Luke Couzens
Sous Chef
Somerset West
Summary
High-performing sous chef with proven management, problem-solving, and communication skills. Successful leader and team motivator in high-volume, fast-paced operations. Experienced in a variety of cuisines, sourcing ingredients, budget control, and raising restaurant profiles.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Restaurant Manager
SCHOON
Stellenbosch
01.2022 - 11.2022
- Supervised a diverse team of FOH and BOH restaurant staff, as well as leading operational requirements and carrying out administrative responsibilities daily for one of the busiest Stellenbosch cafes.
- Consistently upheld the Occupational Safety and Health Act, local health and safety codes, and restaurant safety to maintain security and uphold policies.
- Managed ordering of food, supplies, and beverages, as well as inventory control and auditing of stockroom
- Achieved consistent customer satisfaction and exceptional food through auditing menu items and food service performance.
Regional Sales Manager
Multicup Solutions
Cape Town
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Identified and gained new clients, as well as upselling to existing customer bases throughout the Western Cape.
- Managed and lead well organized sales cycles from prospection through to successful closure.
- Built strong relationships with all 11 key accounts.
- Prepared regular reports and conducted regular meetings to review performance.
- Exceeded targets by building, directing and motivating high-performing sales team. This included analyzing market trends and competitors' activities.
Sous Chef
Prue Leith Restaurant
Centurion
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Alongside the Head Chef, supervised food preparation and plating of dishes.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in fast-paced environment.
- Helped create regular seasonal tasting menus.
- Lead, developed, and evaluated performance of the kitchen brigade.
- Managed stock inventory and procurement of supplies
- Complied with and uphold food hygiene and safety laws.
Education
Diploma - Food Preparation And Cooking (Culinary Arts)
Prue Leith Culinary Institute (City & Guilds)
Centurion, Gauteng 01.2018 - 06.2019
Level 1 Award - Wines
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Centurion, Gauteng 03.2018 - 04.2018
Certificate - Accounting
University of Cape Town
Online 05.2017 - 11.2017
High School Certificate (IEB) -
Kearsney College
Botha's Hill, KwaZulu-Natal 01.2011 - 11.2015
Skills
Food Innovation
Budgeting and Food Cost Control
Menu Development
Procurement (Stock Control)
Food Spoilage Prevention
Customer Service
Food Preparation, Safety & Hygiene
Staff Management (Training, Mentoring & Discipline)
Kitchen Management (incl Operations Support)
Accomplishments
- Awarded a Blazon from the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in France. (Prue Leith Restaurant)
- Ranked in the top twenty restaurants in the country and the top ten restaurants in Gauteng by the Business Day. (Prue Leith Restaurant)
- 2022 Recommendation Award from Restaurant Guru. (SCHOON)
Quote
Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to someone else today.
Jordan B. Peterson
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
SCHOON
01.2022 - 11.2022
Regional Sales Manager
Multicup Solutions
07.2019 - 07.2021
Sous Chef
Prue Leith Restaurant
01.2019 - 06.2019
Level 1 Award - Wines
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
03.2018 - 04.2018
Diploma - Food Preparation And Cooking (Culinary Arts)
Prue Leith Culinary Institute (City & Guilds)
01.2018 - 06.2019
Certificate - Accounting
University of Cape Town
05.2017 - 11.2017
High School Certificate (IEB) -
Kearsney College
01.2011 - 11.2015