John Mwangi

Versatile Hospitality Professional | Assistant Chef & Service Specialist

About

Highly skilled and dedicated hospitality professional with over 6 years of experience across dynamic kitchen and dining environments. Proven ability to balance culinary precision with exceptional front-of-house service, thriving in fast-paced settings that demand attention to detail, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. Adept at managing guest interactions, executing complex recipes, and maintaining rigorous hygiene standards to deliver memorable culinary experiences and operational excellence.

Work Experience

Asst Chef

Stardom Hotel

Mar 2025 - Present

Nairobi, Nairobi, KE

Currently serving as an Assistant Chef, contributing to high-volume food production, upholding rigorous hygiene standards, and managing kitchen inventory to support seamless culinary operations.

  • Executed precise mise-en-place and portioning for diverse meal preparations, ensuring consistency in taste, texture, and presentation across all dishes.
  • Assisted senior chefs in preparing a wide range of dishes, demonstrating proficiency in various cooking techniques and contributing to efficient menu execution.
  • Maintained impeccable cleanliness of workstations and equipment, strictly adhering to food safety and sanitation standards to ensure a compliant and safe kitchen environment.
  • Managed kitchen inventory, including monitoring stock levels, reporting shortages, and implementing FIFO methods to minimize waste and optimize ingredient freshness.
  • Collaborated effectively with kitchen and service staff during peak hours to streamline food delivery, plating, and garnishing, enhancing overall dining experience.
  • Actively engaged in continuous professional development, learning new culinary techniques, staying updated on industry trends, and assisting in menu planning and recipe testing.

Asst Chef

Jonas Fishing Vessel

Mar 2023 - Apr 2024

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Managed comprehensive culinary operations aboard a fishing vessel, ensuring high-quality meal preparation, strict hygiene, and efficient inventory management in a dynamic marine environment.

  • Prepared and cooked meals for diverse crew members, adapting menus and ingredients to available resources while maintaining high standards of taste and presentation.
  • Managed all aspects of food preparation, including chopping, slicing, and portioning ingredients, ensuring efficient use of provisions in a confined space.
  • Implemented and upheld stringent kitchen hygiene and safety protocols in a challenging marine setting, ensuring compliance with health standards and preventing contamination.
  • Oversaw inventory and supplies, monitoring stock, coordinating deliveries, and meticulously labeling and dating food items to prevent spoilage and ensure availability for extended voyages.
  • Collaborated with vessel crew to coordinate meal times and service, ensuring timely and organized food delivery to support operational schedules.
  • Developed new cooking techniques and adapted recipes to maximize ingredient utility and minimize waste, enhancing culinary offerings despite resource limitations.

Waiter

Park View Hotel

Apr 2021 - Jan 2023

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Delivered exceptional dining experiences at Park View Hotel, managing guest services, optimizing inventory, and upholding high standards of cleanliness and presentation.

  • Provided welcoming and professional service to guests, effectively presenting menus and guiding them through dining selections to enhance their experience.
  • Accurately took and served guest orders, ensuring timely delivery and addressing special requests with grace and efficiency, contributing to high customer satisfaction.
  • Managed kitchen inventory for front-of-house operations, ensuring timely procurement of essential ingredients and supplies to maintain seamless service flow.
  • Maintained impeccable cleanliness and precise table settings, adhering to hotel standards to create an inviting and elegant dining atmosphere for all guests.
  • Proactively anticipated guest needs and responded to inquiries, consistently delivering personalized service that elevated the overall dining experience.

Asst. Cook

Severin Sea Lodge

Apr 2019 - Feb 2021

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Contributed to diverse culinary offerings at Severin Sea Lodge, specializing in Kenyan and international cuisines while ensuring food safety and supporting team development.

  • Prepared and cooked a wide array of Kenyan and international cuisines for hotel guests, ensuring high quality and authentic flavors, contributing to diverse dining experiences.
  • Collaborated with the kitchen team to successfully develop and implement new menu items and daily specials, enhancing guest dining options and increasing satisfaction.
  • Consistently ensured strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards, maintaining a clean and compliant kitchen environment that passed all inspections.
  • Assisted in training new kitchen staff on food preparation techniques and kitchen protocols, contributing to team skill development and operational efficiency.

Barista

Coastal Breeze Cafe

Jan 2018 - Mar 2019

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Crafted a wide array of coffee beverages and delivered exceptional customer service, maintaining operational excellence and contributing to efficient inventory management.

  • Prepared and served a variety of high-quality coffee beverages, including espresso, cappuccino, and latte, consistently meeting diverse customer preferences.
  • Maintained a meticulously clean and organized coffee station and ensured all equipment was in optimal working order, supporting efficient service delivery and minimizing downtime.
  • Provided excellent customer service by accurately taking orders and ensuring customer satisfaction through friendly and efficient interactions, fostering repeat business.
  • Assisted in daily inventory management and ordering of coffee supplies, contributing to optimized stock levels and uninterrupted service.

Education

Basic Safety Training For Seafarers

Bandari Maritime Academy

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Security Awareness Training For Seafarers

Bandari Maritime Academy

Jan 2023 - Dec 2023

Mombasa, Coast, KE

Food Production

Kenya Utalii College

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017

Nairobi, Nairobi, KE

Languages

English , Swahili

Skills

Culinary Arts

  • Food Preparation
  • Mise-en-place
  • Recipe Execution
  • Menu Development
  • Plating & Garnishing
  • International Cuisine
  • Kenyan Cuisine
  • Coffee Brewing

Kitchen Operations

  • Kitchen Organization
  • Inventory Management
  • Stock Rotation (FIFO)
  • Supply Chain Coordination
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Multitasking

Food Safety & Hygiene

  • HACCP Principles
  • Sanitation Standards
  • Cross-Contamination Prevention
  • Health Regulations Compliance

Customer Service

  • Guest Relations
  • Order Taking
  • Service Delivery
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Menu Presentation

Teamwork & Leadership

  • Collaboration
  • Staff Training
  • Communication
  • Mentorship
  • Fast-Paced Environment Management

References

Mrs Ann.M.Nyokabi

Accountant: 0706396407

Mr Donald

Assistance Register KMA: 0710479540

Mr Solomon Koome

Manager:0729390880