Christopher A. Jones
Winder,GA
Summary
Experienced Retail Operations Manager who has continuously demonstrated success in operational excellence, sales growth, inventory & storage control, forecasting and analyzing sales data, building action plans, and staff development. I am eager to start a new career opportunity and contribute to the success of a new company by leveraging my leadership skills and sales expertise.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Retail Operations & Catering Manager
Honey Baked Ham
10.2020 - 07.2025
- Led the Athens, GA location to earn 2024 Franchise of the Year among National Honey Baked Ham peers
- Assisted franchise's leadership team in growing catering sales to #4 system wide in 2024 with planned weekly prospecting, data entry, follow-up sales calls, and excellence in operational standards
- Managed consistent sales growth and profitability through operational excellence, team leadership, customer acquisitions, and increasing transaction counts
- Successfully managed a staff of 50+ team members, overseeing large daily catering sales and championing team development and retention in a fast-paced, seasonal business environment
- Drove annual sales volume of $2.7 million by implementing effective sales strategies and optimizing operational processes
- Hired and trained both permanent (core) and temporary (seasonal) staff members.
General Manager
First Watch Restaurant
08.2016 - 10.2020
- Increased same store sales by 19.3% in 2018 and 15.3% in 2019, driving annual sales volume of $1.8 million through effective sales strategies and operational excellence
- Recognized as the primary new management training store for the Atlanta market, maintaining the lowest kitchen employee turnover rate in the district at low 30% year after year
- Consistently provided a positive customer experience, achieving above target SMG guest survey scores
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Executed comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with operational standards
- Proficiently utilized company tools, systems, and reporting data to build action plans and achieve results
General Manager (split tenure)
Panera Bread
05.2009 - 08.2016
- Hired on as an Assistant Manager and Promoted to General Manager in October 2011
- Assisted in leading catering sales growth in 2012, 2013 and 2014 with streamlined scheduling, greater focus on customer acknowledgement and service, and well trained staff
- Fostered teamwork and salesmanship, developed Shift Supervisors and Assistant Managers, ensuring operational excellence and adherence to operational standards
General Manager
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
02.2015 - 12.2015
- Performed Local Store Marketing, increasing catering service sales by 40% and expanding customer base
- Implemented new operations and asset management checklists, improving efficiency and minimizing previous errors
- Conducted tests menus and new operational procedures for company brand that could lead to system-wide implementation
- Developed Happy Hour morning sales that increased transaction counts, customer loyalty, brand awareness, and profitability
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations
Catering Sales Events Coordinator / Kitchen Manager
Chef Clayton's Food Systems, Inc.
03.2008 - 08.2010
- Worked dual roles as events coordinator (office) and US Steel management team's Kitchen Manager (onsite @ US Steel Fairfield, AL)
- Improved food cost by 8% in first year by combining US Steel lunch menu around scheduled catering events menus
- Assisted in several new site partnerships that placed CCFS as "Approved Caterers" that led to increased catering sales
- Developed hourly staff to salary rank, enhancing team performance and retention
- Implemented monthly kitchen audits, improving operational standards and efficiency
- Created several new catering menu options that included new ethnic cuisines, station toppings, and chefs at stations for more guest interactions
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts/Chef Training
Virginia College
06-2006
Skills
- Effective in delegation, inspiring, motivating, and communicating
- Relationship building
- Team leadership
- Inventory management
- Computer, tablet, and tech savvy
- Strategic Thinker (planner, analytical, and problem solver)
- Organized (efficient, disciplined, and detail oriented)
Timeline
Retail Operations & Catering Manager
Honey Baked Ham
10.2020 - 07.2025
General Manager
First Watch Restaurant
08.2016 - 10.2020
General Manager
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
02.2015 - 12.2015
General Manager (split tenure)
Panera Bread
05.2009 - 08.2016
Catering Sales Events Coordinator / Kitchen Manager
Chef Clayton's Food Systems, Inc.
03.2008 - 08.2010
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts/Chef Training
Virginia College
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