The Director of Dining Services oversees the quality and efficiency of a community’s dining operations, ensuring dietary and regulatory requirements are met. Responsibilities include managing kitchen production and staff, meal service, snack and beverage offerings, and maintaining safety, sanitation, and work area maintenance.
Dining Services
The Dining Services team at The Kensington Reston is dedicated to crafting delicious and nutritious meals for our residents and team members that nourish both body and soul. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients, catering to a variety of tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. Our team works closely with residents to create personalized dining experiences that bring joy to mealtimes, whether it’s a comforting favorite or a special seasonal creation. Beyond the plate, our Dining Services team fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere, where residents can enjoy meals with family and friends in a setting that feels like home.
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Dusko Novakovic & Miguel Ortiz, The Kensington Sierra Madre
Meet Dusko Novakovic, Director of Dining Services at The Kensington Sierra Madre
Since joining The Kensington Sierra Madre in 2016, Dusko Novakovic has been the heart and soul of our dining department, serving as the Director of Dining Services. With his exceptional culinary expertise and passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences, Dusko has consistently elevated the standard of senior living cuisine.
His dedication to crafting exquisite dishes goes beyond flavor—Dusko ensures that each meal is both nourishing and tailored to the preferences and dietary needs of our residents. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an elaborate celebration, Dusko’s attention to detail and creativity make every dining moment special.
Beyond the kitchen, Dusko is deeply committed to fostering connections with residents through food, understanding that a great meal brings people together. His leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence embody The Kensington’s promise to provide only the best.
To me, there’s no great chef without a great team.
Department Deep Dive
The Dining Services department at Kensington Senior Living creates exceptional dining experiences that nourish, delight, and bring people together. Our chefs craft meals with fresh, high-quality ingredients, tailored to meet the unique preferences and dietary needs of each resident. From comforting classics to creative, chef-inspired dishes, every meal is made with care and attention to detail. Dining is more than just food—it’s an opportunity to enhance community life through shared meals, themed events, and memorable celebrations.
The Dining Room Manager ensures courteous and professional meal service for residents and guests while maintaining clean and orderly dining areas. As a key role, this position fosters positive interactions and contributes to residents’ daily dining experience and staff interaction.
The Line Cook prepares nutritious and well-portioned meals for residents and guests, following production sheets, standardized recipes, portion control, and sanitary standards while adhering to preparation and serving schedules.
The Prep Cook assists in preparing ingredients for hot and cold dishes, supporting the cooking and assembly of menu items.
The Server team member is responsible for setting up dining areas and serving meals to residents in both Assisted Living and Memory Care. They ensure meals are prepared and served in accordance with residents’ dietary needs and personal requests, providing a thoughtful and accommodating dining experience.
The Utility Worker is responsible for organizing, cleaning, and sanitizing kitchen, dining, and lounge areas, as well as maintaining dining service equipment, China, glassware, and silverware.