CHRISTINE CURTIS
Baroda,MI
Summary
Impactful Business Executive experienced in food and beverage operations and human relations. Delivered enhanced customer experiences through strategic planning and process optimization while fostering team collaboration and maintaining high standards. Focused on aligning financial goals with team performance and guest service excellence.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Food & Beverage Operations
Four Winds Casino Resort
New Buffalo, MI
06.2007 - Current
- Recruited as venue manager and led start-up and operation of 467-seat buffet restaurant, overseeing all aspects from concept to launch.
- Promoted to Director of Food & Beverage Operations in April 2015.
- Promoted to Director of Restaurant Operations in December 2011.
- Promoted to Director of Beverage Operations in November 2008.
- Key contributor and oversite of the successful openings of Hartford, Dowagiac, and South Bend Casinos and successful expansions in Food & Beverage.
- Direct food and beverage operations, ensuring high standards of quality and customer service.
- Establish standard operating procedures to improve workflow consistency across multiple outlets.
- Oversee budgeting processes, ensuring financial targets were met while maintaining service excellence.
- Cultivate and contribute to a positive work environment that supported employee retention efforts alongside professional development initiatives.
- Develop training programs for staff to ensure consistent service quality and product knowledge.
- Implement and oversee safety protocols for proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations of team members to identify areas for improvement or recognition of exceptional work contributions.
Human Resources Manager - Training & Development
Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel
Joliet, IL
07.2002 - 03.2007
- Promoted from Senior Training Specialist to Training & Development Manager within two months, demonstrating rapid advancement and leadership potential.
- Facilitated key training programs and initiatives for employees and management across all levels, enhancing workforce skills and engagement.
- Tracked and oversaw human resources and training reports to ensure alignment with organizational goals and support decision-making.
Human Resources Manager - Training & Development
Harrah's Prairie Band Casino
Mayetta, KS
09.1999 - 07.2002
- Oversaw kitchen, employee dining room, and buffet operations for 150 employees as recruited Senior Food & Beverage Manager.
- Facilitated brand and property training for employees and management at all levels as Training and Development Manager.
- Developed and implemented employee engagement initiatives to enhance workplace culture.
Operations Manager
Adecco Employment Services
Topeka & Lawrence, KS
06.1998 - 09.1999
- Collaborated directly with over 400 client locations to gather requirements and feedback.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives and improve service delivery.
General Manager
Buffets, Incorporated
Bradley, IL
06.1995 - 04.1998
- Recruited as Dining Room Manager, promoted to Kitchen Manager, and then General Manager.
- Ordered, cooked, adhered to recipes, provided guest service, collaborated with vendors, marketed, managed grounds and security, handled financial tasks, hired, recruited, and managed entire operation while adhering to all laws.
- Directed operational efficiency initiatives to enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.
- Implemented cost-control measures that improved overall budget management and reduced waste.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic business plans aligned with company goals.
- Oversaw budgeting processes, aligning financial goals with organizational objectives.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
General Manager
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Bradley, IL
01.1994 - 06.1995
- Executed the complete start-up of a 57-unit hotel and operations according to Marriott standards.
- Managed marketing, employee relations, guest satisfaction, financial results, direct billing, accounts payable, and auditing.
- Directed daily operations to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction across multiple restaurant locations.
- Implemented cost control measures, resulting in improved profitability and operational effectiveness.
- Led staff training initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement among team members.
Senior Restaurant Manager
Raddison Star Plaza
Merrillville, IN
04.1992 - 01.1994
- Assisted with banquets, overseeing room service, fine dining, and buffet restaurants to ensure seamless operations.
- Managed daily operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
- Monitored operations of 3,400-seat theater entertainment as manager on duty, ensuring guest satisfaction and safety.
- Oversaw hiring and training processes for a team of forty-five employees to ensure high performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Home Economics - Hospitality Option
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois01-1990
Skills
- Multiple operations oversight
- Cost control
- SOP development & implementation
- Labor relations
- Staff leadership
- Employee retention
- Training programs
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Labor management
- Sanitation standards
- Menu development
- Supply ordering
- Reliable and responsible
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Decision-making
- Coaching and mentoring
Awards
- Excalibur Award (Raddison Star Plaza & Hotel 1993 - Exceeding guest service, employee relations, & profitability)
- Founder's Club Member (Buffets, Inc. 1997 - Exceeding profits in fiscal year)
- International Superstars Winner (Adecco Employment Services 1998 - Increasing gross margins over previous year)
- Chairman's Award (Harrah's 2000 - Increasing employee contributions in employee opinion survey scores & Harrah's 2003 - Superior team results for employee innovation program, Big Idea)
Timeline
Director of Food & Beverage Operations
Four Winds Casino Resort
06.2007 - Current
Human Resources Manager - Training & Development
Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel
07.2002 - 03.2007
Human Resources Manager - Training & Development
Harrah's Prairie Band Casino
09.1999 - 07.2002
Operations Manager
Adecco Employment Services
06.1998 - 09.1999
General Manager
Buffets, Incorporated
06.1995 - 04.1998
General Manager
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
01.1994 - 06.1995
Senior Restaurant Manager
Raddison Star Plaza
04.1992 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Home Economics - Hospitality Option
Eastern Illinois University