Benjamin Lopez
Cortland,IL
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record at Plaza Los Panchos, excelling in operations management and cost control. Spearheaded bilingual marketing campaigns, enhancing community engagement and driving sales. Adept at staff leadership and regulatory compliance, fostering a high-performing team while ensuring exceptional customer service and food safety standards.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager of Food Service
Plaza Los Panchos
07.2025 - Current
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume Mexican restaurant, overseeing payroll, scheduling, and compliance for a team of 16+ employees.
- Negotiated with vendors and contractors to manage inventory, streamline costs, and ensure consistent supply chain performance.
- Implemented bilingual (English/Spanish) marketing campaigns across social media and print to expand customer base and strengthen community presence.
- Coordinated with city officials and service providers on licensing, inspections, and operational logistics.
- Analyzed financial performance, monitored expenses, and generated weekly reports to support profitability and strategic planning.
- Led the successful ownership transition in July 2025, including payroll migration, vendor realignment, and rebranding efforts.
Online Grocery Associate
Walmart
04.2023 - 07.2025
- Assisted customers with online grocery orders, ensuring accuracy and timely fulfillment.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain organized stock levels and inventory management.
- Operated scanning equipment to track product availability and streamline order processing.
- Adapted quickly to changes in product selection and promotions, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Supported daily operations by restocking shelves and maintaining cleanliness in work areas.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously, consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines for order completion and pickup times.
- Placed completed orders in labeled, temperature-appropriate storage pending customer pick up.
- Tracked substitutions and informed customers of changes.
- Assisted in training new Online Grocery Associates, sharing best practices for efficient order processing and customer service techniques.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
Warehouse Worker
Target
06.2022 - 04.2024
- Conducted regular inventory checks, ensuring accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
- Implemented safety protocols, maintaining compliance with OSHA standards in warehouse operations.
- Assisted in training new employees on proper handling techniques and operational procedures.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline order fulfillment processes, enhancing productivity.
- Consistently lifted materials weighing as much as 50 pounds.
Fast Food Worker
Mcdonalds
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Operated kitchen equipment to prepare food items according to safety and quality standards.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by efficiently taking orders and resolving issues.
- Trained new staff on food preparation techniques and company policies to ensure consistent service.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and dining areas, adhering to health regulations.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline order processing during peak hours for improved efficiency.
Dishwasher
KFC
08.2021 - 10.2021
- Operated industrial dishwashing equipment to maintain cleanliness and efficiency in kitchen operations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely availability of clean dishes and utensils for food preparation.
- Monitored dishwashing cycles, adjusted settings for optimal performance, and ensured compliance with sanitation standards.
Server
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Bar
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive dining experience for all guests.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently, prioritizing tasks to enhance workflow and service speed.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely food preparation and delivery.
- Trained new servers on menu details, service protocols, and customer interaction techniques.
- Implemented upselling techniques to increase sales while enhancing guest dining experiences.
Busboy
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Bar
06.2018 - 07.2021
- Supported waitstaff by efficiently clearing and resetting tables to enhance dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness of dining area, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Assisted in food preparation tasks, contributing to timely service during peak hours.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order delivery and minimize errors.
- Trained new busboys on best practices for sanitation and customer service protocols.
- Implemented improved cleaning procedures that increased efficiency in maintaining restaurant standards.
- Monitored inventory of supplies, notifying management of low stock to prevent service delays.
- Fostered positive guest interactions, enhancing overall satisfaction and encouraging repeat visits.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Followed proper sanitation guidelines when handling utensils, dishes, glassware, and linens to ensure guest safety and satisfaction.
- Developed excellent relationships with managers and fellow team members to support team success and positive work environment.
- Kept close eye on customers to quickly spot leaving guests and clear tables for future patrons.
- Supported servers with additional tasks such as refilling drinks, taking orders, or bringing out food when needed.
- Worked quickly, communicated with other staff and always looked for better ways of completing tasks to improve productivity and keep tables ready for incoming guests.
- Collaborated with host/hostess team to ensure accurate table availability information was communicated between front-of-house teams.
- Pitched in extra hours and helped other staff during unexpected times of high volume to improve seating availability and food delivery to tables.
- Developed a strong understanding of restaurant layout and table numbers, enabling swift navigation and accurate delivery of items to the correct tables.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area for optimal guest comfort and satisfaction.
- Improved customer experience by promptly clearing and cleaning tables after guest departure.
Cashier
Taco Bell
01.2021 - 04.2021
- Managed cash register operations, ensuring accurate transactions and efficient customer service.
- Trained new staff on point-of-sale systems and cash handling procedures.
- Monitored inventory levels, restocking items as necessary to maintain availability.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Education
No Degree - Marketing
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL05-2027
Associate of Science - Marketing
Kishwaukee Community College
Malta, IL05-2025
High School Diploma -
Dekalb High School
DeKalb, IL05-2022
Skills
- Operations management
- Cost control
- Creativity and innovation
- Marketing and promotions
- Scheduling and rostering
- Customer service
- Quality control
- Cost controls
- Purchasing
- Staff leadership
- Staff supervision
- Regulatory compliance
- Facility maintenance
- Hiring standards
- Health inspections
- Waste reduction
- Sanitation standards
- Price negotiation
- Food presentation
- Food storage
- Portion control
- Allergy awareness
- Resource allocation
- Fine-dining expertise
- Employee retention
- Kitchen operations management
- Food safety management
- Menu pricing
- Service records
- Training and onboarding
- Critical thinking
- Reliable and responsible
- Safe food handling
- Supply ordering and management
- Money handling
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Inventory management
- Problem-solving
- Employee supervision
- ServeSafe manager
- Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
- Monitoring food preparation
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
General Manager of Food Service
Plaza Los Panchos
07.2025 - Current
Online Grocery Associate
Walmart
04.2023 - 07.2025
Warehouse Worker
Target
06.2022 - 04.2024
Fast Food Worker
Mcdonalds
10.2021 - 04.2022
Dishwasher
KFC
08.2021 - 10.2021
Server
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Bar
04.2021 - 07.2021
Cashier
Taco Bell
01.2021 - 04.2021
Busboy
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Bar
06.2018 - 07.2021
No Degree - Marketing
Northern Illinois University
Associate of Science - Marketing
Kishwaukee Community College
High School Diploma -
Dekalb High School
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