Resume
Showcasing diverse culinary creations and exceptional service experiences.
Gourmet Catering
Professional Summary
· Accomplished Culinary Director and Certified Food Service Manager with over 17 years of experience leading kitchen operations in healthcare, senior living, and hospitality settings.
· Proven ability to manage high-performing teams, execute menu development, maintain regulatory compliance, and drive operational excellence.
· Recognized for a calm leadership style, strong interpersonal communication, and a passion for delivering nutritious, flavorful meals with precision and care.
· Background includes 15+ years in quality manufacturing and logistics, underscoring a strong foundation in supervision, safety, and process improvement.
Professional Experience
Culinary Account Manager / Director
Rivertowne Rehabilitation Center – Columbus, GA | Aug 2023 – Present
Direct daily kitchen operations and dietary services for a senior care facility.
Lead hiring, training, scheduling, and performance reviews for culinary staff.
Oversee food safety protocols, state health regulations, and infection control standards.
Design menus aligned with dietary guidelines, budget goals, and patient satisfaction.
Manage supplier contracts, ordering, and food inventory to reduce waste and costs.
Facilitate department budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Meet with families, staff, and healthcare teams to ensure dietary needs are met.
Resume
Showcasing diverse culinary creations and exceptional service experiences.
Gourmet Catering
Professional Summary
· Accomplished Culinary Director and Certified Food Service Manager with over 17 years of experience leading kitchen operations in healthcare, senior living, and hospitality settings.
· Proven ability to manage high-performing teams, execute menu development, maintain regulatory compliance, and drive operational excellence.
· Recognized for a calm leadership style, strong interpersonal communication, and a passion for delivering nutritious, flavorful meals with precision and care.
· Background includes 15+ years in quality manufacturing and logistics, underscoring a strong foundation in supervision, safety, and process improvement.
Executive Sous Chef Manager
Spring Harbour / ForeFront – Columbus, GA | Mar 2020 – Aug 2023
· Oversaw fine dining operations at a luxury senior living community.
· Served as acting Executive Chef in their absence, managing all operations.
· Introduced innovative menu ideas while adhering to budget constraints.
· Coordinated directly with medical and dietary teams to accommodate residents’ needs.
· Supervised inventory, vendor relationships, and food presentation standards.
· Produced performance reports for the District Manager.
Sous Chef
St. Francis Hospital – Columbus, GA | Nov 2016 – Mar 2020
· Managed inpatient meal services and catered hospital events.
· Trained kitchen staff and developed service schedules.
· Designed meals based on dietitian recommendations for cardiac, diabetic, renal, and low-sodium patients.
· Ensured full compliance with Department of Health regulations.
Lead Cook
St. Francis Hospital – Columbus, GA | Mar 2014 – Nov 2016
· Prepared patient meals tailored to clinical dietary requirements.
· Managed kitchen staff for special event catering and menu rollout.
· Oversaw food and equipment inventory and ensured supplier coordination.
Owner / Executive Chef
Edible Food Creations – Columbus, GA | 2007 – Oct 2013
· Founded and operated a successful southern-style eatery and fruit arrangement business.
· Catered to medical offices and private clients with original menus.
· Directed all aspects of business operations: accounting, staffing, procurement, and marketing.
Security & Maintenance Support
Columbus Research & Wellness Institute – Columbus, GA | 2003 – Present (Part-Time)
· Provide facility maintenance, security, and event logistics for VIPs and professional athletes.
· Perform basic janitorial duties, equipment repair, and courier services.
Assembly Manager / Supervisor / QA Inspector
Durand-Wayland, Inc. – LaGrange, GA | 1997 – 2011
· Supervised production teams and enforced safety protocols.
· Managed product inspection, documentation, and shipping logistics.
· Worked closely with engineers to resolve quality and performance issues.
Department Lead / Plant Worker
Palm Harbor Homes – LaGrange, GA | 1995 – 1997
· Supervised material handling and performed electrical and roofing checks pre-assembly.
Quality Inspector
LaGrange Molding, Inc. – LaGrange, GA | 1993 – 1995
· Conducted inspections of startup and production parts, trained machine operators.
Education & Certifications
Lagrange High School – LaGrange, GA
LaGrange Technical College – Culinary Arts Certification (1993)
Certified Culinary Arts – 2005
Certifications:
· Serve Safe/Manager (Valid through 10/2024)
· Certified Food Service Manager (12/2023)
· Long Term Care Food Service Manager (08/2024)
· Certified in Infection Control (11/2023)
· Food Allergens Essential Course (08/2024)
· CDC Outbreak Certification (11/2023)
Soft Skills
· Empathetic Leadership
· Calm Under Pressure
· Strategic Thinker
· Strong Work Ethic
· Excellent Communicator
· Adaptable Problem Solver
· Team-Oriented Collaborator
· Time Management Pro
Gallery
Explore the culinary artistry of Kendrick Harris's creations.
Culinary Excellence Delivered
Expert catering services for healthcare, senior living, and hospitality environments.
Catering Services
Tailored culinary experiences for diverse events and settings.
Menu Development
Customized menus that reflect your vision and dietary needs.
Consultation Services
Professional guidance to enhance your culinary operations and service quality.