MELISSA GHELANI
PROFESSIONAL RESUME
My Experience
MELISSA GHELANI
ABOUT
High-performing culinary consultant, trainer, instructor, and recipe creator with experience in restaurant and direct-to-consumer settings. Skilled at driving cross-functional collaborations, managing multifaceted projects and creating innovative food concepts.
CULINARY TRAINER
THE DOE FUND
2021
Provided culinary training for an 8-week culinary intensive designed to teach students technical skills to work in restaurant kitchens.
Developed comprehensive curriculum and order guides for 8-week culinary training course
FREELANCE CULINARY CONSULATNT
MARQUEE BRANDS
2021
Worked for national brand Sur la Table in a multifaceted role.
Executed editorial work for 450+ recipes to be distributed nationally via multiple channels.
Developed and executed recipe creation, editorial, and documentation of new content
HEAD CHEF PECKS
2018 –2020
Directs all culinary operations for a multi-site café & bakery, including recipe and menu development, food prep, and plating standards.
Collaborates cross-functionally with marketing and leadership to develop marketing and promotions strategies. Efforts resulted in a 40% increase in food sales across multiple site locations.
Spearheads company-wide cost & inventory management projects. Revised the POS system and adjusted production schedules to meet demand, resulting in thousands saved on inventory and food costs (via food waste reduction).
Leads a team of 20+ culinary staff and conducts routine onboardings and professional development trainings. Strengthened employee retention and increased internal promotion rates.
GENERAL MANAGER / LEAD CULINARY INSTRUCTOR. THE BROOKLYN KITCHEN
2016 – 2018
Conducted qualitative research to identify untapped markets and opportunities. Developed project plans to introduce new programs and food products to refined target audiences.
Developed on-site programs to increase customer engagement and satisfaction, including supper clubs, family events, and children’s curriculum.
Launched partnerships with emerging brands (BOU) and established companies (The American Lamb Board) to create new income streams and increase customer engagement while utilizing existing staff, equipment, and space.
Hired & managed a team of 40+ culinary instructors and staff to host hundreds of patrons for public & private events.
ASSISTANT RESIDENT CHEF. SUR LA TABLE
2016 – 2017
Oversaw food styling and packaging for a brand partnership between Sur La Table, Sandra Lee, and Mastercard. Food styling displayed on local and national television segments, including Fox News, Pix11, NY1, and Good Day New York.
Developed food menus and curriculums for more than 350+ public classes, including Healthy Vegetarian Meals, Thai Takeout at Home, and Indian Home Cooking.
Supervised culinary operations, including vendor management, food ordering, equipment maintenance, and sanitation procedures.
Managed a team of 25+ kitchen assistants and chef instructors. Scheduled staff hours and approved daily timesheets.
Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.