Damien Galan
Phoenix
Summary
Dynamic Executive Chef with 22 years of experience, specializing in innovative menu creation and budget management. Adept at fostering team growth and ensuring food safety compliance, I enhance customer satisfaction through culinary excellence and strategic supplier collaboration. Passionate about delivering high-quality dining experiences while mentoring aspiring chefs.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Chef
Conceptually Social Catering
05.2016 - 10.2024
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus, enhancing customer satisfaction and culinary innovation.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices, maintaining optimum inventory levels.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and payroll.
- Mentored team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing skill sets within the organization.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures for optimal performance.
Lead Line Cook
Ocean Prime
01.2013 - 05.2016
- Worked closely with other line cooks to ensure consistency across all stations, delivering a cohesive dining experience for guests.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to effectively manage multiple orders at once while ensuring high-quality output and timely service.
- Showcased creativity in garnishing dishes, enhancing their visual appeal and attracting more customers to try them out.
- Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
Line Cook
Hilton Resort & Spa
10.2009 - 04.2014
- Prepared high-quality dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely service and efficient workflow during peak hours.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations, adhering to food safety regulations.
- Coordinated with front-of-house staff to address customer feedback and dietary restrictions promptly.
Line Cook
Furio
10.2004 - 12.2011
- Monitored food quality and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Efficiently rotated through various stations within the kitchen, demonstrating adaptability and strong proficiency at each position.
- Changed and sanitized cutting boards, benches, and surfaces between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
- Streamlined dishwashing processes by prioritizing incoming dirty dishes based on usage needs of the kitchen staff.
Education
High School Diploma -
Summit High School
Phoenix, AZ05-2004
Skills
- Food safety compliance
- Budget management
- Recipe and menu creation
- Recruitment and onboarding
- Culinary operations management
- Reliable commitment to tasks
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Auto Repair/Restoration
- Camping
- DIY and Home Improvement
Timeline
Executive Chef
Conceptually Social Catering
05.2016 - 10.2024
Lead Line Cook
Ocean Prime
01.2013 - 05.2016
Line Cook
Hilton Resort & Spa
10.2009 - 04.2014
Line Cook
Furio
10.2004 - 12.2011
High School Diploma -
Summit High School