MRGRegional Chef
Mar. 2016 - Jun. 2021Canada, VancouverAs Regional Chef, I was responsible for overseeing multiple teams across eight locations, ensuring operational excellence, menu profitability, and consistent food quality. My role required a balance of high-level strategy and hands-on leadership, working across locations to maintain strong financial performance while fostering a culture of excellence in every kitchen.
Key Responsibilities:
Multi-Unit Leadership & Team Management
Led and mentored kitchen teams across up to eight locations, ensuring consistency, accountability, and efficiency.
Hired, trained, and onboarded staff for new venue openings, building high-performing teams from the ground up.
Focused on collaborative leadership, ensuring team development and retention in a high-turnover industry.
Menu Development & Cost Control
Created and implemented recipe and menu costing systems to maximize profitability across all locations.
Developed innovative menus that aligned with venue concepts while maintaining strict cost and inventory controls.
Partnered with the catering department to design customized event menus, ensuring seamless execution for five major venues.
Inventory & Financial Oversight
Maintained tight inventory control across multiple locations, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
Managed food cost and labor allocation for catering and restaurant operations, optimizing margins across diverse business models.
Strategized operational adjustments to maintain profitability throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing systems to navigate supply chain disruptions, fluctuating labor needs, and evolving regulations.
Guest Experience & Culinary Standards
Ensured food quality met MRG Group’s high standards, overseeing kitchen execution to provide an unforgettable guest experience.
Worked closely with venue managers and front-of-house teams to align service, presentation, and food quality with overall brand experience.
Focused on strategic menu engineering, ensuring offerings balanced creativity, customer appeal, and operational efficiency.
Catering & Event Execution
Led catering operations across five venues, ensuring high-quality execution for private and large-scale events.
Built strong relationships with clients, customizing menus and delivering seamless event dining experiences.
Worked with the catering and events department to enhance food presentation, service efficiency, and logistical coordination.