Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Interests
Timeline

Christopher Johnson

Fort Worth,TX

Summary

Catering professional with proven track record in overseeing and optimizing catering services. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and achieving outstanding results through effective planning and execution. Reliable and adaptable, skilled in menu development and customer service excellence.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Catering Operations Manager

Everest Catering
01.2015 - Current
  • Oversee operations of catering business, including:
  • Meeting with clients to understand and document their catering needs and preferences
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high worker satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer loyalty.
  • Drove the successful execution of numerous large-scale events/promotions while closely managing costs/budgetary constraints associated with event planning/management activities.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving any issues that arose during events.
  • Implemented quality control measures to ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, and delivery at every event.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by overseeing all aspects of catering operations, from menu planning to execution.
  • Increased overall revenue through upselling additional services such as custom linens, specialty menus, and unique dessert offerings.
  • Successfully executed numerous high-profile events with meticulous attention to detail, garnering praise from clients and attendees alike.
  • Assisted in the creation of marketing materials showcasing the company''s diverse range of catering options and services offered.
  • Established standardized procedures for setup and breakdown of events, leading to a smoother workflow and more efficient use of staff time.
  • Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
  • Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
  • Promoted catering packages with most profitable outcomes without sacrificing client desires.
  • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
  • Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
  • Monitored and adjusted pricing, discounts and promotions to maximize profitability.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust purchasing decisions accordingly.
  • Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
  • Maintained strict adherence to local health codes and regulations while managing all aspects of food safety throughout the catering process.

Owner Operator

The Taste of East Texas Barbecue & Catering
03.2008 - 01.2020
  • Oversee operations of business, including:
  • Organizing and supervising the work of the catering team to ensure that food is prepared and served in a timely manner
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations in the kitchen and other food preparation areas
  • Develop and design improved ergonomic workspaces to increase productivity and profit
  • Handling customer inquiries and complaints professionally and promptly
  • Developing both digital and physical advertising materials and promotional items
  • Developing more cost-effective cooking methodologies and new menu items
  • Controlling budgets and minimizing expenditure by efficiently managing resources
  • Evaluated company performance against objectives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired results.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Developed business plan, processes and procedures to provide superior service to customers.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Scheduled staff for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase staff loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
  • Developed and nurtured lasting customer relationships by projecting professional corporate image and responding quickly to logistical and scheduling issues.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.

Education

High School Diploma -

Tarrant County College, Fort Worth, TX

Skills

  • Friendly, courteous, & service oriented
  • Solid written & verbal communicator
  • Weddings background
  • Food and beverage costing
  • Attention to detail
  • Food safety compliance

  • Operations management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Crisis management
  • Analytical thinking
  • Menu supervision
  • Staff leadership

Accomplishments

Transformed prior sales experience and rudimentary cooking skills into two successful corporate and wedding catering enterprises of 12+ years.


Developed training methodologies, and guidelines for all staff positions including: sales, kitchen staff, serving staff, set up teams and equipment inventory positions.


Led research and development of over 30 new menu items utilizing proprietary recipes.


Maintained outstanding rapport and relationships with multiple vendors and clients; extending more than 10 years.

Certification

  • Certified Food Handling Manager

Interests

  • Organizing spaces for greater ergonomic efficiency
  • Karaoke
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • Live Music Events
  • Road Trips
  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • Mindfulness Practices

Timeline

Catering Operations Manager - Everest Catering
01.2015 - Current
Owner Operator - The Taste of East Texas Barbecue & Catering
03.2008 - 01.2020
Tarrant County College - High School Diploma,
Christopher Johnson