Chef Akram Rizq is a visionary and accomplished Executive Chef with 17 years of extensive experience mastering Eastern and Western cuisines, alongside artisanal dessert crafting. Renowned for his robust leadership and operational excellence, Chef Akram has a proven track record of managing high-volume kitchens serving up to 1,500 guests daily, while inspiring and directing culinary teams of up to 35 chefs.
Driven by a deep passion for culinary innovation, he excels at creating modern dishes centered around fresh, seasonal produce. His strategic approach to menu engineering consistently elevates customer satisfaction while optimizing food costs. Beyond day-to-day kitchen operations, Chef Akram is an expert event coordinator, seamlessly executing large-scale catering, banquets, and high-profile events. He balances this creative drive with an exceptional capability for logistics planning, vendor negotiation, and strict compliance with international food safety standards.
Core Expertise & Skills
- Culinary Arts & Innovation: Fusion of Eastern & Western gastronomy, pastry arts, seasonal sourcing, and sustainable menu design.
- Operations & Leadership: Menu engineering, kitchen brigade management (35+ staff), procurement, and vendor negotiation.
- Logistics & Execution: Flawless cross-functional coordination (FOH/BOH), large-scale catering planning, advanced knife skills, and high stress tolerance.
Career History
Executive Chef & Leadership Roles
Chef Akram has built a distinguished career driving culinary excellence and managing top-tier kitchen teams across several prominent properties in Syria:
- Executive Chef | Akl Bloudan Hotel and Restaurant (Bloudan, Syria)
- Executive Chef | Jdoudna Bloudan Hotel and Restaurant (Bloudan, Syria)
- Executive Chef | AlBarari Bloudan Restaurant (Bloudan, Syria)
- General Chef | Abu Zad Bloudan Gate Restaurant (Damascus Countryside, Syria)
- General Chef | The Terrace Restaurant – Grand Bloudan Hotel (Bloudan, Syria)
- General Chef | Fayrouz Bloudan Restaurant (Bloudan, Syria)
- General Chef | Manuela Bloudan Hotel and Restaurant (Bloudan, Syria)
Foundational & Progressive Experience
His leadership is backed by a rigorous, foundational climb through the ranks, mastering kitchen dynamics from the ground up:
- Assistant Chef | Wadi Abu Zad Bludan Restaurant
- Assistant Chef | Abu Zad Bloudan Falls Restaurant
- Trainee $\rightarrow$ Department Head $\rightarrow$ Assistant Chef | Moreh Bloudan Restaurant
Humanitarian & Volunteer Work
- Volunteer Chef | UNDP & Saint Ephrem Al-Syriani AssociationDedicated one full year to coordinating, preparing, and distributing mass meals for displaced individuals and families in the Bloudan region, utilizing his culinary and logistical skills to provide comfort and relief during humanitarian crises.
Education & Languages
- Languages: Arabic (Native) | English (Intermediate Proficiency)
- Credentials: Academic and professional culinary certifications available upon request.
