Ronald Kludac
Wheaton
Summary
Seasoned Executive Chef with 15+ years of experience, now seeking to transition into a Corporate Chef, School Dining, or Business Chef role. Demonstrated expertise in leading culinary teams, developing innovative menus, and managing kitchen operations to deliver exceptional dining experiences. Proven ability to streamline operations, control costs, and ensure high-quality food production.
Innovative Executive Chef known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in menu development, kitchen team management, and food safety protocols. Excel in time management, creative problem-solving, and leadership, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef
Kane County Cougars
Geneva
02.2023 - Current
- Senior Executive Chef for $4million+ a year food & beverage operation
- Streamline daily operations, improving efficiency through meticulous management
- Develop daily production sheets for kitchen staff, leading to 100% increase in staff efficiency
- Manage all catered events at the ballpark, ensuring high-quality service and coordination, which resulted in 100% increase in client satisfaction
- Control food and labor costs throughout the ballpark by closely monitoring expenses and implementing cost-saving measures, achieving 75% reduction in overall food costs
- Supervised and mentored a diverse team of 6 luxury suites kitchen staff and 40+ concession and picnic cooks, improving team performance and cohesion through effective training
- Created and costed new menus for the suites level, day-of-game service, and catering, incorporating research on pricing and options, which led to 75% increase in menu profitability
Executive Chef
Morrison Healthcare
Wheaton
11.2019 - 10.2022
- Designed and implemented regular and modified menus in alignment with established guidelines, leading to 100% increase in customer satisfaction
- Trained kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, equipment operation, and sanitation, improving compliance, resulting in 100% reduction in food safety incidents
- Established and maintained rigorous cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage, and work areas, which enhanced operational efficiency
- Managed inventory of food and non-food supplies to adhere to established guidelines while ensuring product availability, achieving 50% reduction in waste
Senior Executive Chef
Professional Sports Catering/Levy Restaurants
Geneva
02.2015 - 10.2019
- Optimized daily operations for the suite level, suite kitchen, and picnic areas, enhancing efficiency and guest satisfaction by implementing streamlined processes
- Created and managed daily production sheets for kitchen staff, which improved coordination and productivity, resulting in 50% reduction in preparation time
- Oversaw and executed all catered events at the ballpark, ensuring seamless service and high-quality food, which contributed to 100% increase in positive feedback
- Maintained strict control over food and labor costs throughout the ballpark by analyzing expenditures and optimizing resource allocation, achieving 50% reduction in overall costs
Executive Chef
Eve Assisted Living
Hinsdale
12.2012 - 04.2014
- Ensured adherence to sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards by preparing and directing the preparation of food, resulting in 100% increase in compliance
- Minimized loss, waste, and fraud by implementing effective usage protocols for facility supplies and equipment, achieving 75% reduction in overall waste and cost overruns
- Managed day-to-day operations for both front and back of house in the facility restaurant, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service, which led to 100% increase in positive guest feedback
Personal Chef and BBQ Catering Business
Self-Employed
Naperville
10.2011 - 12.2012
- Prepared a week's worth of meals for clients by visiting their homes, tailoring each menu to fit family lifestyle choices and meal preferences, resulting in 100% increase in client satisfaction
- Delivered award-winning BBQ catering by specializing in smoked foods and BBQ for various events, achieving 100% growth in customer referrals
- Coordinated and executed catering events by working directly in clients' kitchens, ensuring seamless event operations
Executive Chef/Manager
Multiple Companies
Joliet
09.2010 - 09.2011
- Managed financials and cost control, resulting in 20% reduction in food and operational costs through effective budgeting
- Provided comprehensive training to cooks and production staff, enhancing team skills and performance, which led to 100% improvement in food quality
- Oversaw weekly scheduling and payroll for employees, ensuring accurate and timely compensation while optimizing labor costs, which improved staffing efficiency
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality and Foodservice Administration
College of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, ILSkills
- Menu Development
- Kitchen Management
- Culinary Creativity
- Cost Control
- Inventory Management
- Food Safety Compliance
- Team Leadership
- Event Catering
- Supplier Coordination
- Recipe Standardization
Certification
- ServSafe
- Food Handler Certification
Timeline
Executive Chef
Kane County Cougars
02.2023 - Current
Executive Chef
Morrison Healthcare
11.2019 - 10.2022
Senior Executive Chef
Professional Sports Catering/Levy Restaurants
02.2015 - 10.2019
Executive Chef
Eve Assisted Living
12.2012 - 04.2014
Personal Chef and BBQ Catering Business
Self-Employed
10.2011 - 12.2012
Executive Chef/Manager
Multiple Companies
09.2010 - 09.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Hospitality and Foodservice Administration
College of Dupage