Briana Benjamin
Washington,DC
Summary
Customer-oriented General Manager with 10+ years of experience focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Adaptive and deadline-oriented consistently executes and completes multiple projects in high-stress environments. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Chip Cookies
11.2023 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with proactive communication, timely issue resolution, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for enhancement in operations, systems, and procedures.
- Developed high-performing teams through effective coaching, mentoring, and performance management strategies.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and best practices within all areas of operation.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
- Fostered strong relationships with external partners and stakeholders to support business objectives and expand market share.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
- Collaborated with upper management on strategic planning initiatives, aligning departmental objectives with overall company goals.
General Manager
EMMY SQUARED PIZZA
10.2021 - Current
- Manage full service restaurant and full bar concept that does upwards of3 million in sales/year
- Creates schedules for all staff in accordance to individual needs, signing off on all payroll
- Set up all HR systems in-store to include improvement plans, communicating disciplinary actions and providing necessary feedback and training to staff
- Supports marketing efforts by driving salesmanship and guest experience contests
- Responsible for the store's Profit and Loss
General Manager
NANDO’S PERI PERI CHICKEN
08.2017 - 09.2023
- Leads all shifts and manages a team of 30+ staff members, maintaining operations in full compliance with alcohol service, food safety, and Nando’s customer satisfaction standards
- Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Conducted health, safety, and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Identified problems, conducted troubleshooting and sought repair or maintenance support to keep restaurant equipment operational.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
General Manager
INSOMNIA COOKIES
09.2017 - 11.2019
- Ensured store’s safety and cleanliness compliance, strengthening training and procedures for all assistant managers, shift leads, and bakers
- Expanded in-house bike delivery program, creating delivery tracker and bonus system
- Established clear performance goals and metrics for new store opening, sales revenue, P&L, customer service, and customer retention for two separate stores
- Mentored four internal candidates for general management promotion opportunities
Vice General Manager
THE LITTLE BEET
05.2014 - 08.2017
- Upheld restaurant standards for gluten free concept and organic beverage quality
- Priced and ordered food products, kitchen equipment, and food service supplies
- Established restaurant business plan by surveying restaurant demands, identifying and evaluating competitors, and preparing financial and sales projections
- Collaborated with management and chefs to create a menu for soft and official opening.
- Expanded market share by identifying new business opportunities and forging strategic partnerships.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce expenses without sacrificing product or service quality.
- Implemented cross-training initiatives among team members which increased flexibility in staffing and improved overall service delivery.
- Kept restaurant compliant with all federal, state, and local hygiene and food safety regulations.
- Collaborated with General Manager to develop strategic plans for business growth in alignment with company objectives.
Catering Manager
Taylor Gourmet
09.2011 - 04.2014
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving customer complaints promptly and professionally.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Streamlined operations by implementing efficient staff scheduling, reducing labor costs while maintaining service quality.
- Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
- Managed financial responsibilities including budget development, cost control measures, and revenue tracking.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
Education
Some College - Business Management
Marymount University
Washington, DCSkills
- Profit & Loss
- Process Improvement
- Food Safety
- Catering
- Forecasting
- Payroll
- Restaurant Management
- Financial Report Writing
- Labor Cost Analysis
- Leadership
- Budgeting
- Inventory Control
- Mentoring
- Event Planning
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- ServSafe Alcohol TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Alcohol Certification – Health Communications, Inc.
- ServSafe Allergens
- Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
Timeline
General Manager
Chip Cookies
11.2023 - Current
General Manager
EMMY SQUARED PIZZA
10.2021 - Current
General Manager
INSOMNIA COOKIES
09.2017 - 11.2019
General Manager
NANDO’S PERI PERI CHICKEN
08.2017 - 09.2023
Vice General Manager
THE LITTLE BEET
05.2014 - 08.2017
Catering Manager
Taylor Gourmet
09.2011 - 04.2014
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- ServSafe Alcohol TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) Alcohol Certification – Health Communications, Inc.
- ServSafe Allergens
- Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
Some College - Business Management
Marymount University
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