CHRISTOPHER BUCHANAN
Assistant Store Manager
DALLAS,TX
Summary
Dynamic Assistant Store Manager with over 15 years of diverse experience in sales and restaurant management. Proven track record of enhancing operational efficiencies and boosting customer satisfaction, evidenced by leading front-of-house teams of 80 to achieve high service standards. Skilled in inventory management, staff training, and driving sales growth through strategic initiatives. Adept at utilizing technical proficiency in POS systems and financial management to streamline store operations. Prepared to leverage expertise to contribute to a thriving retail environment.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Sales
Millennium Events Management, Inc.
Irving
12.2025 - Current
- Prospected and qualified B2B leads for AT&T solutions, enhancing pipeline velocity with measurable outcomes.
- Secured complex sales for telecom equipment and services, driving consistent revenue growth for the account.
- Negotiated contracts and obtained pricing approvals to finalize profitable deals and expedite the sales cycle.
- Cultivated and nurtured relationships with corporate clients to elevate retention rates and boost service adoption.
Assistant Front of the House Manager
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Cedar Hill
09.2019 - 11.2025
- Directed front-of-house operations, overseeing a team of 80 staff members to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Formulated and executed training programs to enhance staff knowledge on menu items, customer service techniques, and upselling strategies.
- Coordinated with the kitchen team to guarantee timely food preparation and delivery, upholding high-quality standards.
- Managed inventory control for front-of-house supplies, optimizing stock levels to reduce waste while addressing operational needs.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication, conflict resolution, and recognition initiatives.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for front-of-house staff, offering constructive feedback for professional development.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations by executing routine inspections and implementing necessary corrective actions.
- Addressed customer complaints and concerns promptly and effectively, striving to exceed guest expectations consistently.
- Evaluated sales data to identify trends and opportunities for revenue enhancement or cost reduction initiatives.
- Maintained meticulous financial records, including cash handling procedures, daily sales reports, and payroll documentation.
Kitchen Assistant Manager
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
Cedar Hill
08.2014 - 09.2019
- Ensured adherence to all recipes and standards for food preparation.
- Scheduled staff and ordered supplies to meet operational standards set by Babe's.
- Received inventory and verified proper rotation to ensure food safety.
- Enhanced kitchen cleanliness by cleaning vents, hoods, and previously neglected areas of the floors and walls.
- Initiated a cleaning calendar and reorganized the food and storage area for improved efficiency.
- Oversaw maintenance duties for catering vans and antique fire truck, ensuring proper functionality.
- Observed kitchen operations and engaged with staff to implement beneficial changes for management and crew alike.
- Analyzed profit and loss statements and devised action plans to align financial performance with Babe's expectations.
- Maintained oversight with all cooks to ensure dishes were prepared according to prescribed recipes.
General Manager
Wendy's
Dallas
05.2007 - 08.2014
- Accountable for sales growth, customer service excellence, labor cost management, scheduling, product ordering, facilities management, staff training, hiring, and new product rollouts across all areas of the business.
- Transformed the restaurant into a clean and safe dining environment in a challenging area of the city.
- Sustained sales performance despite competition from Walmart and several other brands.
- Utilized skills in customer interaction, budget analysis, training, goal-setting, team building, and cost-effective ordering of all supplies.
General Manager
Golden Corral
Lewisville
06.2005 - 05.2007
- Handled customer service, staff scheduling, hiring and training of servers, food quality assurance, cost control, and cleaning and maintenance of all restaurant areas.
- Developed a new training program for servers to ensure a consistent and high-quality guest experience.
- Transformed the restaurant's cleanliness and food quality through targeted efforts and operational improvements.
- Leveraged coaching skills to set SMART goals aimed at gradual improvements in service quality.
- Maintained close communication with managers to promptly resolve any operational issues for both staff and customers.
- Monitored food usage and ensured compliance with kitchen procedures to minimize waste.
Culinary Manager/ Bar and Hospitality Manager
Red Lobster
Dallas
02.1999 - 05.2005
- Provided customer service in bar and hostess areas while ensuring high operational standards.
- Recruited and trained bar staff and hostesses to enhance service efficiency.
- Oversaw bar inventory management and order processing to maintain supply levels.
- Developed a comprehensive training program for hostesses to ensure effective server rotation.
- Managed kitchen operations, encompassing ordering, training, scheduling, and supervision of back-of-house staff.
- Enforced procedures to keep food costs optimized and minimize wastage.
- Achieved a sales increase of 3-5% year to date through targeted initiatives and operational enhancements.
- Demonstrated to staff how to anticipate guest needs and deliver exemplary service in line with Darden promises.
Crew Member, Shift Manager, General Manager
McDonald's
Amarillo
01.1981 - 02.1999
- Began as a crew member and progressed through all operational areas to attain the position of general manager.
- Engaged in hiring, training, inventory management, and delivering exceptional customer service.
- Developed a training program for crew trainers, enabling them to transition into managerial roles.
Education
High School Diploma or GED - undefined
Tascosa High School
Amarillo12-1985
Diploma - History, Sociology
Amarillo College
Amarillo01-1985
Skills
Technical Proficiency
Bar management
Payroll
Math
Store management
Expense management
Pricing
Cash handling
Staff scheduling
Customer satisfaction tracking
Microsoft Word
Computer skills
Shift management
Retail sales transactions
Technical troubleshooting support
Sales development management
Inventory management software
Basic math
Restaurant experience
Outdoor work
Food service management
Kitchen experience
Food industry
Merchandising display arrangement
POS systems
Training delivery
Restaurant management
Cash reconciliation
Microsoft Excel
Marketing management
Retail management
General management
Deposits
Fast casual experience
Financial acumen
Payroll management
Sales revenue tracking
Microsoft Outlook
Computer literacy
Retail purchasing
Management
Driving
Kitchen staff training
Food service
Budgeting
Hospitality
Food preparation
Hospitality management
Computer operation
Mechanical troubleshooting
Staff development
Materials management in food and beverage
Maintaining an organized workspace
Sales growth tracking
Kitchen manager experience
Administrative experience
Analysis skills
Performance management
HR sourcing
Conducting staff training sessions
Financial operations management
Merchandising
Crew management
Climbing
Casual dining experience
Workplace health and safety regulatory compliance
Job shadowing
Performance evaluation
Vendor relationship management
Delegation
Clean workspace maintenance
Regulatory compliance
Job board recruitment
Profit and loss analysis
Cash register
Organizational budget management
Manager experience
Customer support
Food safety management
POS
Kitchen management
Quick service & fast food restaurant
Team motivation
Employee relations management
Coaching
Guest services
Organizational skills
Listening
Supervising experience
On-the-job training
Interviewing
Training
Staff development
Employee onboarding
Team leadership
Cocktail experience
Food management
Overseeing training
Food safety
Recruiting
Conference training method
Line cook experience
Referrals
Kitchen cost control
Customer complaint resolution
Achieving sales targets
Cleaning
Formal training programs
Financial performance measurement
Marketing
Sales growth target achievement
Processing cash transactions
Profit & Loss statement
Team development
Customer relationship building
Fiscal management
Cash management
Cooking
Sales
Team management
Food production
Cost control
Order placement
Sales forecasts
Operations management
Food and beverage industry expertise
Project management
Budget planning
Staff training
Payroll processing
Food service inventory management
Employee retention
Managing hospitality teams
Conflict management
Customer service
Hiring
Role playing
Upselling
Cross-selling
Mentoring
Role-playing
Teaching
Decision making
Sawing
Customer retention
Complaint handling
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Independent
Leadership
Conflict resolution
Team management
Documentation
Lifting Heavy Items
Certification
FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION, ServSafe
Timeline
Sales
Millennium Events Management, Inc.
12.2025 - Current
Assistant Front of the House Manager
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
09.2019 - 11.2025
Kitchen Assistant Manager
Babe's Chicken Dinner House
08.2014 - 09.2019
General Manager
Wendy's
05.2007 - 08.2014
General Manager
Golden Corral
06.2005 - 05.2007
Culinary Manager/ Bar and Hospitality Manager
Red Lobster
02.1999 - 05.2005
Crew Member, Shift Manager, General Manager
McDonald's
01.1981 - 02.1999
High School Diploma or GED - undefined
Tascosa High School
Diploma - History, Sociology
Amarillo College