Christopher Mannion
Elmhurst,IL
Summary
Highly driven General Manager successful at implementing strategic approaches to drive profitability and sales. Recognized for performance excellence in operations and customer care. Successful at motivating, training and developing team members to drive profitability in a highly competitive environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
South Burlington, IL
12.2023 - Current
- Directed dining room operations for Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant.
- Managed wine club service standards and guest hospitality procedures.
- Supervised schedules, staffing, and daily team coverage.
- Monitored inventory, ordering, and product availability across restaurant areas.
- Coordinated private events, reservations, and floor seating flow.
- Reviewed labor, costs, and operational reports for restaurant performance.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems to enhance overall productivity levels.
General Manager
Red Lobster Restaurant
Schaumburg, Illinois
10.2016 - 11.2023
- Supervised schedules, staffing, and daily team coverage.
- Trained managers and associates on service and safety expectations.
- Monitored inventory, ordering, and product availability across restaurant areas.
- Reviewed labor, costs, and operational reports for restaurant performance.
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
General Manager
Red Lobster Restaurant
Downers Grove, Illinois
07.2014 - 10.2016
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
General Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
Oak Lawn, Illinois
07.2008 - 07.2014
- Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
- Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
- Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
Restaurant Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
Downers Grove, Illinois
06.2003 - 07.2008
- Directed dining room operations for Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant.
- Managed wine club service standards and guest hospitality procedures.
- Supervised schedules, staffing, and daily team coverage.
- Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Developed service and sales strategies to improve retention and revenue.
- Performed routine audits of internal controls in order to maintain accuracy of financial records.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Education Administration
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, ILSkills
- Restaurant operations
- Cost control
- Food safety
- Operational reporting
- Performance analysis
- Process improvements
- Financial acumen
- Customer service
- Customer engagement
- Staff development
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
Certification
- Illinois Food Handler Certification
- Illinois Allergen Certification
- ServSafe certified proctor
- BASSET certified
Accomplishments
- People Developer Award (2016,2018,2021,2024)
- Lighthouse Award- top 5 restaurant in company of 700 (2018)
- Top earning growth (2017,2018,2019)
- Most improved turnover (2025)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
12.2023 - Current
General Manager
Red Lobster Restaurant
10.2016 - 11.2023
General Manager
Red Lobster Restaurant
07.2014 - 10.2016
General Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
07.2008 - 07.2014
Restaurant Manager
Darden Restaurants-Red Lobster
06.2003 - 07.2008
Some College (No Degree) - Education Administration
College of DuPage