Executive Chef & F&B Director - Culinary Leadership

Brian J. Drennan

Executive Chef Food & Beverage Director

832-***-**** ️ *************@*****.***

Professional Profile

Innovative and results-driven Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director with extensive leadership experience across fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and large-scale catering operations. Proven record of elevating culinary standards, optimizing costs, and leading high-performing teams to deliver memorable guest experiences. Adept in concept development, event execution, and operational strategy with expertise spanning Italian, French, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Core Competencies

Culinary Leadership & Team Development, Menu & Concept Creation, Banquet & Catering Operations, Cost Control & Budget Management, Event Planning & Execution, Kitchen Workflow Optimization, Food Styling & Media Collaboration, Vendor Relations & Procurement

Professional Experience

Kounter Kulture — Executive Chef / F&B Director

Directed all culinary and beverage operations, including menu design, vendor negotiations, and financial management.

Implemented new systems improving kitchen efficiency, inventory accuracy, and production flow.

Led catering sales initiatives and developed custom menus for private and corporate events.

DoubleTree Hotels & Resorts — Executive Chef / F&B Director

Managed hotel restaurant and banquet operations for large-scale conferences and events.

Recruited and trained culinary staff to deliver consistent, high-quality dining experiences.

Increased profitability through strategic cost control and innovative menu engineering.

Texas A&M University — Executive Chef

Oversaw culinary programs serving students and faculty at high volume.

Created diverse, seasonal menus catering to multiple dietary preferences.

Directed large banquet productions and university-wide events.

La Strada Restaurant — Executive Chef

Prego Restaurant — Executive Chef

Tony’s Restaurant — Executive Sous Chef

Café Annie — Executive Sous Chef

Education

Culinary Institute of America — A.A. Culinary Arts

Texas A&M University — B.S. Food Science

Military Service

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

Interests

Golf Wine Aficionado Live Music Guitar

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