Daun Pullem
Personal Chef / Pastry Chef / Head Chef
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
*********@*****.***
Daun Pullem on LinkedIn
EXPERIENCE
Harmonic Hospitality—
kitchen manager
Sept. 2023 - March 2024
Created and implemented efficiency systems while training staff on proper kitchen tool utilization Responsible for menu development, staff hiring, training and scheduling
-Trained current and new staff on proper formula execution and presentations for all kitchen locations
- Reduced food cost by 40% by establishing pars thereby
reducing food waste by 70%
- Corrected mathematical errors in formula bible, re-wrote and implemented new formula based on correct ratios
- Opened new kitchen in Omaha, established training and cleaning schedules. Hired and trained new BOH manager.
- Corrected all order guides for all locations
Wimpy’s Marina Bar and Cafe, Walnut Grove, CA —
Executive Chef
Oct. 2022 - Current
Created and implemented efficiency systems while training staff on proper kitchen tool utilization Responsible for menu development, Created a diner style menu with easy to execute meals to meet the education level of current staff.
- Training current staff on kitchen protocol, sanitation and
food safety procedures.
- Created and produced Employee handbook and guidelines.
- Increased Customer Satisfaction ratings on online reviews
from 1-3 to 4-5 stars.
- Created and maintained a monthly food budget, utilizing
current products in different menu items.
- Reduced food cost by 46%, Reduced food waste by 60%.
WoodBridge Country Club, Lodi, CA — Sous Chef
April 2022 - Sept 2022
Training current staff on Sanitation and food safety, Line and Prep duties. Desserts and Grab n go trays for catered events.
Daun Cooks, Lodi, CA — Executive Chef
2019 - 2022
In response to Covid lockdown, started private meal prep and
delivery service.
Weekly menu, all dietary needs accommodated for. I grossed $66,000 just on meal preparations and $52,000 on catering and classes.
Wine and Roses Spa and Resort, Lodi, CA — Pastry Chef
2017 - 2019
Diligently prepare all homemade desserts for Towne Restaurant, Café, and in-house events. Ensure high-quality and dairy-free production of dishes and desserts by using alternatives. Comply with deadlines by assisting the banquet line. Simplify the cooking line, as well as initiate a sales tracking and inventory system along with a P&L workbook.
- Promoted as the Main Baker for the Towne House Café for demonstrating utmost dedication and continued commitment
towards work excellence.
- Orchestrate and executed new baked products for the breakfast
menu in accordance with guests’ choice.
St. Pauls Lutheran School, Location — Head Chef
2016 - 2017
Tracked food and beverage invoices to stay within budget and regularly reviewed product quality. Ordered supplies, food, and ingredients based on rapidly shifting demand. Created schedules for kitchen staff for lunch and dinner rush. Maintained inventory levels and conducted stock-take regularly to identify sub-standard material.
- Successfully reduced food costs by 18% through preparing scratch made meals rather than ready-made meals, ensuring quality and taste.
- Played an instrumental role in creating and implementing weekly menus for 120 children and faculty.
Haynes Residential Home, La Verne, CA— Chef
2015
Provided hands-on support in preparing meals for 50 special needs adults, as well cooked special dietary meals for 10 clients. Created a position for the residents to help create meals. Regularly developed new recipes in accordance with residents’ tastes, nutritional needs, and budgetary considerations.
- Ensured smooth workflow of kitchen operations by collaborating with peers and staff.
Peets Coffee, San Francisco, CA— Chef
2011 - 2014
Spearheaded the management and execution of daily production of all baked goods and hot sandwiches in accordance with customers’ choice and tastes. Selected fresh fruits and vegetables to make high-quality dishes. Prepared schedules, assigned duties and targets to the staff, and promoted a productive working ambience to retain top talent. Controlled and directed food preparation process and other related activities by utilizing exceptional multitasking and time management skills.
- Improved and optimized the breakfast production for the Grab and Go, saving significant costs and resources.
- Earned trust of the guests by preparing and presenting delicious foods, securing more frequent visits by the guests.
Silverado Assisted Living Center First African-American Methodist Episcopal Church, Oakland, CA— Chef
2009 - 2010
Created and presented daily meals for 90 patients on a regular basis. Maintained a clean cooking station and sterilized equipment. Efficiently handled all kitchen operations from creating meals to accompanying main dishes. Designed and implemented nutritionally-balanced menu from donated food. Cut and stored meat for future use.
- Led the development and implementation of a sanitation system
and workable inventory system to support
and maintain hygienic kitchen operations.
- Single-handedly cooked meals for up to 150 guests / residents
by using all the donated products obtained from the new
Feed the Hungry Program.
EDUCATION
California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, CA
AOS Cooking, Cooking, and more Cooking
California Culinary Academy, San Francisco, CA
AOS, Culinary Arts Le Cordon Bleu
Other Involvements include:
Member, Iron Toques (Invitation-Only Association of Outstanding Student Chefs)
Member, The Bread Club (Creates All Breads for School Restaurant)
Member, Women Chefs and Restaurateurs (National Professional Organization)
SKILLS
●Cooking & Kitchen Management
●Baking / Grilling / Plating
●Knife Techniques
●Special Meals & Desserts
●Custom Recipes for Special Needs/Restricted Diets
●Food Safety & Storage
●Quality & Safety Compliance
●Menu Development / Recipes
●Workflow Management &
Standard Operating Procedures
●Team Building & Staff Leadership
ASSORTED REVIEWS
Sarah N., Chicago, IL
5/16/2022
“Daun prepared a group of friends and myself a wonderful meal while we were in town at a house we rented. She was charming and helpful throughout our initial planning conversations and when it came down to cooking she was excellent. She prepared the most lovely charcuterie boards for us as an appetizer with homemade bread, a wonderful chicken entree, and then a just-sweet-enough chocolate cake for dessert. And then there was homemade ice cream (so good it makes me want to learn to make my own!). Daun really made our evening special. If I’m ever in the area again looking for a private chef prepared meal, I’ll be calling Daun.”
Mitch. J., Seattle, WA
11/20/2022
“First off I should say I’m their biggest critic! I love this place, and I’m so excited for the great new delicious food! Chef Dawn is killing it in the kitchen. Can’t wait to she what she comes up with next! Good drinks good people, and now even better food! Now they have weekly food and drink specials, grab and go breakfast burritos also.”
Kathy G., Stockton, CA 1/22/2021
“The price for the quality, quantity and delivery was very fair and I will be using her services again for myself, and or for when I have company coming and not up to cooking a full meal but want something better than take-out -- as this truly is better than take-out, even though delivery.”
Walter P., Brisbane, CA 5/12/2020
“Daun Cooks creates Culinary Masterpieces that are Delivered directly to your door ! ! ! A Cordon Bleu-inspired Repast to Savor in the comfort of Your Home. Tres Delicieux!”
Andrew G.
3/13/2020
“My family has hired Daun
on a number of occasions to prepare food for our family on weeks when we are too busy to cook. We are always
blown away by the meals
she prepares - everything is delicious, with thoughtful sauces and sides set out as well. She is very attentive to the specific dietary needs of our family and leaves our kitchen cleaner than she found it. I highly recommend her any time you are in need
a personal chef in your own home!”
Bud A., Arnold, CA
2/1/2020
“We have ordered several dinners from Daun. Everything has been excellent Can’t wait to try Daun’s salisbury steak.”