David Harris
Gladwin,MI
Summary
Seasoned, energetic management executive with proven leadership experience directing both franchised and corporate restaurant operations. Solid track record in operating and developing restaurant brands; business consulting; recruiting/developing teams; profitable P & L management; increasing customer satisfaction and budget development and management. Skilled in daily operations; business start-ups and growth; human relations and team building. Directed operations at eleven Chili’s restaurant in four states, with $31M in annual sales. Oversaw and coordinated twenty-one (plus) new restaurant and franchise openings, from inception to completion. Strategic thinker and problem solver whose leadership, operating and business practices position company for long-term growth and profitability.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Sugar Springs Property Owners Association
07.2020 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
Franchise Owner
Billy Sims BBQ
02.2013 - 06.2020
- Managed daily cash flow effectively while adhering to company guidelines on deposits, expenditures, account reconciliations.
- Managed labor, inventory and overhead costs effectively to maintain business profitability.
- Recruited and trained high-quality staff, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Oversaw payroll, business planning and marketing for franchise operations.
- Established strong relationships with local businesses to foster community support and drive foot traffic to the franchise location.
- Evaluated competitor strategies regularly to stay ahead of industry developments and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes promptly.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers via in-store connections and strong social media presence.
Owner/Operator
Guido’s Premium Pizza
12.2009 - 07.2015
- Opened 12th location in Grand Blanc, MI - April 2010
- Top 3 is sales since opening
- Voted Best Pizza in Grand Blanc for 2010 and 2011.
- Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
Director of Operations
Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar
08.2006 - 01.2009
- Hired, trained and developed 3 managers and 140 employees for a very smooth opening
- Developed brand awareness of the concept new to MI for continued success and growth
- Annual sales 3.9 M 2007
- Implemented food promotions quarterly.
Area Director
COSI, Inc.
01.2001 - 08.2006
- Successfully opened five restaurants in six months in Metro Detroit
- Lead, organize and support New Unit development
- Hired, trained and retained exceptional management teams – 0% turnover for first and second quarters of 2004
- Defined and developed the brand position of the concept
- Maximized financial controls and profitability with new systems and procedures
- Developed two training stores and six traveling corporate trainers
- Michigan market – leader in Mid-West region for 2004.
Regional Director
Chili’s – Brinker International
01.1994 - 01.1999
- Responsible for all phases of operations for eleven restaurants in Pittsburgh, PA; Charleston, WV; Memphis, TN; and Cincinnati, OH - annual sales of $31M
- Recruited and selected General Managers for region
- Developed and promoted six General Managers and one General Manager to Area Director
- Responsible for site selection and development in Pittsburgh, Memphis and Cincinnati
- Realized double-digit comp
- Store sales in 1997, 1998 and 1999
- Conducted quarterly workshops for manager development in the Eastern Region.
Managing Partner
Chili’s – Brinker International
01.1987 - 01.1994
- Opened five new Chili’s in the Detroit market with annual sales of 2.9M and a staff of 90+
- Responsible for all phases of daily operations including staffing, training, quality, guest service and profitability
- Selected to Brinker International President’s Advisory Council, 1993-94
- Opened and ran most profitable restaurant in Detroit (Oakland Mall) with sales of 3.4M, MOP of 44.5 and Net Income over 22%
- Training Store Managing Partner for Michigan.
General Manager
Bennigan’s – S & A Restaurants
- Successfully opened nine restaurants in Arizona, Illinois and Michigan
- Operated the sixth busiest Bennigan’s, located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
- General Manager of the Quarter in 1986
- Highest TCI of the Quarter Award received three times in 1986 and 1987.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel, Restaurant And Institutional Management
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MISkills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem Resolution
- Operations Management
- Team Player
- Effective leader
- Customer Relations
Timeline
General Manager
Sugar Springs Property Owners Association
07.2020 - Current
Franchise Owner
Billy Sims BBQ
02.2013 - 06.2020
Owner/Operator
Guido’s Premium Pizza
12.2009 - 07.2015
Director of Operations
Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar
08.2006 - 01.2009
Area Director
COSI, Inc.
01.2001 - 08.2006
Regional Director
Chili’s – Brinker International
01.1994 - 01.1999
Managing Partner
Chili’s – Brinker International
01.1987 - 01.1994
General Manager
Bennigan’s – S & A Restaurants
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel, Restaurant And Institutional Management
Michigan State University
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