DUYGU KAFKASYALI
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with a proven track record in leading teams, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering exceptional customer service. Expertise includes menu development, financial management, and team training, supported by a successful history of implementing food safety plans and optimizing operations for significant revenue growth. Renowned for meticulous attention to detail and a collaborative spirit, consistently fostering teamwork and exceeding client expectations in high-volume, fine dining environments. Passionate about entrepreneurship with a strong desire to further develop skills in business planning, product innovation, and strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Banquet Chef
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Results-driven Banquet Chef with extensive experience, notably at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, expertly managing high-volume culinary productions for premier events.
- Strong track record in innovative menu development and executing exquisite culinary presentations for discerning clientele.
- Operational acumen includes rigorous cost control, precise inventory management, and implementing efficiency-driven kitchen processes.
- Adept at leading and developing high-performing culinary teams, ensuring strict adherence to all food safety and quality protocols.
- Committed to driving profitability and consistently delivering memorable dining experiences.
Kitchen Leader
JOEY Restaurant
12.2024 - 06.2025
- Demonstrated versatility by operating all line cook stations—including burgers, salads, appetizers, and the expo line—while engaging in sous chef training to enhance kitchen productivity and teamwork.
- Managed inventory using the CrunchTime system to efficiently replenish food items and supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels and minimizing waste for cost-effective operations.
- Ensured high-quality dishes by meticulously following standard recipes and accommodating special dietary requests with keen attention to detail, resulting in exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Mastered the operation of kitchen machinery—including ovens, fryers, and grills—and leveraged expertise to train and mentor new staff, fostering a skilled kitchen team.
- Uphold the highest hygiene and sanitation standards by implementing rigorous cleaning protocols, contributing to a safe kitchen environment and enhancing the restaurant's reputation.
Cook
Local Public Eatery
04.2024 - 04.2025
- Managed inventory using the CrunchTime system to efficiently replenish food items and supplies, maintaining optimal stock levels and minimizing waste for cost-effective operations.
Manager
Foodie’s Delight
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive food safety plan that received approval from Vancouver Coastal Health, ensuring compliance and passing all inspections.
- Curated a new menu by infusing Mediterranean cuisine, enhancing the restaurant's culinary offerings and customer appeal.
- Developed a detailed cost plan to identify and optimize food expenses, contributing to increased profitability.
- Led the store design process to strategically position kitchen equipment in compliance with health guidelines.
- Identified and established partnerships with supply chain distributors for menu items, ensuring a consistent and quality ingredient supply.
- Scheduled and conducted training sessions for new staff on menu preparation and adherence to food safety standards, while overseeing daily restaurant accounting using TouchBistro to maintain accurate financial records and balance accounts.
- Networked with local food bloggers to boost restaurant visibility and attract a broader customer base.
Loan Advisor
Spring Financial
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Applying active listening techniques to identify customer needs, providing personalized financial solutions, and fostering solution-based relationships.
- Streamlining the pre-approval process by efficiently collecting, organizing, and delivering customer information and documentation to financial partners.
- Utilizing comprehensive knowledge of Spring Financials’ product line, becoming a proficient resource for clients, and contributing to program education.
- Prioritizing customer satisfaction by continuously listening to customer feedback and adapting solutions, accordingly, contributing to positive and enduring relationships.
Server
Plaza Lounge
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Cultivated positive guest relationships by delivering attentive and personalized service to a diverse clientele, consistently exceeding expectations in a dynamic setting.
- Expertly de-escalated customer issues and implemented rapid solutions to maintain high service standards and ensure a superior dining experience.
- Streamlined service flow by efficiently coordinating table management, order accuracy, and timely delivery for a high volume of patrons during peak hours.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment among front-of-house and back-of-house teams, optimizing communication to enhance overall restaurant operations.
- Leveraged comprehensive product knowledge to make informed recommendations and effectively promote daily specials, contributing to increased revenue and customer satisfaction.
Supervisor
Tim Hortons
09.2022 - 11.2023
- Interviewed and trained new hires to follow organization procedures to ensure food safety and quality.
- Reallocated staff to new sections to ensure efficient food production lines, contributing to smooth daily operations.
- Actively engaged with clients to find solutions by using inter-personal communication skills to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Processed orders while accurately managing cash transactions, leading to more than $3000 in sales – meeting company objectives.
Server
Romanos Pizzeria
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Provided exceptional service to an average of 50+ guests per shift, consistently ensuring a positive and efficient dining experience through attentive interaction.
- Resolved customer concerns efficiently and courteously, adeptly turning challenging situations into positive outcomes and fostering guest satisfaction.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously, including order taking, food delivery, and payment processing, in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated effectively with a team of 10+ staff members (kitchen, host, bar) to ensure seamless operational flow and a cohesive service delivery.
- Demonstrated strong communication and upselling skills, enhancing guest experience by recommending menu items and contributing to increased check averages.
Manager
Parsley Berlin Style Donair
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Demonstrated agility by identifying and introducing a new product menu tailored to meet new clientele market, enhancing the business product portfolio.
- Took a lead in expanding the business footprint by successfully establishing and launching a new store location.
- Achieved an impressive milestone by generating a monthly revenue of $10,000 within just the initial four months of operation.
Server
La Ruota Pizzeria
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Provided exceptional service to an average of 50+ guests per shift, consistently ensuring a positive and efficient dining experience through attentive interaction.
- Resolved customer concerns efficiently and courteously, adeptly turning challenging situations into positive outcomes and fostering guest satisfaction.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously, including order taking, food delivery, and payment processing, in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated effectively with a team of 10+ staff members (kitchen, host, bar) to ensure seamless operational flow and a cohesive service delivery.
- Demonstrated strong communication and upselling skills, enhancing guest experience by recommending menu items and contributing to increased check averages.
Manager
La Ruota Pizzeria
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Identified wholesalers and acquired supply chain knowledge to successfully launch my first restaurant chain.
- Conducted feasibility studies for potential restaurant locations and developed comprehensive cost plans.
- Engaged with customers, attentively addressing their preferences to provide personalized product recommendations tailored to their needs.
- Prepared a diverse range of food items, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Customer Service Representative
V’Jardin
09.2019 - 06.2021
- Demonstrated creativity through by creating custom-tailored flower arrangements for various customer events, consistently exceeding expectations.
- Designed and setup floral arrangements at event venues, ensuring each setting complemented the occasion and theme, elevating the overall ambiance.
- Boosted sales of bundled flower packages that not only fulfilled client requirements but also aligned with the company's profitability objectives - this approach increased customer loyalty and contributed to revenue growth.
Sous Chef
Ramada
09.2018 - 02.2019
- Organized staff schedules to optimize coverage, ensuring smooth operations by effectively balancing workloads and accommodating employee availability.
- Managed inventory supplies, utilizing tracking and ordering systems to maintain optimal stock levels – minimizing the cost of supply shortages.
- Participated in staff training, with a focus on proficient food and equipment handling techniques and emphasized strict adherence to food safety and sanitation guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Biology and Genetics (Stem cells and Tissue Engineering)
Baskent University
09.2021
Skills
- Sanitation procedures
- Food presentation
- Kitchen management
- Quality control
- Menu development
- Large scale events
Languages
English
Full Professional
Turkish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Banquet Chef
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
03.2025 - 08.2025
Kitchen Leader
JOEY Restaurant
12.2024 - 06.2025
Cook
Local Public Eatery
04.2024 - 04.2025
Manager
Foodie’s Delight
01.2024 - 08.2024
Loan Advisor
Spring Financial
01.2024 - 04.2024
Server
Plaza Lounge
10.2022 - 11.2023
Supervisor
Tim Hortons
09.2022 - 11.2023
Server
Romanos Pizzeria
03.2022 - 09.2022
Manager
Parsley Berlin Style Donair
11.2021 - 06.2022
Server
La Ruota Pizzeria
09.2021 - 03.2022
Manager
La Ruota Pizzeria
07.2021 - 10.2021
Customer Service Representative
V’Jardin
09.2019 - 06.2021
Sous Chef
Ramada
09.2018 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Science - Molecular Biology and Genetics (Stem cells and Tissue Engineering)
Baskent University