Brendan McClear
Richmond
Summary
Innovative Executive Chef with extensive background in culinary arts. Proven ability to develop and execute creative menus while managing kitchen operations efficiently. Demonstrated leadership in team management and maintaining high standards of food quality and presentation.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Chef / Executive Kitchen Manager
Union Market RVA
06.2024 - Current
- Led culinary team in creating innovative seasonal menus, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Streamlined kitchen operations, optimizing workflow for improved efficiency and reduced food waste.
- Mentored junior chefs, fostering skill development and maintaining high culinary standards.
- Collaborated with local suppliers to source sustainable ingredients, supporting community partnerships and quality assurance.
- Developed and maintained successful catering program.
Brand Ambassador
Brothers Craft Brewing & Ballast Point Brewing Co
11.2016 - Current
- Handling off-premise events
- Providing product knowledge
- Assisting with sales and inventory
- Event Based since
Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
En Su Boca
06.2020 - 05.2024
- Led culinary team in developing innovative menu items, enhancing guest satisfaction and dining experience.
- Hired, trained, and managed staff of 30+ individuals
- Developed and maintained successful catering program
- Inventory and building services management
- Streamlined kitchen operations, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced food waste.
Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
Havana '59
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Menu and recipe design for brunch, dinner, and catering services
- Hiring and training of new staff
- Event planning with clients & food production for events of up to 300 attendees
- Inventory management and vendor relations
BOH Shift Lead
Food Bar Food
01.2017 - 09.2019
- Training new team members
- Food service and preparation
- Recipe design
- Kitchen maintenance and upkeep
Assistant Manager / Bartender
Dave's Taverna
08.2016 - 10.2017
- Managed staff of up to 12 employees at once; team of up to 30
- Managed social media and restaurant promotions
- Daily sales and labor reports
- Making specialty cocktails/Pouring drafts/Line cook
Shift Lead
Pi Pizzeria
02.2016 - 07.2016
- Opening/closing store
Delivery Driver/Sandwich Maker
Jimmy John's
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Delivering orders to customers
- Food and ingredient preparation
- Cash Handling
Associate Trainer/Barista
Panera Bread
11.2011 - 08.2015
- Training all new associates
- Providing kitchen support
- Crafting espresso and other specialty beverages
Store Clerk
Zinga Frozen Yogurt
06.2011 - 02.2012
- Food preparation
- Yogurt machine maintenance
- Cash handling
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Justice Studies
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA05-2019
Associate of Arts -
Northern Virginia Community College
Manassas, VA01-2015
Advanced Diploma -
Brentsville District High School
Nokesville, VA05-2012
Skills
- Menu development
- Food safety
- Cost control
- Culinary skills in various cuisines
- Skilled in customer and vendor relations
- Bilingual (Spanish)
- Sports Medic/Team sport background
- Mathematical aptitude
- Ability to handle fast-paced environment
Certification
ServSafe Manager Certified
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Executive Chef / Executive Kitchen Manager
Union Market RVA
06.2024 - Current
Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
En Su Boca
06.2020 - 05.2024
Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
Havana '59
09.2019 - 05.2020
BOH Shift Lead
Food Bar Food
01.2017 - 09.2019
Brand Ambassador
Brothers Craft Brewing & Ballast Point Brewing Co
11.2016 - Current
Assistant Manager / Bartender
Dave's Taverna
08.2016 - 10.2017
Shift Lead
Pi Pizzeria
02.2016 - 07.2016
Delivery Driver/Sandwich Maker
Jimmy John's
08.2015 - 06.2016
Associate Trainer/Barista
Panera Bread
11.2011 - 08.2015
Store Clerk
Zinga Frozen Yogurt
06.2011 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Justice Studies
James Madison University
Associate of Arts -
Northern Virginia Community College
Advanced Diploma -
Brentsville District High School
MISC.
- Guitar player & music lover
- Tau Kappa Epsilon – New Member Educator 2018
- Proud Dog Dad