Adam Lawson
Culinary Manager
Cleveland,TN
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with expertise in kitchen management and team training. Proven ability to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
General Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
Cleveland, TN
04.2019 - 08.2025
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Led operational strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and streamline service efficiency.
- Directed staff training programs to improve team performance and maintain high service standards.
- Led team of over 50 employees from management, FOH and BOH.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to promote events, boosting restaurant visibility and patronage.
- Developed and enforced health and safety protocols to ensure compliance with regulations.
General Manager
Stadium BBQ & Grill
10.2017 - 04.2019
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
- Prepared restaurant business plan by reviewing demands, analyzing competitors and developing projections for sales and finances.
- Negotiated with vendors to secure the best pricing on quality ingredients and supplies while maintaining cost control measures.
- Established relationships with local businesses and organizations to generate catering opportunities for additional revenue streams.
Kitchen Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
01.2012 - 10.2017
- Managed kitchen operations to ensure high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Trained and mentored staff on culinary techniques and safety protocols.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations through rigorous sanitation practices and inspections.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Collaborated with front-of-house teams to enhance customer service and dining experience.
Kitchen/Catering Manager
Restaurant Concepts
06.2006 - 01.2012
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Catered events ranging in size from small doctor's offices to large festivals and weddings.
Education
Professional Culinary Skills -
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI 05.2001 -
No Degree - Geological Engineering
Ole Miss
Oxford, MI 05.2001 -
Skills
Leadership and team building
Operations management
Food safety and sanitation
Kitchen management
ServSafe certification
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
Timeline
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
03-2023
General Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
04.2019 - 08.2025
General Manager
Stadium BBQ & Grill
10.2017 - 04.2019
Kitchen Manager
O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
01.2012 - 10.2017
Kitchen/Catering Manager
Restaurant Concepts
06.2006 - 01.2012
Professional Culinary Skills -
Johnson & Wales University
05.2001 -
No Degree - Geological Engineering
Ole Miss
05.2001 -