From Dishwasher to Chef: Herman Sanchez
Herman Sanchez
"Motivated by his older brother's efforts and a desire for a brighter future, Herman Sanchez made the challenging decision to immigrate to New York City at 15, despite having limited resources. Chef Sanchez discusses the reality of finding work as an underage newcomer, his first job as a dishwasher and his transition to becoming a cook, driven by a passion for the kitchen and mentorship from his peers. An inspiring story of finding your calling in the culinary world and thriving on the intensity and fast pace of the kitchen.
Episode 1: The Necessity to Do Better
Herman Sanchez’s journey to becoming the head chef at Okdongsik began when he moved from Guatemala to New York City at 15 for a better life. With limited resources but unexpected support from his cousin, Herman made the challenging trip. Upon arrival, he faced a mix of excitement and disappointment, but his brother's promise to help him find a job gave him hope. Learn how Herman’s faced challenges when he first came to New York and how resilience and determination transformed his life.
Episode 2: Finding Your First Job
Chef Herman Sanchez shares how he secured his first job in the US at 15 despite numerous challenges. After nearly two months of searching, his brother helped him get a dishwashing job at a restaurant. Herman thrived in the busy environment and frequently volunteered in the kitchen, eager to learn. He advises aspiring kitchen workers to focus on their passion rather than the money.
Episode 3: Exploring Your Passions
Chef Herman shares his transition from dishwasher to cook, how he took every chance to help in the kitchen and learn new skills. His dedication and eagerness led to a permanent role as a prep cook. He stresses the importance of responsibility and mental endurance for anyone aspiring to work in a kitchen.
Episode 4: The Unbreakable Bond with the Kitchen
Chef Herman Sanchez reflects on his journey from dishwasher to head chef, emphasizing his deep connection to the kitchen. Despite leaving his first job due to being underage and briefly stepping away from cooking, he quickly realized that the challenges and pressures of the kitchen were what he truly missed. This episode underscores his understanding that the kitchen is where he thrives, solidifying his commitment to the culinary world.
Episode 5: Returning to the Kitchen: New Position as a Kitchen Manager
Chef Herman Sanchez shares his journey of returning to the kitchen as a kitchen manager at Okdongsik. Initially working in a simpler job, he missed the intensity of kitchen life and eagerly embraced the opportunity to manage a disorganized kitchen. His approach to management involved thinking of the restaurant as his own, which helped him take ownership of every aspect, from minimizing waste to implementing improvements. This mindset allowed him to handle the pressures of the role, lead by example, and ultimately contribute to the restaurant's success, including earning an A grade on a critical inspection.
Real stories behind the line
Konstantin explores the challenges restaurants face with new technology adoption, highlighting how Tabmeal simplifies the process by handling menu transfers for operators. He discusses common barriers like time constraints and steep learning curves and how Tabmeal’s easy-to-use platform helps streamline operations. Konstantin shares insights on how the platform optimizes communication around menu updates and inventory management, reducing the workload for restaurant staff. He also predicts future digital trends in areas like guest loyalty programs, inventory management, and staff scheduling. This episode focuses on helping restaurants adopt technology with minimal disruption.