Toni Akl
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Executive Chef specializing in Italian and American cuisine with 12+ years of experience in culinary management, menu development, and kitchen operations. Proven expertise in cost control, team leadership, and food safety protocols. Adept at improving kitchen efficiency, reducing food waste, and enhancing profitability through effective staff management and workflow optimization. Skilled in creating innovative dishes and designing menus tailored to Italian and American culinary traditions.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef / Culinary Consultant
Graffiti Pizzeria Trattoria
08.2022 - Current
- Led culinary activities, focusing on Italian and American cuisine, improving dish quality and reducing costs by 15%
- Recruited and trained 15 kitchen staff, ensuring full compliance with food safety standards, specifically in Italian and American food preparation
- Designed seasonal menus, featuring Italian dishes such as fresh pasta, pizzas, and classic American grill items, increasing sales by 20%
- Reduced food waste by 10% through effective inventory control of Italian and American ingredients
- Standardized operations across 3 locations, improving kitchen efficiency by 15%
Head Chef
SY Restaurant
02.2020 - 06.2022
- Directed kitchen operations with a focus on Italian-American fusion dishes, leading a team of 10 chefs to consistently deliver high-quality meals
- Increased customer satisfaction and repeat business by 18% through unique daily specials based on Italian and American culinary trends
- Reduced food costs by 12% through improved sourcing of Italian ingredients and local American produce
- Maintained a 5-star hygiene rating in full compliance with local food safety regulations
Sous-Chef / Pizzaiolo
Tavolina Restaurant
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Managed kitchen staff specializing in Italian cuisine, improving workflow efficiency by 20%
- Mentored junior chefs in pizza and pasta preparation, increasing team performance and job retention by 15%
- Developed innovative Italian menu items, resulting in a 25% increase in guest return rates
Chef de Partie / Hot Section Pizzaiolo
Margarita Restaurant
06.2012 - 08.2014
- Assisted in daily food preparation of Italian dishes and implemented hygiene protocols, earning a 5-star safety rating
- Improved kitchen workflow by 10% through better coordination and timely preparation of Italian cuisine orders
Education
High School Diploma -
Institut Technique De Beit Chabab
04.2012
Skills
- Expertise in Italian and American Cuisine
- Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Management
- Menu Innovation & Recipe Development for Italian & American Dishes
- Food Safety & HACCP Compliance
- Cost Control & Budgeting for Italian and American ingredients
- Inventory Management & Waste Reduction
- Team Building & Staff Development
- Strong Work Ethic
Certification
- HACCP Certified
- Food Safety Certification (if applicable)
Accomplishments
- Increased sales by 20% through menu design featuring Italian and American dishes at Graffiti Pizzeria.
- Improved productivity by 15% at SY Restaurant by reorganizing kitchen stations with a focus on Italian-American cuisine.
- Expert in preparing Italian breads, fresh pasta, neapolitan pizzas, ,gluten-free dough and gnocchi.
Languages
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Upper intermediate (B2)
French
Upper intermediate (B2)
Timeline
Executive Chef / Culinary Consultant
Graffiti Pizzeria Trattoria
08.2022 - Current
Head Chef
SY Restaurant
02.2020 - 06.2022
Sous-Chef / Pizzaiolo
Tavolina Restaurant
01.2016 - 01.2020
Chef de Partie / Hot Section Pizzaiolo
Margarita Restaurant
06.2012 - 08.2014
- HACCP Certified
- Food Safety Certification (if applicable)
High School Diploma -
Institut Technique De Beit Chabab
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