trends awareness
  • Food spoilage prevention
  • International cuisine
  • Wine pairing
  • Menu planning capability
  • Dish preparation
  • Menu pricing strategy
  • Inventory rotation
  • Kitchen management
  • Staff training
  • Banquets and catering
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Purchasing
  • Workflow optimization
  • Plating and presentation
  • Vendor relations
  • Allergy awareness
  • Cost control
  • Ingredient selection
  • Signature dish creation
  • Food preparation techniques
  • Kitchen equipment safety
  • Menu pricing
  • Employee retention strategies
  • Food and beverage pairing
  • Cleaning and sanitation
  • Recipes and menu planning
  • Portion and cost control
  • Relationship building
  • Kitchen staff management
  • Staff performance assessments
  • Food production
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Attention to detail
  • Multitasking

Timeline

Chef De Cuisine

Bent Creek Country Club
05.2022 - Current

Line Cook

American Bar and Grill
06.2019 - 05.2022

Lead Line Cook

Lombardos
03.2019 - 01.2020

High School Diploma -

Hempfield High School
Chris Velez