Drew Marano
Townsville,QLD
Summary
Dynamic culinary professional with extensive experience in a wide variety of kitchens and cuisines, excelling in menu development and staff training. Proven ability to enhance kitchen operations through effective communication and problem-solving skills. Recognised for mentoring new team members and suggesting innovative menu items, contributing to improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Passion for inspiring and mentoring others is a true motivator. I love helping people learn and improve, not just in the culinary sense but in life skills as well.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Sous Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lilywhite Hotel Group
Townsville, Queensland
10.2025 - Current
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in a fast-paced environment.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Coordinated with team members to prepare orders on time, including running the pass consistently well during high-pressure services
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Overseeing the kitchen after the Head Chef was excused.
- Worked closely with front-of-house staff to facilitate excellent customer service.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Maintained a Positive energy with the team, ensuring better work ethic and overall enjoyment while at work.
- Developed and remained accountable for safety, quality, consistency and adherence to standards.
Commis Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lillywhite Hotel Group
Townsville, QLD
08.2025 - 10.2026
- Prepared and cooked food items following recipes, ensuring portioning and presentation standards.
- Monitored ingredient stock levels to maintain adequate kitchen supplies.
- Assisted in the training of multiple staff members.
- Completed more complex prep jobs that other staff members were not capable of.
- Mentor staff who are newer to the industry.
- Adhered to product presentation, flavour profiles, and plate design standards set by the Head Chef.
- Tracked inventory of food and supplies utilised in daily production.
- Maintained cleanliness of work areas in compliance with health regulations.
- Assisted senior chefs in preparing complex dishes to enhance menu offerings.
- Suggested new menu items and updates to existing selections based on team input.
- Cleaned and sanitised cooking utensils and equipment to uphold hygiene standards.
Apprentice Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lilywhite Hotel Group
Townsville, Queensland
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Maintained well-organised mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Performed other tasks as assigned by the sous chef or chef
- Prepped daily menu items to quickly deliver upon request.
- Planned and directed high-volume food preparation in afast-paced environment.
- Assisted other chefs with ingredient preparation in support of recipes designed by the head chef.
- Worked Closely with the Head Chef to become not just competent but strong on all sections including Pans, Grill, Pass and Fryers.
Apprentice Chef
Ardo/The Ville Resort and Casino
Townsville, Qld
01.2021 - 03.2025
- Assisted in training junior members of the team in safe working practices within the kitchen environment.
- Worked in eight kitchens at The Ville, learning a variety of skills and techniques.
- Assisted in the opening of Ardo, specifically Marmor. (Dec - Feb)
- Assisted in the running of the Rooftop Tapas Bar. (Feb - Nov)
- Oversaw both the Cold Section and the Hot Section.
- Communicated effectively with other kitchen staff during meal preparation times.
- Assisted in ordering food supplies and maintaining inventories of ingredients.
- Operated kitchen equipment, including mixers, blenders, slicers, ovens, grills, and fryers.
- Trained in proper food handling procedures while adhering to health codes.
- Served food promptly, ensuring all orders were correct for customer satisfaction.
- Prepared, cooked and served meals according to recipes and menus.
Cook
Nick's Bowen Road Fish Bar
Townsville, Qld
01.2021 - 07.2023
- I answered the phone and took customer orders.
- Assisted in the training of new staff members.
- Prepared and portioned food for customers.
- Wrapped food for customers.
- Served customers and used the till to process payments.
- Able to quickly and accurately use math to calculate costs.
- Cleaned and sanitised work area, as well as deep fryers.
Education
High School Diploma -
Southern Cross Catholic College
Townsville, QLD11-2023
Skills
- Culinary techniques
- Menu development
- Communication skills
- Staff training
- Team collaboration
- Problem solving
- Ordering and receiving
Certification
- Cert III in Commercial Cookery
- Cert II in Hospitality
- Cert II in Sport and Recreation
- First aid Certificate
Timeline
Senior Sous Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lilywhite Hotel Group
10.2025 - Current
Commis Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lillywhite Hotel Group
08.2025 - 10.2026
Apprentice Chef
Riverview Tavern - Lilywhite Hotel Group
03.2025 - 08.2025
Apprentice Chef
Ardo/The Ville Resort and Casino
01.2021 - 03.2025
Cook
Nick's Bowen Road Fish Bar
01.2021 - 07.2023
High School Diploma -
Southern Cross Catholic College