Dennis Gehring
Summary
Foodservice Executive: Produces results by cultivating relationships and innovative thinking Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths. Dedicated Industry professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Express (Retail home office)
09.2015 - 06.2024
- Menu development, partnered with financial analysis, delivered consistent year over year sales increases.
- I personally developed a cost savings initiative; which slashed expenditures by $80,000. Negotiated commodity savings, maintained food quality, streamlined production and reduced guest wait times by 41%
- Implemented and delivered ongoing food safety training, created measurable action plans to ensure high level food safety practices, in accordance with stare and county standards.
- Designed and executed an average of 90 catered events per year; ranging from small luncheons to luxury board dinners and total company events with budgets up to $100K
- Successful leader in project management, delivering $200K home office enhancements between Columbus and New York offices affecting 17,000 square feet of office space
- Solely accountable for the operations of the Express Cafe, Catering, and Starbucks coffee bar with the support of 15 hourly associates.
- Created yearly budgets based upon historical averages, corporate initiatives, and direct commodity negotiation.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and associates to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
General Manager/Operating Partner
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
01.2000 - 09.2015
- Martini Modern Italian - Grew sales by 15% with profit flow through of 49% within 12 months with support of a five person management team and over 60 hourly associates
- Marcellas Polaris - Improved sales by +10% with profit +17% through leveraging customer feedback and collaborating with the executive chef to revise menu sections
- Martini Italian Bistro Polaris - Managed a 6 person management team, along with 85+ hourly associates, trained, developed and promoted over 12 associates into management throughout Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, while 8 of those 12 developed into high performing General Managers
- Lead the conversion and grand opening of Marcella's Polaris acting as the key point person for the general contractor and 15 suppliers, while hiring and training 85 hourly associates.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- 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.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
Education
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OhioSkills
- All aspects of Foodservice Operations
- Employee retention/training and employee development
- Customer relations
- Vendor relationships, planning, and implementation
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Event planning/management/catering
- Professional verbal and electronic communicator
- Cross functional relationship development
Certification
- ServSafe - Food Protection Manager Certification
- State of Ohio - Food Protection Certification
Awards
- Express APEX Award of Excellence 2018
- Cameron Mitchell Restaurants General Manager of the year 2010
Timeline
General Manager
Express (Retail home office)
09.2015 - 06.2024
General Manager/Operating Partner
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
01.2000 - 09.2015
The Ohio State University