Kimi Nalon

A seasoned culinary professional with a robust background in enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. My expertise in recipe development with several years of experience facilitating busy restaurant environment operations allows me to provide high standards of service. I excel in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, ensuring the smooth operation of food service. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change

Independent Contracted Consultant - Independent Contracted Consultant

More than 18 years of experience

• MENU DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING STRATEGIES
• COST CONTROL FOR LABOR, FOOD & BEVERAGE.
• DEVELOPING/ IMPLEMENTING SOP’S & TRAINING
• SOURCING INGREDIENTS
• EVENT & WEDDING PLANNING
• IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT & MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY STANDARDS
• PERSONAL PRIVATE CHEF, EVENTS & CATERING
• COMPANIES SUCH AS: VATAN INDIAN KITCHEN, THE MATRIX CLUB, BE MARKET, XMARKET, LEMON TREE GROCER, TWO BROTHERS, LITTLE KITCHEN ACADEMY, ICOOK, TEMPT INN, THE HAIGHT, THE STANDARD, THE DANADA HOUSE, UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO, VENUE 5126, THE CRAWFORD, MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB, ETC.

Executive Pastry & Savory Chef. Restaurant Manager - Carnivore & The Queen

• MENU DEVELOPMENT & RECIPE STANDARIZATION
• STAFF MANAGEMENT
• COST CONTROL FOR LABOR, FOOD & BEVERAGE
• SOURCING INGREDIENTS
• MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

Multi Unit General Manager & Corporate Director - Nancy’s Pizza

• TRAINING APP & SOP DEVELOPMENT
• COST CONTROL FOR LABOR, FOOD & BEVERAGE
• DEVELOPMENT OF MENU ITEMS
• MARKETING & BUDGETING STRATEGIES

Marketing/Events & Department Manager - Heinen’s - Barrington/Naperville, Illinois

(2023-10)

• OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT
• TEAM LEADERSHIP
• PERFORMANCE MONITORING
• IMPLEMENTING QUALITY SYSTEMS

Restaurant General Manager/Executive Pastry & Savory Chef - Sorelle - Long Grove, Illinois

3 years

• CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
• QUALITY CONTROL
• DAILY FRONT OF THE HOUSE & BACK OF THE HOUSE OPERATIONS
• STAFF MANAGEMENT
• MARKETING & SALES

Store Operations Manager/Regional Director - Insomnia Cookies - Chicago, Illinois

4 years

• Navigated inventory control & management
• Training specialist/New store opener
• Oversaw loss prevention
• Initiated process improvement

Culinary Instructor, Director of Operations & Catering/events Manager - Cafe Liberty - Wheaton, Illinois

8 years

• Oversaw banquet operations
• Curated hospitality activities
• Offered fine dining selections
• Rendered catering items

Culinary classes, Catering, General Restaurant Manager & Swim Instructor - Five Seasons - Burridge, Illinois

12 years

• Engaged in menu planning for multicultural cuisine
• Taught food safety and sanitation skills
• Performed baking and pastry skills
• Monitored dietary restrictions standards
• Offered excellent customer service skills

Multi-facility General Manager - The Patio Restaurant - Illinois

• Tracked quality metrics
• Examine product development
• Supply chain management
• Offered business strategies
• Budgeting strategies

Kitchen & Restaurant Manager - Cheese and Wine - Plainfield, Illinois

• Fostered communication skills
• Hire and train new staff
• Monitor food quality and safety standards
• Planning and scheduling staff

Regional Manager - Cookies and Dreams - Illinois/Iowa

• Manage kitchen inventory and ordering
• Ensure compliance with health and sanitation
• Manage food costs and budgeting
• Develop and oversee menus and recipes
• Maintain kitchen equipment

Executive Savory & Pastry Chef and General Manager - Chef by Request & Elements at Water Street - Naperville, Illinois

• Develop menu and flavor profiles
• Strong communication and leadership
• Manage multitasking
• Monitor food quality
• Evaluated staff performance

General Manager - Vom Fass - Naperville, Illinois

• Marketing, promotions, special events, cooking & wine education classes, sales
• Implemented new policies and produced
• Developed training program
• Maintained accurate inventory tracking
• Collaborate with front of house staff

Executive Chef, R&D - Little Harvest - Chicago, Illinois

• Oversaw kitchen operations
• Met and exceeded customer satisfaction
• Proficient kitchen inventory
• Trained and monitored staff
• Provided excellent customer service

Executive Savory & Pastry Chef, R&D - Milkman Cafe - Naperville, Illinois

• Adapted to new menu trends
• Managed costs
• Maintained positive work culture
• Ensure food quality and safety
• Develop new menu items

Culinology; Food Science & Nutrition with a minor in Sustainability - Dominican University

Hospitality Management - Lexington University

Culinary Arts; Baking & Pastry, Hospitality, Restaurant Management, Culinology; Food Science - College of Dupage

Naturopathic Medicine - National University of Health Science