Alen Badzak
Palm Desert
Summary
Dynamic Executive Chef with extensive experience at Villa Royale & Europa Boutique Hotel, known for innovative menu development and strong team leadership. Skilled in inventory management and budget oversight, successfully achieving AAA Four Diamond Award. Focused on quality assurance and enhancing customer experiences through culinary excellence and strategic supplier partnerships. Seasoned Executive Chef with background in diverse culinary styles and management of kitchen operations. Proven expertise in menu development, cost control, and high-quality food preparation. Known for leadership skills, creativity, and commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. Made significant impact by improving efficiency and streamlining processes in previous roles.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef/Owner
Haus of Pizza
Palm Desert
- Oversaw daily operations, including payroll, ordering, inventory management, and menu development.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in food handling practices.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source fresh produce and specialty items consistently.
- Developed recipes that aligned with restaurant standards while minimizing waste.
- Managed hiring and training processes to enhance service quality and team performance.
- Maintained a 4.9 rating on Yelp through exceptional customer service and operational excellence.
- Collaborated in running a successful restaurant business with spouse until sale due to family health issues.
Salesperson
Palm Springs Motors
Palm Springs
- Sold new and used vehicles, accommodating diverse customer backgrounds.
- Assisted customers in selecting vehicles that matched their needs and preferences.
- Demonstrated vehicle features and functionality during customer test drives.
- Built strong relationships through exceptional customer service.
- Demonstrated vehicle features and explained warranties to enhance understanding.
- Assisted customers with paperwork efficiently, ensuring smooth transactions.
- Appraised vehicles for trade-ins, providing fair evaluations.
Chef De Cuisine
Parker Hotel
Palm Springs
- Oversaw night shift operations for Norma's, Mister Parkers, Speak Easy Bar, and room service.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain operational efficiency.
- Developed recipes that reflect the hotel's brand identity and culinary vision.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations and safety standards in the kitchen.
- Managed inventory control, ordering processes, and payroll functions.
- Assisted Executive Chef with large catering events to ensure seamless execution.
- Led a team of 12 kitchen employees, evaluating performance and enforcing discipline as needed.
Executive Chef
The Nest
Indian Wells
- Oversaw back-of-house operations in a high-performing restaurant generating 13 million dollars annually.
- Created diverse menus reflecting seasonal ingredients and culinary trends.
- Managed food inventory and procurement to maintain quality standards.
- Managed scheduling, inventory control, menu development, recipe creation, ordering, and catering services.
- Contributed to recognition as one of 100 Best Restaurants in USA for three consecutive years.
- Implemented efficient inventory management processes to reduce waste and optimize costs.
Chef
Eisenhower Hospital
Rancho Mirage
- Involved in comprehensive kitchen operations, ensuring seamless workflow management.
- Prepared diverse meals following hospital dietary guidelines and patient preferences.
- Collaborated with nutritionists to create balanced menus for patients' specific needs.
- Trained new kitchen staff on safety protocols and food preparation techniques.
- Assisted in planning special event catering for hospital functions and gatherings.
- Monitored food quality during preparation to uphold hospital standards.
- Developed recipes that met nutritional requirements while enhancing flavor profiles.
Executive Chef
Villa Royale & Europa Boutique Hotel
Palm Springs
- Directed all kitchen operations for fine dining restaurant, achieving AAA Four Diamond Award and Wine Spectator Award.
- Developed innovative menus and managed inventory to ensure high-quality dining experiences.
- Oversaw purchasing processes to maintain optimal stock levels and cost efficiency.
- Coordinated staff scheduling to align with operational needs and special events.
- Planned and executed weddings and special events to exceed client expectations.
- Achieved Tripadvisor's Award of Excellence and Zagat Rating through exceptional culinary standards.
Executive Chef
Wanda Restaurants
Dubrovnik
- Established two restaurants in old city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Developed farm-to-table concept for both dining establishments.
- Launched Wanda, specializing in Italian cuisine, and Surf & Turf steak house.
- Designed menus for each restaurant, ensuring culinary excellence.
- Hired and trained all personnel to deliver exceptional service.
Chef
Lake Almanor Country Club
Plumas County
- Designed seasonal menus for country club clientele, encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events.
- Managed kitchen inventory, ensuring fresh ingredients and proper storage practices.
- Maintained a clean work environment by adhering to sanitation policies and procedures.
- Managed all back-of-house operations, including scheduling, ordering, and inventory control.
- Executed cooking duties, ensuring high-quality food preparation for various dining occasions.
Education
Four years of culinary school -
Ugostiteljsko Turisticka
Bosnia And HerzegovinaSkills
- Multi-outlet operations
- Budget management
- Pricing strategy
- Team development
- Safety and sanitation
- Quality assurance
- Inventory management
- Recipe creation
- Customer relationship management
- Team leadership
- Supplier collaboration
- Problem solving
- Employee training
Accomplishments
- Best Chef America
Languages
English
Professional
Bosnian
Professional
Certification
- ServSafe Certificate
Timeline
Executive Chef/Owner
Haus of Pizza
Salesperson
Palm Springs Motors
Chef De Cuisine
Parker Hotel
Executive Chef
The Nest
Chef
Eisenhower Hospital
Executive Chef
Villa Royale & Europa Boutique Hotel
Executive Chef
Wanda Restaurants
Chef
Lake Almanor Country Club
Four years of culinary school -
Ugostiteljsko Turisticka