Specialized solutions through hands-on experience.
Consulting and development services strategically tailored to align your business with your vision.
Services
Systems Implementation
Working in small retail stores and large wholesale outlets has shown me firsthand that effective systems are the backbone to any successful venture. My experience creating templates and implementing systems for food and labor costing, invoicing, and inventory tracking will help you establish a strong foundation that will allow you to manage your operation with ease.
Menu Development
I believe creativity and cost efficiency have the ability to bolster one another. Cross utilization of ingredients, preservation, and quality sourcing can streamline your bottom line without compromising creative freedom. Having worked within the parameters of culturally specific cuisines, farm to table restaurants, and small batch pop up bakeries; I can help you create a concise menu that continues to reflect seasonality and diversity.
New Restaurant & Bakery Support
I have participated in the start up phase of both restaurants and bakeries. There is no way to plan for every problem that may arise. I have a proven history of resourcefulness and creative problem solving in high pressure situations. I am here to help you navigate the unexpected and assist in constructing your new business into your desired vision.
Efficiency Analysis
Over the course of thirteen years in the field, I have been trained to consistently analyze and adapt systems while maintaining quality standards. I have developed a keen instinct for efficiency in all aspects of an operation. Whether it’s improving station workflows, streamlining operating procedures, or optimizing menus, I can provide comprehensive analysis and recommendations to best suit your needs.
Kitchen Coaching & Training
With a strong foundation in back of house operations, I bring a perspective rooted in experience to your kitchen. My background working in both restaurants and bakeries has primed me to work cleanly and efficiently in small spaces. I will optimize your kitchen operation within the scope of your specific needs. I offer constructive leadership to you and your team. My goal is to help foster a collaborative learning environment, forging camaraderie and professionalism amongst staff and leadership.
Bio
Hello! My name Nicole Barnes, also known as Nicki by my peers. I am the creator of Colorado Culinary Consulting. With over thirteen years of industry experience, I have built a career rooted in a deep understanding of both bakeries and restaurants, with particular interest in creativity, adaptability and streamlining operational efficiency. I specialize in helping food businesses grow intentionally, offering expertise in SOP implementation, development of food costing and inventory templates, menu research and development, recipe standardization, staff training and coaching, and scaling production workflows. I will bring a constructive, solutions-oriented approach to your business. I'm here to help you build and support strong, adaptable teams, and implement efficient, sustainable systems to your operation.
A brief summary of my background in the food industry
My career began in Buffalo, NY, where I trained under some of the city’s most respected chefs during a time of incredible culinary growth. I had the opportunity to help open and grow several fledgling food businesses, including Butter Block Bakery and Patisserie under the mentorship of Chef & Owner Colleen Stillwell.
In 2021, I relocated to Seattle, joining Sea Wolf Bakery and contributing to the expansion of their pastry program. In January of 2022 I accepted the Executive Pastry Chef position at Mamnoon; a restaurant group driven by a Lebanese-rooted culinary concept. This experience allowed me to find culturally specific innovation and creativity while deepening the connection to my own Lebanese heritage. During this time, I worked closely with Chef and mentor Nicco Muratore, who helped me grow into a confident, values-driven leader focused on developing people as much as systems.
When I decided to try my hand at consulting, I volunteered my services to the nonprofit organization FareStart. During this time, I effectively built user-friendly batch tracking and costing systems that continue to support their value-added product line.
Resume
MY PROCESS
My consulting work is built on a foundation that values community, collaboration, and mentorship. I believe that food is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together, and I approach every project with that spirit in mind. My leadership style is grounded in the belief that strong systems and strong teams go hand in hand. I will assess your businesses specific needs and take a positive and people-first approach to curate solutions that work for you. Whether you're developing a new concept or refining your current operation, I will bring practical, hands-on experience to help you cultivate a sustainable and invigorating environment for your business.
Testimonials
“Nicki was first a patron during our early efforts as a pop-up Buffalo wing business at different bars around the Seattle area. We got to know her through her visits to our pop-ups, and we shared similar backgrounds: being from Buffalo and being tenured service industry professionals. When we opened our brick-and-mortar location, Nicki was at the top of our list for someone we wanted to work with us, but she already had a full-time job. Nonetheless, she committed herself to helping us run our kitchen on her off-days and also pulled doubles by coming in after her main job. She truly was a force in the kitchen! Organized, efficient, communicative, and neat; we owe a lot of our success to Nicki’s efforts early on. We truly endorse Nicki’s experience and effort in the kitchen! Any restaurant starting out or even just in need of a rejuvenation would be lucky to have her.”
- Vindicktive Wings Ownership Team,
Seattle WA
"Nicki is an absolute powerhouse of a chef; from R&D, recipe creation and team training, to creating delicious seasonal dishes, Nicki is a complete package. Working with Nicki, I learned that she is an incredibly technical chef who has the administrative background for financial analysis, systems building, and growing programs, all backed up by her many years of experience running programs in both restaurants and bakeries."
- Nicco Muratore,
Seattle Chef