John McCracken
Churchville
Summary
Culinary leader with extensive experience in menu development and team management at Artis Senior Living. Achievements include effective budget management and waste reduction, resulting in increased resident satisfaction through customized culinary programs. Expertise in food safety standards and employee training contributes to a motivated and high-performing kitchen team.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Regional Culinary Director
Artis Senior Living
Yardley
08.2025 - Current
- Developed culinary programs tailored for senior residents' dietary needs for 26 separate communities.
- Collaborates with nutritionists to create balanced meal plans for residents of all dysphagia diets.
- Implemented safety and sanitation standards in food handling processes throughout 26 nationwide communities.
- Coordinated vendor relationships for sourcing fresh ingredients and supplies through market-basket research.
- Maintain accurate records of daily transactions such as sales reports and cost analysis for nine individual communities
Culinary Director
Artis Senior Living
03.2017 - Current
- Opened two Culinary Services departments in Huntingdon Valley and Yardley, each serving 72 clients.
- Developed and implemented event and holiday menus within budget while adhering to nutritional guidelines for over six years.
- Established department policies and procedures, including cleaning and maintenance schedules, in compliance with local and state regulations.
- Achieved low employee turnover through effective hiring, training, and management practices.
- Implemented "Legacy" program, tailoring meals to client preferences and enhancing satisfaction.
Executive Chef
Chandler Hall Health Services
02.2013 - 03.2017
- Experienced in leading and managing a team of culinary professionals, ensuring first-rate quality of food and service throughout all types of dining
- Generated all four-cycled, special event and holiday menus in adherence to all nutritional guidelines
- ServSafe Instructor and Proctor, allowing for timely, on site ServSafe certification/recertification of all staff
- Successful annual market basket evaluations of all food, beverage and linen vendors and contracts
- Developed and maintained departmental budgets, ensuring accuracy and oversight of financials
- Organized and scheduled all facility preventative maintenance and cleaning in adherence to both local and state guidelines
Daily Operations Manager
Chandler Hall Health Services
06.2004 - 02.2013
- Developed and implemented improved operating systems to streamline the daily operations of meal preparation and delivery, facility requisitions and all purchase orders
- Managed a team of 50+ employees, reviewed performance, handled disciplinary issues, and provided ongoing training annually and when needed
- Ensure compliance with all HACCP safety regulations and facility policies
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Communications
Delaware Valley University
Doylestown, PA05.2009
Skills
- Waste reduction
- Special event planning
- Kitchen management
- Food safety standards
- Sanitation procedures
- Team building and motivation
- Problem solving
- Budget management
- Employee training
- Customer satisfaction
- Budgeting and cost control
- Menu pricing
Certification
- ServSafe
- Certified Dementia Practitioner
Timeline
Regional Culinary Director
Artis Senior Living
08.2025 - Current
Culinary Director
Artis Senior Living
03.2017 - Current
Executive Chef
Chandler Hall Health Services
02.2013 - 03.2017
Daily Operations Manager
Chandler Hall Health Services
06.2004 - 02.2013
Bachelor of Arts - English Communications
Delaware Valley University