- Offering time and support to shelters for the homeless, women, and animals
- Youth Development Programs
- Community Cleanup
- Fundraising Events
- Volunteer Work
Alice Townsend
Sylva
Summary
Results-driven chef with a strong focus on culinary creativity and cost control. Recognized for implementing seasonal menus and maintaining budgetary goals, ready to leverage expertise in a progressive kitchen setting.
Innovative chef specializing in menu development, food safety compliance, and team management. Proven track record of optimizing kitchen workflows and reducing food costs.
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience in high-pressure kitchen environments. Skilled in team management and operational efficiency, consistently achieving high Steri Tech scores while enhancing guest satisfaction through creative menu offerings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Chef, Amici Italia
Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Resort
Cherokee, NC
01.2026 - Current
- Prepared high-quality, diverse dishes in fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with team to ensure timely food service during peak hours.
- Assisted in menu development by providing input on seasonal ingredients and trends.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace according to health standards.
- Kept food cost below budget.
- Deep cleaned, set up and opened Amici Italia in 67 days.
Restaurant Chef Gordan Ramsay Food Market
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
Sylva NC
06.2022 - 01.2026
- Developed seasonal menus incorporating local ingredients to enhance culinary offerings.
- Supervised kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to safety and sanitation standards.
- Trained new chefs in techniques and processes to maintain high-quality food preparation.
- Collaborated with management to optimize kitchen workflows and improve service efficiency.
- Co-created menu and space to open the very first GR Street Taco.
- Co-created and opened Catch Cafe, inside GR Food Market.
- Maintained highest Steri Tech scores in the region for the 4 years running GR Food Market.
- Upheld brand standards throughout full time in leadership.
- Dropped food cost by 5% over the 4 years.
- Dropped turnover year over year.
- Developed multiple people into the position above them.
Executive Sous Chef, Pastry Chef
Bear Lake Reserve
Tuckasegee, NC
05.2015 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented seasonal menus, enhancing guest dining experiences and operational efficiency.
- Supervised daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Collaborated with front-of-house management to optimize service flow and address guest feedback.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving cost control measures.
- Coordinated special events catering, managing logistics to meet diverse client requirements.
- Established strong relationships with local vendors, ensuring the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Executive Sous Chef
Sweet Onion Restaurant
Waynesville NC
08.2013 - 05.2015
- Designed innovative menu items, enhancing guest satisfaction and culinary creativity.
- Increased customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of exceptional dishes, resulting in positive reviews.
- Balanced labor costs by effectively scheduling kitchen staff according to business needs.
Education
Associate of Arts - Esthetics
Haywood Community College
Haywood NCHigh School Diploma -
Hayesville High School
Hayesville, NC2001
Skills
- Culinary expertise
- Cooking techniques
- Knife skills
- Food safety compliance
- Sanitation standards
- Kitchen operations
- Food presentation
- Creativity and innovation
- Team management
- Menu development
Accomplishments
- Awarded Yonah at Harrah's Cherokee Casino within first 2 years of employment at company.
- Serv Safe Certified
- Competed in and won Melange of the Mountains 3 years running.
- Recognized and awarded Woman in Leadership award through Harrah's Cherokee Casino.
Interests
Timeline
Restaurant Chef, Amici Italia
Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Resort
01.2026 - Current
Restaurant Chef Gordan Ramsay Food Market
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
06.2022 - 01.2026
Executive Sous Chef, Pastry Chef
Bear Lake Reserve
05.2015 - 06.2022
Executive Sous Chef
Sweet Onion Restaurant
08.2013 - 05.2015
Associate of Arts - Esthetics
Haywood Community College
High School Diploma -
Hayesville High School