Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Christopher Cole

Lexington,KY

Summary

Dynamic Assistant General Manager with a proven track record of results based performance. Consistently excelling in strategic planning and operational oversight. Enhanced team performance through targeted training and interdepartmental collaboration, achieving significant improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction. Skilled in resource management and fostering a culture of continuous development.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant General Manager

Bjs Restaurants Inc
10.2019 - 10.2025
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives and improve operational efficiency.
  • Facilitated team meetings to ensure alignment on objectives and progress towards goals.
  • Coordinated project timelines and deliverables, ensuring milestones were met on schedule.
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
  • Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Implemented operational standards, policies and procedures.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
  • Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.

Associate Manager

Cracker Barrel Restaurant
10.2018 - 10.2019
  • Led cross-functional teams to streamline operations and improve efficiency across departments.
  • Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive operational excellence.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management on strategic planning efforts, aligning departmental goals with overarching company

Catering Staff Member

Options Catering/ Professional Bartenders and Servers
07.2008 - 10.2019
  • Coordinated catering service operations to ensure seamless event execution.
  • Trained and mentored new staff on food safety and service protocols.
  • Managed inventory levels, ensuring timely replenishment of supplies.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to foster repeat business.
  • Provided excellent service under high-pressure situations, ensuring smooth event .
  • Maintained clean and organized workspaces, adhering to strict health standards.
  • Served appetizers, delivered entrees, and refilled beverages for banquet guests.
  • Increased efficiency by assisting in equipment setup, breakdown, and maintenance during events.

Assistant General Manager

Ruby Tuesday
08.2015 - 10.2018
  • Led operational initiatives to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
  • Established performance metrics, monitoring progress toward operational goals and targets.
  • Fostered a collaborative work environment, encouraging staff development and retention initiatives.
  • Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
  • Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
  • Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
  • Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
  • Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Assisted in the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding process for new employees to build a skilled workforce committed to excellence in service delivery.

Service/Bar/Culinary Manager

Red Lobster Restaurant
08.2008 - 08.2015
  • Led service teams to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
  • Developed training programs to improve staff performance and retention rates.
  • Implemented standard operating procedures to streamline service delivery processes.
  • Monitored performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic initiatives.
  • Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration to resolve complex service issues effectively.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement through regular team meetings
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into opportunities for continued patronage.
  • Hired, trained and supervised team of service staff members to meet business goals.
  • Analyzed service reports to identify areas of improvement.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict safety protocols and providing ongoing staff training on proper equipment use.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers to build rapport and trust.
  • Reduced service downtime for clients by proactively addressing potential issues and maintaining clear communication channels.
  • Performed routine assessments of staff performance to identify areas for improvement.

Server/ Hourly Manager

Bennigan's Grill & Tavern
07.2004 - 07.2008
  • Ensured memorable dining experiences through superior customer service.
  • Directed accurate processing of orders, streamlining operations during busy times.
  • Trained new staff on menu knowledge and service protocols, fostering team performance and consistency.
  • Streamlined communication with kitchen staff to optimize food delivery timelines and quality control.
  • • Provided exceptional service to guests, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
  • • Maintained high cleanliness standards throughout the restaurant to promote a welcoming atmosphere.
  • • Balanced multiple responsibilities while prioritizing guest satisfaction and safety.
  • • Demonstrated a hospitality-driven approach to exceed guest expectations consistently.

Education

Master of Science - Criminology And Criminal Justice

University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD
12.2005

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD
06.2003

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Interdepartmental collaboration
  • Operational oversight
  • Troubleshooting skills
  • Data-informed decision making
  • Reporting and documentation
  • Resource management
  • Employee training and development
  • Process improvement strategies
  • Team building

Certification

Learn 2 serve food manager certification


9/20/23- 9/20/28

Timeline

Assistant General Manager

Bjs Restaurants Inc
10.2019 - 10.2025

Associate Manager

Cracker Barrel Restaurant
10.2018 - 10.2019

Assistant General Manager

Ruby Tuesday
08.2015 - 10.2018

Service/Bar/Culinary Manager

Red Lobster Restaurant
08.2008 - 08.2015

Catering Staff Member

Options Catering/ Professional Bartenders and Servers
07.2008 - 10.2019

Server/ Hourly Manager

Bennigan's Grill & Tavern
07.2004 - 07.2008

Master of Science - Criminology And Criminal Justice

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

University of Maryland Eastern Shore