Benjamin Wilken Email & Phone Number

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

Altoona, Iowa

Altoona, Iowa

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith, Arkansas Area

Pocolo, OK

Celina, OH

• Responsible for all aspects of restaurant leadership, menu and recipe design, and patron relations. Bella’s was a struggling small Italian restaurant in need of a complete turnaround using limited resources in January.
• Overhauled restaurant menu, keeping classics and customer favorites while infusing a freshness to the dining experience
• Developed written recipe standards and specifications for quality and food cost control
• Implemented scratch dessert menu items used in daily dining and in special events
• Expanded catering business, resulting in significant revenue increases
• Trained all front and back of house employees to new standards and held accountable

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

• As a large casino and hotel, Route 66 offered multiple career opportunities for professional growth and development. Opening during my tenure, the buffet is consistently rated in the Southwest as the finest venue of.
• Food and Beverage inventory management and cost control
• Large staff – up to 90 direct reports – leadership and management
• Event Management for large concerts, exhibitions, and conventions
• Execution of menu items created by Executive Chefs
• Implemented dining seating solutions to maximize guest experience and empower staff

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

• As a large, award-winning casino, the restaurants at Sandia offered incredible growth and experience opportunity. Some key responsibilities included:
• Managed inventory daily
• Oversaw and directed line setups and food preparation
• Ensured effective and efficient staffing
• Collaborated daily with Sous Chef, providing input and assistance with daily special items

Greater Atlanta Area

• A highly rated Southern Bistro in the coveted Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Wisteria offered an incredible opportunity to build upon classical training received in Culinary School and develop fine dining.
• Oversaw and directed station setups and food preparation
• Assisted in meat and fish product fabrication under supervision of Sous Chef
• Contributed to an updated dessert menu
• Prepared show pieces for off premise catering and advertisements
• Worked action stations at restaurant promotions

Highland, NY

• Consistently ranked among the area’s best restaurants, The Would Bar & Grille caters to the discerning patrons living near the Culinary Institute of America. Originally hired through the Culinary Institute’s Externship.
• Prepared desserts following guidance of Sous Chef
• Garde Manger – multiple levels

Associate'S Degree, Culinary Arts/Chef Training

High School, High School/Secondary Diplomas And Certificates

Activities and Societies: Soccer Team Tennis Team Marching Band