Akash Sharma

Experienced Sous Chef and culinary leader with over 15 years across high volume restaurant and multi kitchen environments. Skilled in leading and mentoring teams, building scheduling and prep systems, controlling food cost, and partnering with front of house to deliver a seamless, memorable guest experience. Calm and resilient under pressure, with a collaborative leadership style built on integrity, clear communication, and recognizing the people on the team.

Passionate about food quality, consistency, and creating an environment where both guests and fellow team members feel valued and cared for.

Sous Chef - The Regency of Lakefield - Lakefield, ON

(2024-05)

• Oversee daily food preparation and cooking operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and exceptional quality across all service periods.
• Establish and maintain standards, procedures, and prep systems that improve workflow efficiency and consistency.
• Manage ordering, receiving, storage, and rotation of supplies while monitoring and minimizing food cost.
• Contribute to recipe production and development, training the team on new dishes and providing ongoing feedback.
• Conduct daily inspections to ensure full compliance with hygiene, sanitation, health, and safety regulations.
• Mentor and motivate kitchen staff, fostering a positive, collaborative environment between kitchen and service teams.
• Provide hands on support on the line during peak service, leading by example under pressure.

Supervisor - Chaska Indian Street Food - Peterborough, ON

(2022-09 - 2024-04)

• Led daily food service operations and the kitchen team through high volume peak periods.
• Trained staff on safe food handling, cleanliness, and workflow efficiency, improving service speed and quality.
• Maintained food quality and presentation standards while ensuring full health and safety compliance.

Kitchen Manager - Symposium Cafe - Hamilton, ON

(2021-10 - 2022-08)

• Managed full kitchen operations including preparation, plating, and service while holding consistent quality standards.
• Owned inventory receiving, storage, labeling, and supplier ordering, supporting tighter food cost control.
• Led staff training and recruitment support, scheduling, and station organization.
• Enforced food safety, infection control, and cleanliness across all kitchen areas.

Chef de Partie - Milestone Restaurant - Niagara Falls, ON

(2021-03 - 2021-09)

• Supported the head chef on menu development and high volume food preparation for large events and banquets.
• Managed station inventory to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize waste.
• Maintained high standards of hygiene and food safety across all kitchen operations.

Assistant Kitchen Manager - Rainforest Cafe - Niagara Falls, ON

(2018-08 - 2020-05)

• Supervised, trained, and motivated kitchen staff, improving efficiency, consistency, and team morale.
• Ensured food quality, safety, and hygiene standards were consistently met during high volume service.
• Assisted with budget planning, scheduling, and cost saving measures across the kitchen.

Post Graduate Diploma - Culinary Management - Niagara College (2016)