Jatae Caldwell

Background

About Jatae Caldwell

With 20+ years of experience in hospitality food service, I bring a charismatic, hands-on leadership style to every kitchen I step into. My culinary journey spans fine dining, large-scale catering, and residential care settings—where I’ve led teams, developed innovative menus, and delivered memorable dining experiences rooted in flavor, nutrition, and heart. I serve as the Dining Services Manager for Ascend Healthcare, a multi-unit adolescent residential rehabilitation program. I oversee food operations across multiple campuses, with scratch-cooked, therapeutic meals tailored to individual dietary needs. From allergen accommodations to behavioral health nutrition, my work is a fusion of care and culinary craft. I lead, train, and mentor a growing team of food service staff, ensuring high standards in safety, quality, and consistency across all sites. Previously, I led as Executive Chef at Complexity Wine Lounge, designing seasonal menus that contributed to multiple local awards, including "Best New Restaurant" and "Best Place to Have a Drink." My leadership approach combines structure and creativity—creating a high-performance kitchen culture where teams are empowered, and standards remain high. In my career, I worked for a prominent Los Angeles staffing company, supporting some of the city's most high-profile events, including the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmys. I regularly staffed events and corporate kitchens at industry giants such as Sony Pictures, Paramount, Universal Studios, and Beats by Dre. I also worked for Wolfgang Puck Catering during this time, gaining invaluable experience executing large-scale, high-stake culinary operations with precision and poise. I lead with passion, presence, and professionalism. Whether training staff, scaling recipes, engaging with guests, or managing a kitchen team, I bring an intuitive approach that balances the technical with the human. My style is hands-on, collaborative, and solutions-focused. I believe great food can change a day—and that a strong, united team makes that possible. Let’s connect! I’m always open to new opportunities, collaborations, and ways to use food as a tool for community, care, and creativity.