Darius Hunter
Mountlake Terrace,WA
Summary
Results-driven VP of Operations with expertise in enhancing operational efficiency and financial budget management. Proven track record in fostering collaborative team engagement and improving customer service leadership across multiple locations.
I came to Seattle in 2007 and started with a small 2,500 square foot restaurant that had been opened for only two weeks. The owners were overwhelmed and I came in and managed that first location. The next year we moved to a new 4,500 square foot location. Every two years we grew and opened up a new location. We learned from our past mistakes and adjusted After 3 locations I became the District Manager and would help manage each location.
In 2021 we were up to eight locations when Covid hit. We made it through and in 2022 we had the opportunity to franchise with Shaq and his new brand new concept Big Chicken. I now help manage those four locations on top of the Blazing Onions. I have been with the company for almost 20 years but I am now looking to relocate away from Seattle.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Operations
The Blazing Onion Burger Co/ Big Chicken
Seattle, WA
03.2007 - Current
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across all 12 locations.
- Improved the culture of the company through regular performance assessments and feedback to my management team
- Maintained quarterly budgets for all 12 locations
- Always had strong vendor relationships, negotiated on pricing but was always not afraid to make changes when needed
- Oversaw all inventory management on a weekly basis
- Provided strong leadership to enhance all employee and management productivity and morale.
- Conducted annual performance evaluations, compensations and hiring of all management
- Was involved with all aspects of training for all employees
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Evaluated hiring, firing, and promotions requests.
- 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.
- Led my management teams to implement best practices in food safety, quality control and making labor adjustments to make the company more profitable
- Developed training programs that improved employee performance and retention rates.
- Went over weekly P and Ls for all 12 locations to identify areas for cost reduction and process improvement.
Area Manager/Assistant General Manager
The Mexican Inn Cafe
Bedford, TX
01.2003 - 03.2007
- Directed daily operations to uphold quality standards and deliver exceptional service.
- Designed and implemented training programs to elevate team performance and operational efficiency.
- Executed cost-control measures to enhance resource allocation efficiency across multiple locations.
- Evaluated sales data to uncover trends influencing strategic menu decisions.
- Optimized inventory management processes to minimize waste and enhance supply chain efficiency.
- Guided junior staff members in best practices and professional development strategies.
Director of Food and Beverage
Sugarbush Ski and Golf Resort
Warren, VT
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Oversaw strategic planning for food and beverage operations across two ski resorts, including two fine dining establishments and a summer golf resort.
- Directed menu development by integrating seasonal ingredients to enhance resort themes.
- Cultivated vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to enhance supply quality and cost efficiency.
- Designed and executed training programs for staff to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Responsible for booking all entertainment including music for all the Apres Ski venus
Education
Business Management
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire, NHSkills
- Collaborative team engagement
- Operational efficiency management
- Change management strategies
- Efficient production scheduling
- Effective staffing strategies
- Effective troubleshooting skills
- Workflow improvement
- Professional growth facilitation
- Data reporting management
- Financial budget management
- Performance analysis
- Evaluating team effectiveness
- Customer service leadership
Timeline
VP of Operations
The Blazing Onion Burger Co/ Big Chicken
03.2007 - Current
Area Manager/Assistant General Manager
The Mexican Inn Cafe
01.2003 - 03.2007
Director of Food and Beverage
Sugarbush Ski and Golf Resort
01.1998 - 01.2003
Business Management
Plymouth State University