Alicia Dillard
Escondido,CA
Summary
Professional with strong experience in managing restaurant operations, ensuring high standards and exceptional results. Proven ability to lead teams, adapt to changing needs, and optimize both front and back-of-house efficiency. Expertise in customer service, staff training, and inventory management. Known for fostering collaboration and consistently achieving goals.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Cava
San Diego, Ca
03.2025 - Current
- Fast pace and customer service oriented assistant restaurant manager with hands-on leadership experience at Cava. Skilled in team development, service quality, operations management, and creating an exceptional guest experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Adept at driving sales, controlling labor and food costs, optimizing workflow, and upholding brand standards. Recognized for strong communication, problem-solving, and a passion for building engaged high-performing teams.
- Operations & Leadership
- Supervise daily restaurant operations, ensuring consistent delivery of Cava’s standards, food quality, and cleanliness procedures.
- Manage, coach, and evaluate a team of Cava employees, fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and guest-first service.
- Coordinate shift management, including breaks, station assignments, prep planning, and opening/closing procedures.
- Support implementation of corporate initiatives, training programs, and safety/food-handling protocols.
- Guest Experience
- Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and urgency, resulting in improved satisfaction and loyalty.
- Monitor guest flow and dining room operations to maintain speed, accuracy, and hospitality during peak periods.
- Financial & Operational Performance
- Assist with labor scheduling, inventory management, and food ordering to maintain proper stock levels while reducing waste.
- Analyze sales trends and operational metrics to improve and drive revenue.
- Help control restaurant costs by monitoring portioning, minimizing waste, and optimizing staffing levels.
- Team Development
- Train new team members and shift leaders on Cava standards, recipes, and operational procedures.
- Provide ongoing coaching to enhance performance, efficiency, and guest-service excellence.
- Support a positive, inclusive workplace aligned with Cava’s mission and values.
- Safety & Compliance
- Enforce all health, sanitation, and safety regulations, achieving excellent internal and external inspection results.
- Maintain compliance with company policies, food safety guidelines, and local operational regulations.
Accounting Specialist
Honest Debt Relief
Vista,Ca.
04.2018 - 03.2024
- Processed invoices and expense reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies.
- Assisted in maintaining financial records using accounting software and spreadsheets.
- Supported month-end close activities by preparing journal entries and reconciliations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline data entry procedures for improved efficiency.
Education
High School Diploma -
San Marcos High School
San Marcos, CA06-1999
Skills
- Restaurant Operations
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Guest Service Excellence
- Conflict Resolution
- Labor & Inventory Management
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Training & Onboarding
- Cash Handling & POS Systems
- Scheduling & Shift Management
- High-volume Service Environment
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
Certification
Food Handlers Certificate
Timeline
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Cava
03.2025 - Current
Accounting Specialist
Honest Debt Relief
04.2018 - 03.2024
High School Diploma -
San Marcos High School