Evan Handler

Experienced culinary professional and manager with a strong background in kitchen operations, menu development, staff leadership, catering, and customer service. Skilled in food preparation, team training, inventory and purchasing, health and safety compliance, and creating quality dining experiences while building lasting client relationships.

Assistant Head Chef - Colony Hotel & Cabana Club - Delray, Florida

(2025-05 - 2026-02)

• Prepared and executed breakfast service while managing beach dining kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality, timely food service.
• Assisted with menu planning, inventory, purchasing, and daily kitchen operations while maintaining strict food safety, sanitation, and presentation standards.
• Supported overall hotel operations as needed, including front desk and guest services, contributing to smooth day-to-day operations.

Chef/Butcher - Joseph's Classic Market - Delray, Florida

(2023-02 - 2025-05)

• Managed food preparation and maintained high standards of quality and presentation.
• Oversaw purchasing, inventory, merchandising, and daily kitchen operations.
• Supervised and scheduled a team of approximately 30 employees.
• Ensured quality control and compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.

Owner/Executive Chef - Casanova Cafe at Coral Lakes - Boynton Beach, Florida

(2019-10 - 2022-09)

• Directed all kitchen operations, including food preparation, menu planning, portion control, plating, quality assurance, inventory management, purchasing, and vendor relations.
• Supervised kitchen staff, scheduled employees, assigned daily responsibilities, and improved operational procedures to maximize efficiency, food safety, and service quality while ensuring compliance with all health and sanitation regulations.
• Managed financial operations, including payroll, budgets, cash handling, bank deposits, cost control, and guest relations, while maintaining inventory levels and controlling food and operating costs.

Cofounder/Owner - Coney Island Woodfired Pizza Company - Seattle, WA

(2015-01 - 2017-11)

Co-founded and managed a successful wood-fired pizza restaurant, overseeing all daily kitchen and business operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, inventory management, and food purchasing.

• Developed menus, established pricing strategies, and maintained exceptional food quality while optimizing food costs and overall profitability.

Operations Manager - Pompeii Wood Fired Pizza - Woodinville, WA

(2014-04 - 2014-12)

Partnered with the CEO to develop business strategies while overseeing daily operations, including truck scheduling, recruitment, training, and staff supervision, ensuring efficient workforce management and execution.

Sales Merchandiser - Inderbitzin Distributors - Everett, WA

(2012-11 - 2013-12)

Managed a direct store delivery route, ensuring timely deliveries and exceptional customer service.

Sales/Merchandising - Charle's Produce - Seattle, WA

(2011-07 - 2012-10)

Served as Sales Representative and Merchandiser for a major Pacific Northwest produce supplier, managing new business development and key account relationships while ensuring reliable, on-time delivery and high levels of customer service.

Sales Representative - C and L Catering and Distribution - Seattle, WA

(2010-11 - 2011-06)

Managed procurement and customer service for a specialty food distributor, overseeing purchasing, weekly inventory control, product stocking, and timely fulfillment of customer orders.

Chef - KIDSPACE - Seattle, WA

(2009-04 - 2010-09)

Managed full kitchen operations for a daycare facility serving children ages 9 months to 5 years, including menu planning, food preparation, and daily meal service.

Chef/Co-Owner - EATS MARKET CAFE - Seattle, WA

(2004-12 - 2010-07)

Co-founded and operated an award-winning café, providing executive leadership across all business, culinary, and operational functions.

• Directed all aspects of café operations, including menu development, hiring, training, financial management, and guest experience, driving sustained business growth and operational excellence.
• Built and led a high-performing team by recruiting, training, and mentoring staff while establishing exceptional service and culinary standards that contributed to the café's award-winning reputation.

METROPOLITAN MARKET - Seattle, WA

(2002-06 - 2006-07)

WHOLE FOODS MARKET - Seattle, WA

(1999-12 - 2002-06)

DEAN AND DELUCA - New York City, NY

(1997-09 - 1998-08)

FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT, CULINARY ARTS - Culinary Arts - New York Restaurant School (1991)

Brooklyn College