Cedric Combs
Chicago,IL
Summary
With over a decade of leadership experience in high-volume restaurant and nightlife operations, an accomplished General Manager excelling in driving revenue growth, optimizing processes, and enhancing profitability. Expertise lies in strategic planning, venue management, entertainment programming, and creating exceptional customer experiences. Proven track record of delivering high service standards and consistently elevating business performance to ensure client satisfaction.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager, Coda Di Volpe
Ballyhoo Hospitality
07.2024 - 04.2025
- Manage all aspects of business operations for both front-of-house (FOH) and back-of-house (BOH).
- Maintain direct daily communication with the Director of Operations and VP of Operations. Ensure guest experience remains a key focal point in the operational model and achieve daily goals related to this.
- Oversee 30+ employees nightly and manage a total of over 60 employees.
- Maintain FOH labor costs at 7% and BOH labor costs at 10% per period.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built guest and employee loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Developed and executed comprehensive employee training program, elevating staff skills and improving service delivery.
General Manager
TAO Group Hospitality
05.2022 - 04.2024
- Oversaw all aspects of business operations, ensuring excellent service delivery for premium, high-end VIP clients.
- Managed bottle service sales and coordinated bookings exclusively for VIPs, maintaining the highest standards of guest service.
- Established a strong work culture and ensured efficient operations to deliver exceptional experiences for high-net-worth clients.
- Achieved 5% yearly sales growth during the first 12 months as General Manager, successfully navigating operational challenges.
- Refined SOPs for servers and bartenders and facilitated direct coaching to staff, focused on elevating service practices and overall work culture, elevating customer service and experiences.
- Strengthened staff performance through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and knowledge sharing, enhancing service delivery, increasing client spending, and maximizing revenue.
- Reduced operating expenses during challenging periods by implementing resource planning, adjusting schedules, and transitioning to in-house staffing, saving $12k monthly in security costs.
- Curated diverse VIP entertainment programming by partnering with prominent DJs and artists, attracting high-level clientele.
- Collaborated with the FP&A team to develop financial strategies, conduct detailed budget forecasting, and design cost-saving measures to optimize operational efficiency and achieve sales goals.
- Worked closely with senior leadership on P&L, sales forecasts, budgets, and overall performance, developing strategies to address operational challenges and maximize profitability.
General Manager
Bonhomme Group Hospitality - Celeste & Disco
10.2014 - 04.2022
- Managed operations for a high-volume, multi-floor venue offering a cocktail bar, supper club, and discotheque experience, increasing F&B sales from $3.3M to $5.5M over six years while maintaining a 48% margin.
- Developed and implemented SOPs to enhance service delivery, streamline operations, and identify cost saving opportunities.
- Successfully rebuilt the business post-pandemic through vendor contract renegotiations, compliance with regulations, client reconnections, and staff rehiring/training, minimizing restart costs.
- Spearheaded successful events, including themed parties and fashion shows, generating significant incremental sales and media recognition.
- Led operations across four floors with tailored customer experiences, efficient staffing, creative programming, and strategic marketing to cater to diverse clientele.
- Designed and executed targeted events and programs, collaborating with chefs, cocktail teams, and décor groups to optimize revenue.
- Acted as the venue's face, fostering strong client relationships, driving retention, and maintaining high customer satisfaction.
- Implemented a marketing strategy leveraging a female-heavy audience and social media to expand reach and ensure a fun, safe, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Managed budgeting, P&L, and labor cost analysis, delivering comprehensive performance reports to ownership and management.
Co-Founder
Strategic Spirit Activation LLC
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Built and co-owned the company with a focus on providing experiential learning for cocktail creation.
- Responsible for designing the business model and go-to-market strategy, staff training, cash flow management, and revenue generation.
- Successfully delivered 10% revenue growth during the first year of operation, and an increase in lab membership by 100 people at zero advertising cost, significantly improving cash flow during the first 6 months of operation.
Education
BA - Public Relations, Communications Management
Illinois State University
Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Effective leader
- Time management
- Training and coaching
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- Customer relations
- Training and development
- Relationship building
- Staff training/development
- Inventory control
- Customer relationship management
- Employee scheduling
- Verbal and written communication
- Administrative skills
- Motivation
- Client relations
Timeline
General Manager, Coda Di Volpe
Ballyhoo Hospitality
07.2024 - 04.2025
General Manager
TAO Group Hospitality
05.2022 - 04.2024
Co-Founder
Strategic Spirit Activation LLC
01.2015 - 04.2016
General Manager
Bonhomme Group Hospitality - Celeste & Disco
10.2014 - 04.2022
BA - Public Relations, Communications Management
Illinois State University
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