Alejandro Serna
Cottonwood
Summary
Dynamic Executive Chef with a proven track record at Lisa Dahl, excelling in menu development and staff training. Expert in optimizing kitchen operations and controlling food costs, enhancing profitability while ensuring exceptional food quality. Strong leadership and attention to detail foster a collaborative environment, driving team success and customer satisfaction.
Forward-thinking professional offering more than 10 years of experience working in fast-paced kitchens. Skilled at staying focused and productive in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness in busy times.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Lisa Dahl
06.2020 - 11.2025
- Oversaw kitchen operations, ensuring timely meal preparation and high-quality food presentation.
- Developed innovative menu items, incorporating seasonal ingredients to enhance dining experience.
- Trained and mentored junior culinary staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Implemented cost control measures, optimizing ingredient usage while maintaining quality standards.
- Established relationships with local suppliers to source fresh produce and specialty items.
- Streamlined kitchen workflows, improving efficiency during peak service periods.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments to minimize waste and ensure adequate stock levels.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive prices on ingredients and supplies.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
- Prepared ingredients according to recipes, ensuring freshness and quality standards.
- Maintained cleanliness of kitchen equipment and workstations, adhering to safety protocols.
- Operated commercial dishwashing equipment efficiently to maintain cleanliness standards.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely availability of clean dishes and utensils.
- Prepared high-quality dishes in accordance with recipes and presentation standards.
- Operated kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, and ovens to ensure efficient food production.
- Developed training programs to improve team performance and ensure compliance with industry standards.
- Analyzed workflow processes to identify areas for improvement and implement effective solutions.
Education
High School Diploma -
Oak Lawn Community High School
Oak Lawn, IL05-2018
Skills
- Kitchen operations management
- Menu development
- Staff training and mentoring
- Cost control measures
- Supplier relationship management
- Workflow optimization
- Inventory assessment
- Health and safety compliance
- Business operations oversight
- Food quality control
- Strong work ethic
- Hospitality service expertise
- Team leadership
- Inventory control
- Kitchen management
- Catering and events
- Banquets and catering
- Food presentation
- Staff scheduling
- Attention to detail
- Purchasing management
- BOH operations
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
Working in the culinary field and hospitality, its not easy trying to make profit. As many know it takes years before a company or restaurant start to make profit, I took over Pisa Lisa VOC in June 2024 and was making profit within the first 6 months of taking leadership.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Executive Chef
Lisa Dahl
06.2020 - 11.2025
High School Diploma -
Oak Lawn Community High School