ESSHAK SHALHA
RIYADH,KSA
Summary
Accomplished head chef with 12 years of diverse experience in the global food service industry. Skilled in maintaining high standards of kitchen operations and health compliance. Specializes in international and Armenian dishes, showcasing exceptional leadership and organizational capabilities.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of post-secondary education
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work history
Demi chef de partie
Sama chtoura
Lebnon
Head Chef
HATABA RESTAURANT
Riyadh
2025.01 - 2026.07
- Managing daily kitchen operations and supervising kitchen staff.
- Developing and improving menu items and recipes.
- Monitoring food quality, presentation, and consistency.
- Controlling food cost, waste, and inventory.
- Ensuring HACCP and food safety compliance.
- Training and mentoring kitchen employees.
Head Chef
LUSIN ARMENIAN LEBANESE RESTAURANT (Pre-Opening)
Riyadh / Exit 2
2021.01 - 2025.10
- Mentored staff in expectations and parameters of kitchen goals and daily work for optimal productivity.
- Incorporated customer feedback in experimentation and creation of new signature dishes.
- Generated employee schedules, work assignments, and determined appropriate compensation rates.
- Achieved targets for personnel safety, kitchen sanitation, and proper food handling and storage.
- Collaborated with suppliers for fresh and quality ingredients procurement.
- Managed all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring smooth operation.
Sous Chef
LUSIN ARMENIAN LEBANESE RESTAURANT (Pre-Opening)
Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar
2019.07 - 2020.12
- Checked freezer and refrigerator prior to each shift to verify correct temperatures.
- Ensured personnel safety, kitchen sanitation, and proper food handling and storage.
- Monitored line work processes to ensure consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Improved employee retention by building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Delivered consistent culinary excellence to diners through attention to detail in plating and presentation.
- Implemented new cooking techniques, elevating the overall food quality and presentation.
- Worked under pressure during peak hours whilst maintaining composure and efficiency.
Sous Chef
Leylaty Group (BYBLOS, MOLTAQA, CATERING)
KSA / Jeddah
2015.06 - 2017.06
- Created unique daily specials to drive business growth.
- Drove continuous improvement by following latest food trends and translating them into appealing menu and food offers.
- Mentored staff in expectations and parameters of kitchen goals and daily work for optimal productivity.
Kitchen Manager
Beirut Restaurant
KSA / Jeddah
2014.02 - 2015.05
- In charge of ordering and receiving all supplies.
- Managed daily kitchen operations.
- Managed food preparation.
- Suggested new items with their recipes and presentation.
Chef de partie
Sama chtoura
Lebnon
2012.07 - 2013.08
- Worked closely with senior chefs on menu planning day to day.
- Created dessert recipes to drive regular positive customer feedback.
- Controlled portions to reduce waste significantly during daily service.
- Prepared sauces, stocks, and soups using traditional recipes and methods.
- Supported head chef delivery of quality dishes under tight deadlines.
Demi chef de partie
Sama chtoura
Lebnon
2011.07 - 2013.08
- Stored ingredients correctly to prolong freshness and reduce waste daily.
- Completed routine stock takes to keep inventory counts accurate and updated.
- Maintained hygiene standards by following health and safety regulations strictly every shift.
Education
Study Program - Business Management
AOU
Beirut, Lebanon 2008.09 - 2010.05
High School - High school
Al-odabaa
Baalbek, Lebanon 2004.01 - 2007.04
Skills
- Event coordination
- Cost management for food
- Menu design and creation
- Catering operations
- Culinary proficiency
- Staff training and development
- HACCP standards adherence
- Strategic planning skills
- Scheduling and payroll management
Certification
- Level 3 HACCP (01/2023) Improving Food Safety
- Level 2 HACCP (01/2020) Food Hygiene
LANGUAGES
Arabic Native or Bilingual Proficiency
English Full Professional Proficiency
REFERENCES
- Abbass, El Haj, 0545188898, 0568888451
- Charbel, Younes, 0533232950
- Ribal, Kays, 0566134561
- Joseph, Tanos, 009613562913
References
References available upon request
CORE STRENGTHS
- Kitchen Operations Management
- Menu Development and Recipe Standardization
- Food Cost and Waste Control
- Team Training and Scheduling
- Food Safety and HACCP Compliance
- Catering and Event Operations
Timeline
Head Chef
HATABA RESTAURANT
2025.01 - 2026.07
Head Chef
LUSIN ARMENIAN LEBANESE RESTAURANT (Pre-Opening)
2021.01 - 2025.10
Sous Chef
LUSIN ARMENIAN LEBANESE RESTAURANT (Pre-Opening)
2019.07 - 2020.12
Sous Chef
Leylaty Group (BYBLOS, MOLTAQA, CATERING)
2015.06 - 2017.06
Kitchen Manager
Beirut Restaurant
2014.02 - 2015.05
Chef de partie
Sama chtoura
2012.07 - 2013.08
Demi chef de partie
Sama chtoura
2011.07 - 2013.08
Study Program - Business Management
AOU
2008.09 - 2010.05
High School - High school
Al-odabaa
2004.01 - 2007.04
Demi chef de partie
Sama chtoura