Ava McDonald
Orlando
Summary
Results-driven Food and Beverage Manager bringing comprehensive understanding of resort level facility operations. Eager to further my knowledge in the hospitality industry with a solid financial background. Seeks every opportunity to improve profits, reduce waste and improve customer satisfaction. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Manager- Falls Pool Bar
Marriott International- Orlando World Center
Orlando
02.2025 - Current
- Contributed to daily operations of a high‑volume restaurant generating over $8M in annual sales.
- Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
- Coordinated inventory management to optimize supply levels and minimize waste, resulting in improved cost efficiency.
- Prepared employee schedules to ensure adequate staffing during peak periods, enhancing service quality and guest satisfaction.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling and evaluation of employees.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates and address concerns.
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Analyzed monthly P&L statements to identify opportunities for increasing profits or reducing losses.
Opening Restaurant Manager-Westin Atlanta Gwinnett
CONCORD HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISES COMPANY
Duluth
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Developed and implemented hotel policies and procedures.
- Worked side by side with Starbucks District Manager to organize, set up, and properly stock store.
- Trained Baristas over a four-week period to teach them Starbucks recipes, Operating Procedures, and Culture. Filmed trainings for Starbucks Corporate.
- Led front‑of‑house operations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts, in main dining room, optimizing workflow and guest experience.
- Conducted regular inspections of the property's interior and exterior areas to identify maintenance issues.
- Ordered supplies needed for daily operations in a timely manner within budget constraints.
- Managed payroll records for employees working within the food and beverage department.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for all restaurant operations to ensure compliance with health regulations and quality standards.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism.
- Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
- Created monthly financial reports to analyze sales trends, labor costs and other expenses related to the food and beverage department.
Food and Beverage Manager
CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT
Braselton
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Excelled in labor management through strategic use of Excel sheets and analyzing current business outlook.
- Collaborated with executive chef and culinary team in plate preparation and event execution, achieving revenue-based profitability.
- Represented the company in community events as part of the LOVES committee.
- Proficient in crafting cocktails and food menus, updating micros systems for optimal efficiency.
- Demonstrated financial acumen by counting cash, completing bank deposits, and utilizing EMS micros for menu optimization.
- Drove business growth by creating specialty dishes, unique and profitable F+B Events and leveraging marketing opportunities.
- Analyzed records to identify fast-selling menu items and designed menus aligned with the company's brand.
- Forecasted business needs and planned manpower, productivity, and expenses based on hotel occupancy.
- Trained food managers to handle front-line issues, plan schedules, and enforce production standards.
- Provided guidance and constructive feedback to assist employees in understanding guest needs.
- Developing several training programs used across property.
Assistant General Manager
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
Los Angeles
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Effectively managed multiple locations as a traveling manager during periods of staff shortages and supported the transition of new General Managers across various stores.
- Served as both Front of House Manager and Kitchen Manager, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.
- Possessed expertise in liquor, produce, and Sysco ordering to optimize inventory management for weekly counts.
- Successfully ran catering events for clients and maintained strong relationships between events.
- Oversaw and trained new hires for a team of around 60 individuals and four managers per store.
- Authored personalized guest recovery letters to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Managed HR matters and independently conducted recruiting activities for multiple restaurants using Workday.
Service Professional- Olive Garden
DARDEN RESTAURANTS
Athens
10.2017 - 03.2022
- Acquired proficiency in all restaurant positions, mastering both culinary and front-of-house responsibilities.
- Managed cash drops and handled necessary forms on behalf of managers.
- Conducted employee payouts and managed cash drops at the end of shifts.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - HOSPITALITY AND FOOD INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT
University of Georgia
Athens, GA12.2021
Skills
- Food Protection Manager Certified
- Restaurant Management
- Kitchen Management
- Multi Location Management
- Recruiting
- Forecasting
- Labor Management
- Profit and loss statements
Timeline
Restaurant Manager- Falls Pool Bar
Marriott International- Orlando World Center
02.2025 - Current
Opening Restaurant Manager-Westin Atlanta Gwinnett
CONCORD HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISES COMPANY
01.2024 - 12.2024
Food and Beverage Manager
CHATEAU ELAN WINERY & RESORT
01.2023 - 12.2023
Assistant General Manager
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN
03.2022 - 12.2022
Service Professional- Olive Garden
DARDEN RESTAURANTS
10.2017 - 03.2022
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - HOSPITALITY AND FOOD INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT
University of Georgia