Camren J. Sturgill

As a dynamic leader at Chili’s, I oversee a high-performing team of bartenders and To-Go specialists, driving excellence in guest experience, operations, and employee engagement. My role bridges operations and human resources — supporting staff recruitment, training, payroll, and benefits inquiries — to create an environment where people genuinely enjoy what they do and deliver their best. A few highlights of my Chili’s career:

• Decreased liquor costs by 4% year-over-year through improved inventory control and vendor management.
• Maintained best To-Go accuracy score in the area by optimizing workflows and accountability systems.
• Developed and promoted two team members to serve as leadership extensions within management.
• Managed a high-volume Chili’s location generating $7.5M in annual sales, consistently meeting operational and profitability targets.
• Improved guest retention, by improving service standards and response protocols, measured by quarterly guest complaint percentage dropping from 2.6% to 1.9% with over 8,000 survey responses

• Trained and mentored new front of house staff on service standards and operational procedures.
• Lead and Developed a team of 10 certified trainer team members across each job role in the restaurant to ensure training new team members was successful
• Trained over 40 servers and 11 bartenders throughout this role.
• Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations during daily operations.
• Collaborated with management to refine customer service protocols, improving guest satisfaction.
• Assisted in scheduling front of house training shifts, utilizing certified trainer team members for successful training of new team members
• Crafted and served diverse cocktails, enhancing customer satisfaction and overall experience.
• Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
• Balanced a 25 seat bar top and service well serving 60-110 guests per hour ensuring timely service for both bar guests and dining room guests.
• Served an 18 table section, while maintaining a server attentive of 90% and above measured through guest survey responses.
• Suggestive sold higher priced menu items through personalized connections with each guest

• Conducted advanced cancer biology research focused on MHC Class II complex proteins in lung and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Designed and executed experiments involving flow cytometry, primer design, and viral vector development for gene delivery studies. Supported translational research by testing experimental therapies across cell lines and animal models, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with institutional and ethical standards. Collaborated with senior researchers to interpret findings, optimize methodologies, and contribute to ongoing publications and presentations.

• Served as the youngest member of store leadership, overseeing daily operations for the front-end team and ensuring a seamless guest experience. Partnered with cross-functional leaders to align on sales goals, staffing, and operational priorities. Coached and empowered team members to deliver exceptional service, resolve issues proactively, and uphold company values. Recognized for leadership, adaptability, and commitment to creating a positive, performance-driven environment.