Christopher Garcia
Murray,UT
Summary
Dynamic restaurant professional with extensive expertise in customer service, consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences and enhancing customer satisfaction across the restaurant, retail, and counseling sectors. Demonstrated success in operational efficiency through effective team leadership and training initiatives. Core competencies include strong communication skills and problem-solving abilities, aimed at thriving in fast-paced environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Peer Counselor/Veterans crisis Line Responder
Veterans Administration-Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, United States
01.2023 - Current
- Facilitate classes for fellow Veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse and homelessness
- Provide a pathway and resources for Veterans to know what is there to help them
- With the Veterans Crisis Line, I talk with Veterans who are in crisis and try to help them during an extremely pivotal time in their lives
Course Instructor
N.A.M.I.
01.2015 - Current
- Responsible for teaching BRIDGES educational course for those afflicted with Mental Illness
- Courses cover areas that include PTSD, addiction, and conflict resolution
- Specialize in facilitation of classes taught to individuals that are preparing to exit incarceration
Site Director
Champions-Kindercare
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Led and supervised a team of Teachers
- Ensured that all sites are operating effectively
- Maintained licensing, safety, and educational standards
Psychiatric Technician
University of Utah Medical Center
10.2021 - 12.2022
- Monitor, supervise and provide support to patients suffering from Mental Illness
- Perform vitals and rounds
- Complete necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with HIPPA requirements
Diversion Specialist
Utah Community action
01.2020 - 10.2021
- Counseled those without housing and help them find the resources needed to find a viable housing option versus remaining in shelter
Independent Living Specialist
Utah Independent Living Center
01.2019 - 11.2020
- Provided support to ILC consumers in various areas including housing, life skills, and navigating government programs
- Created a course outlining food safety and preparation for consumers of different physical and mental abilities
- Networked through multiple fundraisers with private and public entities to provide funding for several programs
Food and Beverage Director
Ramada Hotels
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Developed new menu with several recipes aimed to increase bar and restaurant revenue
- Began a very aggressive marketing program that focused on guest retention and repeat visits
- (i.e
- Lunch Punch, redesign of Bar and Restaurant.)
- Increased Food and Beverage revenue by 22% during tenure at the location
- Focused on development of kitchen staff and servers to reduce food waste and increase per ticket sales
General Manager
Nacho Daddy
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Hired as GM of a start-up concept, (One location)
- Developed an independent inventory system on Excel that was able to accurately determine food and labor costs
- Created a training program, as well as an orientation guide for all new hires of concept
- Instituted several marketing plans, such as: Pub Trivia, Karaoke, Stand-Up Comedy, Live Music and Groupon
- Created a training program that focused on increasing per ticket sales per server through add on sales
General Manager, Chef
BJ’s Restaurant & Brew House
01.2007 - 09.2010
General Manager, Chef
Dave & Busters
08.2004 - 07.2007
General Manager, Executive Kitchen Manager
Olive Garden
01.1996 - 08.2002
Education
Bachelor’s Degrees - Biology And Chemistry
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT05-1996
Skills
- Strong leadership talents
- Documentation Management
- Resolving Workplace Conflicts
- Detail-Oriented Data Input
- Project Execution
- Collaborative Team Leadership
- Effective Verbal Communication
- Budget Management
- Detail-Oriented Organizer
- Data Oversight
Military Experience
United States Army, 2001, 91-B, Combat Medical Specialist (E-4), Captain (O-3), Honorably Discharged
Timeline
Peer Counselor/Veterans crisis Line Responder
Veterans Administration-Salt Lake City
01.2023 - Current
Site Director
Champions-Kindercare
01.2023 - 05.2024
Psychiatric Technician
University of Utah Medical Center
10.2021 - 12.2022
Diversion Specialist
Utah Community action
01.2020 - 10.2021
Independent Living Specialist
Utah Independent Living Center
01.2019 - 11.2020
Course Instructor
N.A.M.I.
01.2015 - Current
Food and Beverage Director
Ramada Hotels
01.2012 - 01.2015
General Manager
Nacho Daddy
01.2010 - 01.2012
General Manager, Chef
BJ’s Restaurant & Brew House
01.2007 - 09.2010
General Manager, Chef
Dave & Busters
08.2004 - 07.2007
General Manager, Executive Kitchen Manager
Olive Garden
01.1996 - 08.2002
Bachelor’s Degrees - Biology And Chemistry
University of Utah
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