Aaron Aggarwal
McHenry
Summary
Accomplished Culinary Executive and Restaurant Owner with over 25 years of experience in high-volume operations and foodservice sales. Expertise in cost optimization, multi-unit management, and team leadership, consistently driving revenue growth and maintaining quality standards. Seeking a leadership role to leverage operational expertise, culinary creativity, and strategic business acumen.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Consultant
Sysco Foods
06.2023 - Current
- Grew territory sales to $5.2M+ in annual revenue across more than 50 accounts
- Ranked consistently in the top one-third of sales consultants in Illinois/Wisconsin
- Conduct market research to identify industry trends, competitive activity, and new business opportunities
- Partner with customers to improve menu development, food cost control, and operational efficiency
Executive Sous Chef
Great Wolf Lodge
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Oversaw culinary operations for five food and beverage outlets
- Managed labor planning and scheduling for approximately 50 employees
- Led execution of all catering, banquets, and special events
- Developed, implemented, and audited staff health and safety standards in compliance with Health Department and EcoSure requirements
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Bulldogs Grill
05.2010 - 06.2022
- Directed all aspects of restaurant operations including purchasing, labor, scheduling, and financial performance
- Managed a staff of approximately 30 employees
- Developed and executed all menus and specials while maintaining a 30% food cost
- Created all recipes and pricing models
- Built a positive, team-oriented workplace culture
- Established and enforced health and safety compliance standards
- Awarded Daily Herald’s Best Burger for eight consecutive years
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Broken Spoke Eatery
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Achieved 32% food cost through strategic food purchasing management.
- Executed diverse menus and specials to enhance customer dining experiences.
- Enabled FOH staff versatility with a comprehensive cross-training program.
- Ensured health and safety compliance through effective program implementation.
- Grew customer base and boosted social media engagement with inventive promotions.
- Led monthly cooking classes, enhancing community engagement and culinary skills.
- Managed all aspects of catering and events, ensuring client satisfaction and smooth execution.
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Middletons on Main
05.2012 - 02.2022
- Achieved 32.5% food cost by implementing strategic purchasing and portion control.
- Executed diverse menus and specials enhancing customer dining experiences.
- Organized large community events like Oktoberfest and Blues, Brews & Burger Fest.
- Trained staff on food safety and sanitation practices to ensure compliance.
- Led successful catering operations for weddings and private events, exceeding client expectations.
- Honored with Daily Herald’s Best New Restaurant/Bar Award for exceptional service.
Corporate Chef
Wool Streets & Anthem Grill
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Oversaw culinary operations for three locations with combined annual sales of $6M
- Managed labor and scheduling for 70+ employees
- Directed all food and dry goods purchasing
- Reworked vendor purchasing strategies, generating $90,000 in annual cost savings
Executive Chef / Catering Manager
Durty Nellie’s
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Managed restaurant and bar operations with $5M+ in annual sales
- Led hiring, training, and scheduling for a team of 12 cooks
- Maintained food cost at 32%
- Oversaw all catering events including weddings, menu planning, décor, staffing, and execution
Education
Restaurant Management and Ownership
Kendall College
01.1997
Psychology
Northwestern College
Evanston, IL01.1992
Surgical Assistant
William Rainey Harper College
01.1990
Skills
- Culinary & Menu Development
- Cost Control, Budgeting & Financial Management
- High-Volume Operations Leadership
- Staff Training, Hiring & Retention
- Catering & Event Management
- Vendor Negotiation & Purchasing
- Customer-Focused Sales & Relationship Building
- POS & Software: Microsoft Word, Excel, QuickBooks, Micros, Toast, Outlook
- Poised under pressure; adaptable and solutions-oriented
- Extensive knowledge of global cuisines
- Food safety
Certification
- Certified Professional Food Manager (Current)
- Allergy Awareness Certification
Activities & Interests
Off-grid camping, Writing a World Cuisine cookbook
Awards & Recognition
85+ Daily Herald Awards, including Best New Restaurant (twice), Featured on Chicago’s Best TV Show, Featured on 190 North, Featured on Dean Richards WGN Radio Show, 1st Place – Chicago WingFest, 1st Place – International Scovie Awards (twice), 1st Place – International Fiery Food Awards (twice)
Timeline
Sales Consultant
Sysco Foods
06.2023 - Current
Executive Sous Chef
Great Wolf Lodge
07.2022 - 06.2023
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Broken Spoke Eatery
09.2020 - 05.2022
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Middletons on Main
05.2012 - 02.2022
Restaurant Owner / Chef
Bulldogs Grill
05.2010 - 06.2022
Corporate Chef
Wool Streets & Anthem Grill
01.2008 - 01.2010
Executive Chef / Catering Manager
Durty Nellie’s
01.2003 - 01.2008
Psychology
Northwestern College
Surgical Assistant
William Rainey Harper College
Restaurant Management and Ownership
Kendall College