David Garr
Clarksville,TN
Summary
Proven leader with a track record of enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction at Dave & Buster's. Skilled in inventory management and staff training, I excel in fostering teamwork and driving continuous improvement. Created a positive and energetic work environment, boosted team morale while demonstrating adaptability and a results-driven approach. Knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with multiple point of sale applications.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Operations Manager
Dave & Buster's
01.2013 - 09.2024
- Maximized profits through thorough financial analysis, identifying areas for cost savings without compromising service quality or employee satisfaction.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through focused staff training and regular performance evaluations.
- Boosted team morale and productivity by fostering a positive work environment and offering regular feedback.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
- Established effective communication channels between departments, improving collaboration and information sharing across the organization.
- Provided ongoing support to team members during times of organizational change or restructuring efforts.
- Developed successful strategies for inventory control, reducing waste, and minimizing stock discrepancies.
- Devised and executed training plans for new and existing staff to support competency and compliance.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Bartender/Server
Longhorn Steakhouse
03.2009 - 01.2012
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Handled simultaneous customer, team, and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of cocktail recipes and preparation techniques, ensuring high-quality beverage menu.
- Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
- Developed loyal clientele by engaging in friendly conversations and providing exceptional service.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
Line Cook/Bartender/Server Trainer
O'Charley's
08.2004 - 02.2009
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Prepared food items such as meats, poultry, and fish for frying purposes.
- Plated and presented all dishes to match established restaurant standards.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Created identical dishes numerous times daily with consistent care, attention to detail, and quality.
- Boosted employee morale through positive attitude, willingness to assist others when needed.
- Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.
- Assisted in training of new line cooks, ensuring they met kitchen's high standards quickly.
- Followed health, safety and sanitation guidelines while preparing and serving food.
- Prepared and cooked meals according to recipes and customer specifications.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes and portioning control guidelines.
- Trained new kitchen staff on food safety, preparation and cooking techniques.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
Education
No Degree - General Studies
Kentucky State University
Frankfort, KY05.1998
Skills
- Outstanding communication skills
- Staff Supervision
- Workforce Planning
- Report writing experience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Team Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Customer Service Management
- Staff training/development
- Team building
- Employee Motivation
- Customer Relationship Management
- Operations Management
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Staff Management
- Scheduling
- Hiring and Onboarding
- Schedule Management
- Inventory Control
- Continuous Improvement
- Inventory Management
- Quality Assurance
Timeline
Area Operations Manager
Dave & Buster's
01.2013 - 09.2024
Bartender/Server
Longhorn Steakhouse
03.2009 - 01.2012
Line Cook/Bartender/Server Trainer
O'Charley's
08.2004 - 02.2009
No Degree - General Studies
Kentucky State University
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