Benjamin Smith
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
As a dedicated and driven professional with extensive experience in the restaurant industry, I have honed strong leadership skills, a dedicated work ethic, and the ability to motivate and inspire teams. My career began at Olive Garden when I turned 17, where I learned the fundamentals of hard work and leadership. I used these new learned skills to lead my store too an outstanding new record of $45,000 in one night. I then transitioned to Panda Express Restaurant Group, where I quickly excelled into a Regional (New Store Opening Chef) position. This role was pivotal in my career development, recognized by our Vice President of Operations for my relentless drive for results, exceptional work ethic, strong leadership abilities, and talent for fostering trust and integrity among team members. Recognized as the lead Chef for the Grand Opening of the Rocky Mountain South region's newest store in Grand Junction, CO. We pushed our way into history with a record breaking first week of sales, amassing more than 350,000 sales in the first week. The success of GJ has not wavered and has now become the most profitable store in the company.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Chef
Panda Express Restaurant Group
08.2021 - 06.2024
Developed systems with associates at recently opened stores to drive sales and build a stable customer base
- Recruited and trained new associates, guiding them into roles with greater responsibilities and challenging them to take on more tasks, thereby improving their skills and lives
- Collaborated with store management teams to instill our company's culture, mission, values, and environment into the workplace through integrity, workability, and intensity
- Set up new stores for maximum efficiency and planned for upcoming sales to ensure successful new openings
- Led kitchen team, including cooks and kitchen helpers, to maintain exceptional food quality and minimize guest waiting times, enhancing overall guest experiences
- Fostered a culture of accountability within teams, while encouraging continuous training, development, and sharing commitment to working with passion.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes. (Managed food costs, hiring/staffing, training, and vendors)
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Handled customer relations issues, enabling quick resolution, and client satisfaction.
Line Cook, Busser, Server, Prep Cook, Chef, General Manager/Store Manager
Olive Garden
02.2021 - 08.2023
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing waste and controlling costs
- Maintained high standards of food quality, hygiene, and service
- Handled customer relations, resolving complaints and improving customer satisfaction
- Trained and developed staff, building a cohesive and efficient team
- Implemented promotional strategies to increase sales and enhance brand presence.
Education
GED -
Horizonte Instruction And Training Center
Salt Lake City, UT 05.2023
Skills
- Budgeting: Developing and managing budgets, controlling costs, and maximizing profitability
- Financial Reporting: Analyzing financial statements, tracking performance metrics, and reporting to upper management
- Sales Strategies: Implementing strategies to increase sales, such as promotions, upselling, and marketing initiatives
- Social Media: Utilizing social media platforms for marketing and customer engagement
- Brand Management: Promoting Panda Express's brand and ensuring consistent brand experience
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing problems, making decisions quickly, and finding effective solutions
- Adaptability: Responding to changing circumstances and unexpected challenges with flexibility
- Leadership: Leading and motivating teams, setting examples, and fostering positive work environments
- Team Building: Recruiting, training, and developing staff to work cohesively and efficiently
- Conflict Resolution: Addressing and resolving conflicts between staff or with customers effectively
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain financial concepts and reports clearly
- Time Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
- Decision-Making: Capacity to make informed decisions based on financial data and analysis
- Ethics: High ethical standards and integrity in handling financial transactions and confidential information
- Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders
Professional Development
- Landmark Education for Young People and the Forum: Completed a 4-month personalized training program.
- Panda Restaurant Group Management Training: Received extensive management training over several months.
Education - High Schools
- Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT, GED, 05/2022, 3.6, Honors and AP Math, Honors English, Honors Language Arts, AP Chemistry
- Innovations High School, Salt Lake City, UT
- Salt Lake Community College
Volunteer Experience
- Dog Walker, Humane Society of Utah, Murray, UT, Provided care and exercise for shelter dogs, contributing to their well-being and adoption readiness.
- Student Government Member, Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT, Actively participated in student government, organizing events and representing student interests.
Projects
System Creation: Developed systems with associates at recently opened stores to drive sales and build a stable customer base. Talent Development: Recruited and trained new associates, guiding them into roles with greater responsibilities and challenging them to take on more tasks, thereby improving their skills and lives. Cultural Integration: Collaborated with store management teams to instill the company's culture, mission, values, and environment into the workplace through integrity, workability, and intensity. Operational Efficiency: Set up new stores for maximum efficiency and planned for upcoming sales to ensure successful new openings. Back-of-House Leadership: Led the kitchen team, including cooks and kitchen helpers, to maintain exceptional food quality and minimize guest waiting times, enhancing overall guest experiences. Team Accountability: Fostered a culture of accountability within the team, encouraging continuous training, development, and a shared commitment to working with passion.
Basketball
Benefitting from an extensive background in competitive basketball spanning eight years, I cultivated invaluable traits such as dedication, ambition, and leadership. Although my athletic journey was interrupted by an injury sustained during my sophomore year of high school, the resilience and determination fostered through sports seamlessly transitioned into my professional trajectory. Leveraging these attributes, I rapidly ascended through the ranks within the corporate sphere, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to leadership.
Timeline
Regional Chef
Panda Express Restaurant Group
08.2021 - 06.2024
Line Cook, Busser, Server, Prep Cook, Chef, General Manager/Store Manager
Olive Garden
02.2021 - 08.2023
GED -
Horizonte Instruction And Training Center
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