Robi Smith
Braybrook,Australia
Summary
Dedicated Venue Manager and Chef with extensive experience in hospitality across Australia and internationally, recognized for leadership in both operational and administrative roles. Successfully established and managed the BBQ venue Up in Smoke, serving as Head Chef for three years before transitioning to Venue Manager for six years. Proven ability to drive team performance through effective training and development initiatives, while also consulting on additional ventures within the industry. Eager to leverage diverse skills to contribute significantly to a dynamic business environment.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head Chef Coordinator
Levy- Compass Group
Melbourne Park, Victoria
01.2025 - 01.2025
- Run and overlooked multiple outlets at the Australian Open from Workforce catering, the broadcast team, and Channel 9 production team.
- Organized logistics between the outlets and production.
- Delegated tasks for kitchen employees and developed staff teams to streamline food preparation procedures.
- Organized kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations during the tournament peak.
Head Chef/ Venue Manager
Up in Smoke, American BBQ
Footscray
11.2015 - 12.2024
- Streamlined procedures for starting and ending daily operations.
- Set up and maintained NowBookIt! system
- Administered the setup and management of Abacus point-of-sale system.
- Managed implementation of MrYum's QR ordering solution.
- Established and oversaw third-party food delivery systems including UberEats.
- Oversee both FOH and BOH operations.
- Designed the BBQ menu, cooking, and smoking procedures.
- Implemented logistics, ordering platforms, and a rostering system.
- Coordinated with suppliers to negotiate favorable prices on purchases of food and beverages.
Sous Chef
Zigfrids Dining Hall/Bar
Geelong West, Victoria
01.2014 - 10.2015
- Collaborated with the Head Chef to create innovative dishes for menu design and special events.
- Trained new hires in proper cooking techniques and recipes.
- Trained and supervised the kitchen team to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Supervised food preparation staff to deliver high-quality results.
- Monitored food products, driving quality, freshness and integrity.
Co-Owner Chef/ Venue Manager
Hard Luck Café/ Bar
Newton, NZ
11.2011 - 11.2013
- Established a culinary experience combining Street Food concepts with American Diner and Texas BBQ flavors.
- Supervised all operational activities to ensure efficiency across FOH and BOH environments.
- Coordinated key events like EMI music promotions, tattoo competitions, and Red Bull BMX by engaging with suppliers and brand ambassadors.
- Oversaw staff schedules, handled emails, and responded to inquiries.
Senior Sous Chef
The Food Store Restaurant
Viaduct Harbour, NZ
10.2010 - 10.2011
- Restaurant created by Food TV NZ to showcase local produce and New Zealand cuisine.
- Managed day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Assisted in menu planning and development.
- Working closely with local producers, sourcing ingredients.
- Coordinated with brand ambassadors for producing commercials and promotional segments.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Communicated effectively with wait staff regarding patron food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Head Chef
Zirky's Hotel
Mount Hothom, Victoria
05.2006 - 09.2010
- Company Overview: Blake's at Zirky's Café, Bar-Bistro, and Fine Dining Restaurant.
- Run and oversaw multiple outlets through the hotel, breakfast, Grab N Go cabinet, hot and cold buffet lunch bistro, and high-end fine dining.
- Ordering, rostering, food production, and maintaining high standards.
- Trained and supervised line cooks to develop new skills and improve team performance.
- Performed regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning equipment, utensils, floors, walls, ensuring that all areas are kept clean and sanitary at all times.
Casual- Senior Chef
Atlantic Group V Event Centre
, Victoria
10.2007 - 04.2010
- Worked seasonally as a Sous Chef during the busy events, functions, and wedding seasons.
- Assisted in coordinating kitchen production, and executing functions and events in multiple rooms.
- Monitored kitchen area and staff to maintain overall safety and establish proper food handling techniques.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness in the kitchen environment.
Casual - Chef
Food & Desire Catering
Richmond, Vic
11.2006 - 01.2007
Casual - Chef
The Kingston Hotel Bistro Pub
Richmond, Vic
11.2006 - 01.2007
Senior Sous Chef
Belgo's Restaurant Centraal
London, UK
02.2004 - 11.2006
- Company Overview: Belgo's Restaurant Group offers Belgium-themed cuisine and craft beers, with multiple venues across London City.
- Assisted in the kitchen management overview of Belgo's Noord Camden and Belgo's Centraal Soho.
- Coordinated staff training and placement for the outlets.
- Worked periods of coverage as a senior chef at Ivy Fine Dining Restaurant.
- Assisted in multiple roles in the company, hands-on and in administration.
Casual - Chef
The Kingston Hotel Bistro Pub
Richmond, Vic
06.2004 - 08.2004
Chef De Partie
The Ship Hotel
Weybridge, South London
09.2003 - 02.2004
Sous Chef
Black Tie Catering
Moonee Ponds, Vic
11.2002 - 09.2003
Chef de Partie
Brighton International Reception
Brighton, Victoria
10.1999 - 09.2002
4th year Apprentice Chef
Bella Luna Restaurant
Toorak, Victoria
03.1999 - 09.1999
2nd - 3th year Apprentice Chef
The Beach House Restaurant, Café & Kiosk
Geelong, Victoria
03.1997 - 02.1999
Hospitality Traineeship
The Ghost Gum & Emu Restaurant
Melbourne Central, Victoria
02.1996 - 02.1997
Education
Certificate III-IV - Cookery
Gordon Institute of TAFE
Geelong, Victoria01.1998
NIC Certificate - Food Services Supervision, Computer Graphics
Cape College
Cape Town, Rep. South Africa01.1995
Year 11 VCE Certificate -
Donvale Christian College
Donvale01.1994
Skills
- Daily FOH and BOH Management
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Opening and closing procedures
- Employee Scheduling
- Staff training
- Bartending
- Cocktail knowledge
- POS System Management
- Table service
- Kitchen management
- Booking management
- Menu development
- Product and produce knowledge
- Strong Organizational Abilities
- Health and safety
- Self-Improvement Initiatives
- Achieving budgets
- Problem solving
- Setting high standards
- Efficient in small or large production kitchens
- kitchen design and planning
- Functions
- Catering
- Events
- Bistro
- Al carte
Hobbies and Interests
- Food
- Sports
- Fitness
- Outdoor Activities
- Technology
- Travel
- Music
References
- Paul Scanlan, General Manager, Captain Melville, Old Fashion, 0413 963 911
- Alex McIntosh, Executive Chef, Melbourne Park, 0431 149 545
- Andrew Blake, Owner & Chef, Blake's Feast Catering, 0414 747 468, (03) 9821 0669
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 04/21/77
Certification
- Current RSA
- First Aid Certificate
Timeline
Head Chef Coordinator
Levy- Compass Group
01.2025 - 01.2025
Head Chef/ Venue Manager
Up in Smoke, American BBQ
11.2015 - 12.2024
Sous Chef
Zigfrids Dining Hall/Bar
01.2014 - 10.2015
Co-Owner Chef/ Venue Manager
Hard Luck Café/ Bar
11.2011 - 11.2013
Senior Sous Chef
The Food Store Restaurant
10.2010 - 10.2011
Casual- Senior Chef
Atlantic Group V Event Centre
10.2007 - 04.2010
Casual - Chef
Food & Desire Catering
11.2006 - 01.2007
Casual - Chef
The Kingston Hotel Bistro Pub
11.2006 - 01.2007
Head Chef
Zirky's Hotel
05.2006 - 09.2010
Casual - Chef
The Kingston Hotel Bistro Pub
06.2004 - 08.2004
Senior Sous Chef
Belgo's Restaurant Centraal
02.2004 - 11.2006
Chef De Partie
The Ship Hotel
09.2003 - 02.2004
Sous Chef
Black Tie Catering
11.2002 - 09.2003
Chef de Partie
Brighton International Reception
10.1999 - 09.2002
4th year Apprentice Chef
Bella Luna Restaurant
03.1999 - 09.1999
2nd - 3th year Apprentice Chef
The Beach House Restaurant, Café & Kiosk
03.1997 - 02.1999
Hospitality Traineeship
The Ghost Gum & Emu Restaurant
02.1996 - 02.1997
Certificate III-IV - Cookery
Gordon Institute of TAFE
NIC Certificate - Food Services Supervision, Computer Graphics
Cape College
Year 11 VCE Certificate -
Donvale Christian College
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