Chris Waddell
Portland,Oregon
Summary
Over 20 years’ experience leading multi-million-dollar restaurants, as well as banquet and catering operations at award-winning restaurants around the country. Driven to raise standards in all aspects of the guest experience. Effectively manage personnel and operations to oversee demanding business needs while maximizing customer service standards. Diplomatic in addressing customer concerns and resolving issues.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Winery Ambassador
Willamette Valley Vineyards
06.2024 - Current
- Promoted good customer relations and premier customer satisfaction by demonstrating friendly demeanor and can-do attitude.
- Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials that increased brand recognition among consumers.
- Analyzed competitor offerings to develop unique selling propositions for various wine products within the portfolio.
- Conducted market research to identify potential clients, leading to an expanded network of accounts.
- Maintained consistent communication with existing clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
General Manager
The Hudson Sedona
11.2022 - 11.2023
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
- Developed and maintained a strong team of motivated staff by providing ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Designed beverage menus.
- Built stronger wine list aligned with trends, improved credibility of restaurant's program and raised profitability per glass/bottle.
- Collaborated with the owner/executive chef on food menus
- Assisted with renovations and décor changes.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
Barrel Master and Beverage Manager
Trilogy at Verde River
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Manage all aspects of the beverage program for bar and restaurant, resort pool bar and restaurant, banquet facilities, beverage outlet for golf course, and the spa.
- Held 2-3 wine/spirit tastings per week for 60+ members
- Monthly five course wine dinners paired with chef creations for 50+ members
- Monthly 100 person family dinners- regional wines paired with different regional foods each month
- Sales for wine and spirits program resulting in #1 beverage program in Trilogy portfolio
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
- Created wine, beer, and cocktail lists
Restaurant Manager
Mo's Seafood and Chowder
03.2020 - 09.2021
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections during the Covid19 outbreak
Restaurant Manager
Phil's BBQ
03.2015 - 12.2019
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Business Owner
Tickle My Pickles, LLC
03.2013 - 06.2018
- Small pickling business/restaurant consulting
Assistant General Manager
Morton's The Steakhouse
06.2009 - 02.2013
- Director of Wine
- Built stronger wine list aligned with trends, improved credibility of restaurant's program and raised profitability per glass/bottle
- Established strong relationships with suppliers, securing high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Purchased beverage stock and handled all inventory needs.
- Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.
- Maintained highest standards for food and beverage quality and service.
- Managed bar and wait staff and directed hiring program.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, providing constructive feedback to foster growth and development.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Grayhawk Golf Club
02.2002 - 06.2009
- Promoted from bartender in Phil Mickelson's Grill (Phil's Grill) to management
- Ensure complete guest satisfaction on and off the course
- Streamlined operational procedures for increased efficiency in daily tasks such as opening/closing routines, shift scheduling, and cash handling processes.
- Enhanced the establishment''s reputation through consistent delivery of exceptional service, food quality, and ambiance.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Education
ServeSafe Manager Certification -
01.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Arizona State University
Arizona01.2006
Cactus High School -
Cactus High School
Glendale, AZ01.1998
FAA Pilots Certification -
Glendale Aviation Flight School
Glendale, AZ05.1997
Skills
- Customer engagement
- Leadership and team building
- Customer service experience
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Food safety and sanitation
- Guest relations
- Restaurant operations
- Effective leader
- Staff management
- Sales and marketing
- Cost control and budgeting
Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
- ServSafe Manager Food Handler's Certification Valid 2023-2028
- Oregon Driver's License
- OLCC Liquor Permit
- Oregon Food Handlers Card
Timeline
Winery Ambassador
Willamette Valley Vineyards
06.2024 - Current
General Manager
The Hudson Sedona
11.2022 - 11.2023
Barrel Master and Beverage Manager
Trilogy at Verde River
03.2022 - 11.2022
Restaurant Manager
Mo's Seafood and Chowder
03.2020 - 09.2021
Restaurant Manager
Phil's BBQ
03.2015 - 12.2019
Business Owner
Tickle My Pickles, LLC
03.2013 - 06.2018
Assistant General Manager
Morton's The Steakhouse
06.2009 - 02.2013
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Grayhawk Golf Club
02.2002 - 06.2009
Cactus High School -
Cactus High School
FAA Pilots Certification -
Glendale Aviation Flight School
- CPR/AED Certification
- ServSafe Manager Food Handler's Certification Valid 2023-2028
- Oregon Driver's License
- OLCC Liquor Permit
- Oregon Food Handlers Card
ServeSafe Manager Certification -
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Arizona State University
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