David Larsen
Edmonton,Canada
Summary
A seasoned leader in the culinary and event management sectors, I excel in transforming challenges into profitable ventures, notably turning Sawmill Restaurant Group's Capilano location to a $1M profit in six months. My expertise in large-scale event organization, such as the Thunder Bay Fishing Festival, showcases my exceptional planning skills and ability to engage communities.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
President
THE CHEFS KITCHEN
Edmonton, Alberta
02.2012 - Current
- Provided personal chef service and conducted private cooking classes to enhance culinary skills of clients;
- Planned special events and coordinated fundraising efforts to support organizational goals;
- Produced a TV cooking show focused on teaching culinary techniques to viewers.
- Restaurant Design and Construction;
- Consulted on and developed menus tailored to client preferences and dietary needs.
General Manager
WHITE SPOT
Campbell River, Canada
05.2008 - 07.2010
- Responsible for all aspects of business in the remote community of Cambell River, BC;
- Took the store from bottom 5 (in 66 stores) to top 3 in first year after starting.
General Manager
SAWMILL RESTAURANT GROUP
Edmonton, Canada
02.2008 - 07.2010
- Brought the Capilano location from losing over $500,000/year to profit over $1 million in six months.
- Developed, designed and opened the Stony Plain store.
Chef/Concept Coordinator
FIX'N'TRIX
Campbell River, Canada
05.2002 - 02.2010
- Created a TV Show and newspaper articles that serviced North Vancouver Island as a resource for and knowledge base to the culinary arts.
Executive Chef
OAK BAY MARINE GROUP
Campbell River, Canada
01.2005 - 10.2007
- Managed a Brigade of over 100 staff;
- Coordinated all food service and staffing for both Painters Lodge and April Point Resort.
Instructor
NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE
Campbell River, Canada
07.2004 - 07.2005
- Taught ethnic cooking classes.
Contract Chef
THRIFTY FOODS
Courtenay, Canada
11.2003 - 06.2004
- Developed, designed and opened an in-house Mongolian Grill concept.
Executive Chef
THE BEEHIVE SEAFOOD GRILL AND CAFE
Campbell River, Canada
08.2002 - 11.2003
- Created an amazing connection of local seafood merchants with a legendary ocean-side Restaurant;
- Local Restaurants followed this concept to utilize the local seafood and thus creating a sustainable market as opposed to sending the product away for sale.
Instructor of Apprenticeship
CONFEDERTION COLLEGE
Thunder Bay, Canada
08.2000 - 07.2002
- As a member of the Culinary Advisory Board, I developed and taught the first course ever to apprentices in Thunder Bay.
Executive Chef
VALHALLA INN
Thunder Bay, Canada
10.1997 - 07.2001
- I led a Brigade of over 100 staff in the largest Executive Hotel in Thunder Bay.
Owner/Chef De Cuisine
LONGTAILS
Thunder Bay, Canada
09.1989 - 12.1997
- Five Restaurant locations in total;
- The Fine Dining location was recognized in "Where to Dine Canada" as Top 4th for three years in a row.
- Other operations included; casual dining restaurant, catering, special event and fundraising coordination, restaurant design and development, trade show presentation and personal chef services.
Production Chef
AIRLANE HOTEL
Thunder Bay, Canada
01.1989 - 09.1989
- Coordinated all of the large scale production for a 300-room Hotel and banquet centre.
Executive Chef
PINKS
Bermuda
01.1989 - 09.1989
- Opened and developed a 100-seat Bistro concept Restaurant with off-site catering for up to 1,000 guests.
Executive Chef
SNOWFLAKE ROOM-SCIENCE NORTH
Greater Sudbury, Canada
01.1988 - 01.1989
Production Chef
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & SUITES
Greater Sudbury, Canada
01.1987 - 01.1988
Executive Chef
KUKOGAMI LODGE
Greater Sudbury, Canada
01.1986 - 01.1987
Education
COOKING -
Cambrian College of Applied Arts And Technology
Greater Sudbury01-1989
Skills
- Thunder Bay Fishing Festival – approximately 10,000 attendees:
- Organized the entire event, including all food concessions, children's activities, children's fishpond, entertainment, marketing, and sponsorship Volunteer Activities: Thunder Bay Fishing Festival;
- Thunder Bay Children's Festival; World Nordic Games; Terry Fox Run; Canada Day Celebrations;
International Friendship Games - Events: Women's Show Courtenay, BC; (2,000-2,500)
- Campbell River Seafood Festival; (10,000-12,000)
- International Friendship Games; (4,000) Nordic Games;
- Thunder Bay Fishing Festival (10,000)
Volunteer Experience
- Thunder Bay Fishing Festival
- Thunder Bay Children's Festival
- World Nordic Games
- Terry Fox Run
- Canada Day Celebrations
- International Friendship Games
Events
- Women's Show, Courtenay, BC, 2,000-2,500
- Campbell River Seafood Festival, 10,000-12,000
- International Friendship Games, 4,000
- Nordic Games
- Thunder Bay Fishing Festival, 10,000
Timeline
President
THE CHEFS KITCHEN
02.2012 - Current
General Manager
WHITE SPOT
05.2008 - 07.2010
General Manager
SAWMILL RESTAURANT GROUP
02.2008 - 07.2010
Executive Chef
OAK BAY MARINE GROUP
01.2005 - 10.2007
Instructor
NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE
07.2004 - 07.2005
Contract Chef
THRIFTY FOODS
11.2003 - 06.2004
Executive Chef
THE BEEHIVE SEAFOOD GRILL AND CAFE
08.2002 - 11.2003
Chef/Concept Coordinator
FIX'N'TRIX
05.2002 - 02.2010
Instructor of Apprenticeship
CONFEDERTION COLLEGE
08.2000 - 07.2002
Executive Chef
VALHALLA INN
10.1997 - 07.2001
Owner/Chef De Cuisine
LONGTAILS
09.1989 - 12.1997
Production Chef
AIRLANE HOTEL
01.1989 - 09.1989
Executive Chef
PINKS
01.1989 - 09.1989
Executive Chef
SNOWFLAKE ROOM-SCIENCE NORTH
01.1988 - 01.1989
Production Chef
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & SUITES
01.1987 - 01.1988
Executive Chef
KUKOGAMI LODGE
01.1986 - 01.1987
COOKING -
Cambrian College of Applied Arts And Technology