David Claas
Jefferson City,MO
Summary
Forward-thinking professional skilled at staying focused and efficient in high-stress situations and maintaining calmness during busy times. Talented leader with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Outstanding team motivator with over 17 years of experience in a leadership role within one company and two different concepts. Flexible and adaptable, with a desire to learn new techniques and processes. Performed over 7 years of managerial experience in each area of the restaurant industry at a very high level of execution. National Registry Certified Food Safety Manager. Part of Management team for two separate new restaurant openings.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
First Watch
Jefferson City, MO
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Streamlined operational workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
- Implemented quality control systems to boost overall product consistency and reliability.
- Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Restaurant Manager
LongHorn Steakhouse
Jefferson City
06.2019 - 07.2025
- Calculated inventory correctly and placed orders for the necessary supplies.
- Able to recognize problem situations quickly and skillfully resolve incidents to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
- Evaluated the health, safety, and sanitation processes to identify and correct any violations as soon as possible.
- Interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised employees with care.
- Maximizing profits and achieving sales goals.
- Promoted a positive environment and went above and beyond to ensure that each customer received outstanding food and service.
- Devised and implemented effective strategies to improve restaurant performance, streamline food preparation processes, and boost efficiency in a variety of areas.
- Provided in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Culinary Manager for New Restaurant Opening in Rolla, Missouri 2024.
Culinary Professional
Olive Garden
St. Louis
05.2008 - 06.2019
- Educated new employees on the restaurant’s practices, culture, and procedures.
- Increased quality assurance by performing frequent line checks.
- Trained and developed team members in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Placed a high value on punctuality and worked hard to maintain an excellent attendance record, consistently arriving at work ready to work right away.
- Management praised me for being a quick and efficient worker who required little supervision.
- Received deliveries and signed off on the items I had received.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to keep the kitchen fully stocked.
- Followed all health and sanitation rules and regulations.
Education
Diploma - Video Production
Broadcast Center
St. Louis, MO08.2005
No Degree - Civil Engineering
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS01.2002
Graduated with Honors - undefined
Nemaha Valley High School
Seneca, KS05.1997
Skills
- Communication Skills - Experienced
- Ability to Work in a Team - Experienced
- Ability to Work Under Pressure - Expert
- Ability to Multitask - Expert
- Effective Time Management - Expert
- Problem Solving Skills - Expert
- Leadership Skills - Expert
- Inventory management - Experienced
Timeline
Operations Manager
First Watch
07.2025 - 02.2026
Restaurant Manager
LongHorn Steakhouse
06.2019 - 07.2025
Culinary Professional
Olive Garden
05.2008 - 06.2019
No Degree - Civil Engineering
Kansas State University
Graduated with Honors - undefined
Nemaha Valley High School
Diploma - Video Production
Broadcast Center