Christopher Lee Nelson
Dallas
Summary
Director of operations with a strong record in enhancing efficiency and executing strategic initiatives. Led cross-functional teams to improve processes and streamline workflows, resulting in significant operational gains. Expertise in resource optimization and relationship building, contributing to increased financial profitability. Proven project management and problem-solving skills, adept at maximizing resources to meet demanding challenges.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Of Operations (OH, PA & NY)
Wingstop Inc.
Cleveland
2024.12 - Current
- Surpassed annual revenue targets by over 6 million through effective oversight of daily operations and strategic initiative implementation.
- Delivered exceptional results in market expansion efforts by identifying new territories, analyzing potential opportunities, and establishing a strong local presence.
- Established local presence to support market expansion, driving business growth and increasing brand visibility.
- Coordinated with franchise owners to align operational strategies with corporate goals for 45 locations.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices in operations management and delivering ongoing training focused on financial optimization.
- Evaluated existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and propose innovative solutions that enhance productivity across the organization.
- Contributed to talent acquisition efforts by participating in recruitment activities, identifying top candidates and facilitating smooth onboarding processes.
- Provided ongoing training focused on financial optimization to enhance employee performance.
Franchise Development Director
Wingstop Inc.
Dallas
2020.08 - 2024.12
- Directed restaurant operations through strategic planning to enhance profitability in second highest performing market.
- Reviewed operations to identify and implement improvements across franchised locations.
- Strategized pre- and post-opening operations by selecting training team specialists.
- Partnered with company training team to certify franchise leadership in health inspection procedures.
- Led marketing recruitment efforts and developed financial forecast for initial quarter.
- Cultivated relationships with vendors, suppliers, and third parties to support franchising operations.
- Managed monthly retail operations budget, ensuring financial discrepancies remained under 3%.
- Provided weekly new-employee safety orientation reports and established COVID-19 health guidelines.
Regional Operations Director (LA, MS, AL Market)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
New Albany
2016.01 - 2020.07
- Delivered monthly business strategies, enhancing operational quality and achieving 16% sales growth.
- Managed weekly food labor and supply budgets while overseeing monthly P&Ls to meet margin targets.
- Communicated store performance to regional vice president through weekly calls, discussing customer traffic trends.
- Led management staff by re-implementing company policies and protocols across 31 locations.
- Collected data to create detailed spreadsheets, identifying sales trends for off-premise revenue growth.
District Manager (LA/MS Market)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
Shreveport
2012.08 - 2016.12
- Implemented strategies that boosted restaurant sales and productivity across nine locations, generating over 1.3 million dollars.
- Increased annual traffic by 15% for five restaurants, contributing over 33 million dollars in revenue.
- Achieved quarterly labor cost reductions of 0.30% across 13 locations, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Reduced staff turnover from 92% to 23%, maintaining food cost variance below 0.20%.
- Conducted weekly calls with general managers to align staffing needs with labor and food cost management.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive training for managers on food preparation and retail merchandising.
- Performed quarterly audits to ensure compliance with construction standards, cleanliness, and food safety protocols, enhancing operational integrity.
- Evaluated operational procedures regularly to adapt to changing business demands, improving responsiveness.
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
Hattiesburg
2007.08 - 2012.07
- Developed and implemented staff training programs to elevate service quality.
- Optimized workflow of food service department to enhance service efficiency.
- Evaluated customer feedback to identify opportunities for service improvement and satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory management, maintaining proper stock levels while minimizing waste.
- Maintained high cleanliness and organization standards for food and beverage storage.
- Ensured sanitation procedures were followed to uphold product quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Economic/Hospitality Management
University Of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Food Science
University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS2007-01
Skills
- Effective communication
- Business forecasting
- Operational efficiency
- Program facilitation
- Metrics management
- Performance analysis
- Training delivery
- Talent development
- Critical decision-making
- Partnership development
- Data Analysis
Timeline
Director Of Operations (OH, PA & NY)
Wingstop Inc.
2024.12 - Current
Franchise Development Director
Wingstop Inc.
2020.08 - 2024.12
Regional Operations Director (LA, MS, AL Market)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
2016.01 - 2020.07
District Manager (LA/MS Market)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
2012.08 - 2016.12
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
2007.08 - 2012.07
Bachelor of Science - Business Economic/Hospitality Management
University Of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Arts - Food Science
University of Mississippi