Award-Wwinning Executive Chef & Head Chef Leader

Taras Zhemelko

Address: Richboro, PA, USA, *****

Phone: 201-***-****

Email: *************@*****.***

U.S. Citizen Open to relocation

Professional Summary

Award-winning Executive Chef with 20+ years of international experience in fine dining and luxury hospitality. Proven track record in launching restaurants, leading teams, and designing innovative, high-impact menus. Michelin-trained, ServSafe certified, with expertise in kitchen operations, cost control, and culinary strategy. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Polish. Work Experience

Executive Chef / Co-Founder

Royal Passage, Philadelphia, PA, USA (2017 – Present)

• Launched and manage an upscale Eastern European restaurant from the ground up.

• Created original and seasonal menus with fusion elements.

• Built kitchen workflows, SOPs, and ensured ServSafe-level food safety.

• Hired, trained, and led staff; implemented cost and inventory controls. Executive Chef / Head Chef / Brand Chef

Swissotel Krasnye Holmy / Buddha Bar / Opium, Meat Head / Paradise / Vinograd / Zhyrnaya Utka, 41st Floor - Moscow / St. Petersburg, Russia (2008 – 2016)

• Opened and managed 7+ restaurants, leading kitchen design, branding, and operations.

• Recruited, trained, and led culinary teams of up to 30 staff per location.

• Developed menus, recipe books, plating guides, and optimized kitchen workflows.

• Ensured compliance with food safety and hygiene; controlled costs and inventory.

• Achieved Best Hotel Restaurant award (Swissotel KAI, 2009). Sous Chef / Chef de Partie / Commis Chef

NOBU Canary Wharf / Lindsay House (Michelin Star Restaurants) - London, UK (2001 – 2007)

• Trained under Michelin-starred chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Richard Corrigan.

• Supervised prep and service; ensured culinary consistency.

• Led kitchen in Head Chef’s absence; upheld high hygiene standards.

• Developed skills in high-pressure environments, maintaining quality and efficiency. Education and Сertification

• Master’s Degree in Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health Lviv State Veterinary Medicine Academy - Ukraine (May 2000)

• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - USA (March 2023) Professional Skills & Personal Qualities

• Culinary Expertise: Advanced knowledge of fine dining, fusion, and traditional cuisines

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate large kitchen teams

• Menu Development: Skilled in creating innovative, seasonal, and profitable menus

• Operations Management: Skilled in kitchen workflow, inventory, and cost control

• Food Safety: Certified in ServSafe; strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards

• Supplier Relations: Skilled in sourcing quality ingredients and managing vendors.

• Creativity & Innovation: Developing unique concepts and adapting trends.

• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and team collaboration skills

• Stress Management: Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

• Problem Solving: Quick decision-maker focused on quality and satisfaction.

• Multilingual: Fluent in English, Ukrainian, Polish, and Russian. References: Available upon request.

Contact this candidate