Getting career back on track...

I've been working in food service for what I consider to be my whole life. At 28, I know, that's not very long. That being said, I've progressed and learned a lot in a short amount of time. Without getting into my whole back story, I was given the opportunity to open my own business at a young age. We did well but ultimately, after almost 5 years of business, I was unable to keep the doors open.
 
At this point, I find it very difficult to find a suitable job. I love this industry and want to continue with it, its the only work I really know. But I need a job that allows me to support myself. Most privately owned restaurants seem to only hire management from within or by recommendation of trusted friends or employees. The corporate restaurants I've applied with have told me I'm "overqualified" (which may just be a brush off) or that they like to train their own people (I assume referencing my previous management/ownership experience).
 
Most of the job websites (e.g. Monster, Career Builder, craigslist, et al.) have been relatively unproductive. I've considered hiring a head hunter, but am concerned about the costs included with that.
 
Ultimately, I guess I'm looking for any suggestions on what to do next!?
 
 
 

Are you good with tools? http://hotdogprofits.com/
 
Build a cart, throw a grill and a flat griddle on it and sell some food. You are in a good area, build up the business and open your own store front, brick and mortar joint. There is money to be made here, I just wish I was 28 again.
 
Mike

Take any position thats offered, if your good at what you do, it will be noticed. There's more room at the top when you start at the bottom............One of the best decisions I ever made, was taking a Cafeteria Managers position in a potato processing plant, it was the stepping stone to building my own Business...............PNWC

PNWCHEF


Take any position thats offered, if your good at what you do, it will be noticed. There's more room at the top when you start at the bottom............One of the best decisions I ever made, was taking a Cafeteria Managers position in a potato processing plant, it was the stepping stone to building my own Business...............PNWC

 
Wise words, if they will hire you. I went to apply for a pizza job in December... He is still hiring... The owner said I was over qualified too and laughed at me... Even though I was experienced and a licensed food handler with all of my papers... Not the America I grew up in.
 

The manager probably just figured you would get bored and leave the job shortly after showing you the ropes, figured you were going to do things your way instead of his, or that he could not afford someone with your qualifications.
 
I have a brother in law that has been a personal chef for several celebrities in Hollywood 15 years ago but has been fired from every job here in CT he has had and up and down the whole east coast to boot. His last chef job was assistant manager at a buffet in a casino here. Why can't he get a well paying job?  He thinks he knows it all and will not do things the way his boss wants things done and it takes only a few days or weeks for his employer to figure it out. Then it only takes time for them to have an excuse to give him the boot.