Maria Luna

Pastry Chef | Wine Enthusiast

Talent

Smithfield, Township of Smithfield, JohnstonMember since January 1, 2025

Hire this person

Send a job offer directly to this candidate

About

As someone who loves the hospitality industry, I have been involved in almost all faucets of the business. My strength and education is in baking & pastry, but I have a huge interest in wine as well. I am confident with management and guest interaction. After over a decade in this industry, I am still finding things to learn and ways to grow.

Experience

Glasshouse Kitchen | Pastry Chef

November 2023 - Current, Raleigh, NC

Creating and maintaining a rotating dessert menu. Organizing and executing desserts for events. Managing staff to ensure desserts are being presented correctly and safely each time. In addition to traditional pastry chef functions, this role included improving overall business functions, and managing a small lunch counter.

Fine Folk | General Manager & Pastry Chef

April 2022 - October 2024, Raleigh, NC

Overseeing daily business activities, improving overall business functions, training front of house staff, managing budgets, developing strategic plans, creating policies, and communicating business goals. Designing and training rotating dessert menu for Modern American restaurant. Designing and training staff on beverage programs including cocktails, beer and wine.

Videri Chocolate Factory | Confectioner

Oct 2022 - April 2022, Raleigh, NC

Worked with the head confectioner to create all molded and enrobed bon bons as well as with the production manager to make retail chocolate bars. This included but is not limited to tempering, caramel making, ganache making, using a guitar cutter, sauces, and garnishes.

Union Special | Head Baker

April 2019 - Oct 2022, Raleigh, NC

Created the retail and wholesale program from scratch. Ran the entire operation while continuing to expand. Competent in hiring, client interactions, day to day bakery management, product development and costing. Created, executed and troubleshooted viennoiserie, pastry, and artisanal bread.