LEA MILLER
Hartnell College
Salinas,CA
12
years of professional experience
Multi-unit hospitality leader with 28+ years of experience in high-volume restaurant, bar, catering, and campus multi-concept operations across national brands and complex service environments. Proven success leading FOH/BOH teams, partnering with kitchen and site-level leads to drive execution, and managing operational performance across multiple service outlets. Strong background in financial performance including sales, labor, and profitability, with expertise in operational audits, food safety compliance, and KPI-driven improvement. Experienced in launching concepts, stabilizing operations, and leveraging POS and mobile ordering systems to improve efficiency and guest experience.
Work History
Food Services Manager (Campus Operations Lead)
6 Years 10 Months- Lead multi-concept campus dining operations across retail, Starbucks, and catering
- Spearhead Starbucks launch and post-shutdown operational recovery, including team rebuilding and training
- Increased Starbucks revenue 23%-43% year over year
- Increased catering revenue from $8,000 to $60,000 to $280,000
- Decreased labor by 50%
- Partnered with site and kitchen leads to ensure execution, quality, safety, and cost control, including inventory and menu consistency
- Conducted operational audits and performance reviews across all service outlets
- Implemented POS and mobile ordering systems (Starbucks Connect, Toast)
- Managed labor, cost controls, and profitability across multiple revenue channels
- Oversaw catering and retail food execution standards
Restaurant Manager
5 Years 8 Months- Manage FOH/BOH operations in a high-volume 180-seat restaurant and bar
- Create and implement processes and SOPs to improve efficiency & communication
- Oversee staffing, training, scheduling, and daily execution
- Partner with kitchen leadership on food quality, cost, and inventory control
- Lead catering, banquets, weddings, and large-scale events (Pebble Beach Food and Wine, AT&T Pro-Am)
- Manage beverage program, vendor relationships, and inventory control
- Drive labor efficiency and financial performance
- Handle guest recovery and service escalation
- Manage cash handling and daily banking processes
- Managed scheduling, labor controls, and shift coverage to maintain efficient staffing levels.
- Supervised hiring, training, and performance coaching for front-of-house and kitchen staff.
- Directed daily restaurant operations, ensuring consistent service standards and guest satisfaction.
- Monitored food, beverage, and supply inventories, reducing waste and supporting accurate ordering.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly, protecting service quality and repeat business.
- Enforced health, safety, and sanitation standards across dining room, bar, and kitchen areas.
- Coordinated POS procedures, cash handling, and closing reports for daily accountability.
- Evaluated sales trends and operating results to improve profitability and service consistency.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
Skills
Campus Multi-Concept Operations
Team Leadership & Coaching
Site & Kitchen Lead Development
Operational Audits
Sales
Labor & Profitability Management
Food Cost Controls
KPI Performance Management
Food Safety & Compliance
Guest Experience & Service Recovery
Crisis Management
Technology-Enabled Operations
POS Systems (Toast
Starbucks Connect
Aloha
Micros)
Mobile Order & Digital Revenue
Concept Launches & Recovery
Catering & Event Operations
Timeline
Food Services Manager (Campus Operations Lead)
Hartnell College
08.2019 - 06.2026Read More
Restaurant Manager
Cannery Row Brewing Company
03.2014 - 11.2019Read More
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
- Salinas Police Community Advisory Committee, Vice Chair / Chair, Salinas, CA, 2021-Present
- Highway 68 Sports, Director of Game Play, 2021-2025
- Toro Bulls Youth Football, Equipment Manager, 2023-2025
- PTA, Treasurer, 2011-2012
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Wagon Wheel Coffee Shop - Lead Server/FOH Trainer | 1998–2014
- Bistro Beaujolais - Server | 2010–2012
- Big Joe’s BBQ - Bartender/Server | 2004–2006
- Toot’s Lagoon - Manager | 2000–2002
- Chili’s Grill & Bar - Server
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. - Server
- BJ’s Brewhouse - Server