Alison Porter
Appleton
Summary
Experienced hospitality leader with over 15 years of operational and customer service expertise, including 11 years as founder/operator of two successful restaurants. Known for team leadership, event execution, marketing strategy, and top notch guest service. I have sold both businesses and Co founded a thriving Asian Fusion restaurant. I would particularly thrive in roles that combine organizational skill, customer service, team and management training and hospitality-driven experiences.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
CoFounder/President of Operations
Lucky Lotus Asian Fusion
De Pere
09.2025 - Current
- Established menu offerings showcasing diverse Asian fusion cuisine.
- Designed restaurant layout to enhance customer experience and flow.
- Managed daily operations including staffing, inventory, and supplier relations.
- Conducted regular reviews of existing processes to identify areas of improvement.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote restaurant events and specials.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential application in the organization's processes.
- Oversaw financial management, including budgeting and cost control measures.
- Recruited, hired and trained staff members to ensure that operational goals were met.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive business plan to launch the company.
- Provided leadership guidance to managers in order to foster a cohesive working environment.
- Coordinated marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility within the community.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
Owner/Operator
Island Sushi
Green Bay & Appleton
10.2013 - 10.2024
- Founded and operated two popular sushi restaurants from the ground up
- Scaled and operated both locations for over a decade
- Managed staffing, training, scheduling, payroll, financials, licensing, and compliance
- Designed successful marketing campaigns and loyalty programs
- Directed catering, private events, and delivery operations
- Maintained health compliance and city licensing
- Built a cult like loyal customer base due to our vibrant team culture
- Sold both businesses in 2024 to pursue a new path in travel, leadership, and service-oriented industries
Food & Beverage Manager
Super Bowl Entertainment Center
Appleton
10.2012 - 10.2013
- Oversaw all food and beverage service in a high-traffic entertainment center
- Managed bar and kitchen staff, training, and scheduling
- Managed all annual and semi annual banquets
- Created systems to improve event execution and guest satisfaction
- Handled inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and cost control
- Left to open my own successful restaurant
Senior Manager
Bennigan’s
Appleton
08.2010 - 10.2012
- Led day-to-day restaurant operations including hiring, sales building, and labor/food cost control
- Inspired team with daily shift meetings and recognition
- Executed marketing and community events
- Trained the franchise teams for new store openings
- Achieved top-tier customer satisfaction results company-wide
- Performed weekly outside marketing communicating accomplishments to all franchise partners and corporate offices
- Responsible for staff development, front-of-house leadership, and licensing
- Was sought out and recruited to work at Super Bowl Entertainment Center
Traveling Manager / Bar Developer / Trainer
HuHot Mongolian Grill
Wisconsin state wide
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Adapted quickly to each locations needs
- Developed bar program used franchise-wide, increasing alcohol sales
- Educated team with in store training for constant improvement
- Opened new stores and trained managers across multiple locations
- Scheduled 70+ team members; handled inventory and supply orders
- Coordinated public events and internal staff seminars
- Fully cross-trained across all positions
Bartender / Server / Lead Trainer / Traveling Server
T.G.I. Fridays
Appleton, WI; Buford, GA; Duluth, GA; Atlanta, GA; Coral Springs, FL
01.1991 - 01.2008
- Served in multiple front and back-of-house roles
- Acted as supervisor as needed
- Head server and scheduler at select locations
- Fully trained in almost every position
- Delivered training on alcohol service, customer engagement, and team leadership
- Participated in two store openings
- Earned several awards for guest satisfaction
- Was offered a management position at HuHot
Daycare Manager
Fitness University
Stafford
05.2005 - 08.2007
- Managed a team of 20+ in a fitness facility daycare center
- Hired team that was able to create a nurturing environment
- Increased attendance by 70% through programming and leadership
- Handled safety, scheduling, and event coordination
Teacher’s Assistant
Old Peachtree Montessori School
Auburn
05.2000 - 02.2003
- Assisted in development and tracking of lesson plans for Montessori curriculum
- Maintained a nurturing and positive environment for children
- Maintained daily parent communication
- Encouraged a love of learning
- Supported classroom readiness and individual learning goals
Education
Certified First Responder - CPR, First Aid, and AED
Florida Community College at Jacksonville
Lead Teacher Certification -
Florida Institute of Montessori Studies
Skills
- Menu development
- Financial management
- Staff training
- Marketing strategy
- Operational oversight
- Customer service
- Inventory control
- Event coordination
- Team leadership
- Process improvement
- Compliance management
- Vendor relations
- Employee mentoring
- Safety compliance
- Time management
- Strategic planning
- Cash flow management
- Performance assessments
- Team engagement
- Recruitment and hiring
- Start-up operations
Education And Certifications
- Responsible Beverage Server Course – Licensed in multiple cities
- Serve Safe Certified – Food Manager and Food Handler
- Florida Community College at Jacksonville – Certified First Responder, CPR, First Aid, and AED
- Florida Institute of Montessori Studies – Lead Teacher Certification
Timeline
CoFounder/President of Operations
Lucky Lotus Asian Fusion
09.2025 - Current
Owner/Operator
Island Sushi
10.2013 - 10.2024
Food & Beverage Manager
Super Bowl Entertainment Center
10.2012 - 10.2013
Senior Manager
Bennigan’s
08.2010 - 10.2012
Traveling Manager / Bar Developer / Trainer
HuHot Mongolian Grill
01.2007 - 01.2010
Daycare Manager
Fitness University
05.2005 - 08.2007
Teacher’s Assistant
Old Peachtree Montessori School
05.2000 - 02.2003
Bartender / Server / Lead Trainer / Traveling Server
T.G.I. Fridays
01.1991 - 01.2008
Certified First Responder - CPR, First Aid, and AED
Florida Community College at Jacksonville
Lead Teacher Certification -
Florida Institute of Montessori Studies