DENNIS GEHRING
Polished Food & Beverage Operations/Sales Executive
Delaware,Ohio
Summary
F&B Sales and Operations Leader: Dedicated sales and operations professional with a proven history of meeting company goals, developing teams and creating long term customers utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure with an ability to think outside of the box, while adapting to new situations and challenges. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication, presentation and project management skills. Proven ability to lead multi-tiered business operations effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments, while meeting/exceeding budgeted profitability and sales goals. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing customer issues satisfaction, and operational issues, with focus on optimizing processes, and supporting team objectives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager Operations•Cafe•Catering•Events
Express Clothing, Headquarters
Columbus, OH
09.2015 - 06.2024
- Solely accountable for culinary, and hospitality operations within a large corporate office headquarters
- Directed operations of cafe/ catering producing sales of $1.75M
- Planned, analyzed and executed cost savings initiative that resulted in an $80,000 savings to operations, while maintaining food quality, streamlining production and reducing guest wait times by 41%
- Spearheaded food safety training initiatives for all staff, in alignment with Servsafe and the Ohio Department of Health standards
- Orchestrated,designed and executed an average of 90 catered events per year, with budgets as high as $100K
- Solely accountable for business analytics, planning and execution to include: business growth strategy, menu development, budgeting, client relations, guest satisfaction, sanitation, food safety and culinary trends
- I wrote and reviewed biannual goal setting and evaluations with up to 15 direct reports, which would conclude with potential merit increases
- I championed all food service contract negotiations
- Developed, and negotiated yearly operations budgets in alignment with corporate guidance
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
Multi Concept General Manager/Operating Partner
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
Columbus, OH
01.2000 - 09.2015
- Martini Modern Italian - Grew sales by 15% with profit flow through of 49% within 12 months while directing a five person management team and over 85 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.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Supervised staff successfully, utilizing effective communication and dynamic interpersonal skills.
- Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback, and rewarding superior performance.
- Promoted exceptional customer service by engaging clients on sales floor.
Skills
- 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
- Leadership of large capital projects Performance improvement/P&L management
- Solving Customer Concerns
- Client Correspondence
- Grievance Resolution
- Sales Leadership
- Customer Acquisition
- Business Analytics
- Customer Loyalty
- Strategic Thinking
- Customer Service and Assistance
- Profitability Assessments
- New Business Opportunities
- Accountability
- Cost Analysis and Savings
- Supervision and Training
- Sales Expertise
- Accountability
- Staff Training
- Labor Cost Controls
- Economic Analysis
- Food Preparation and Safety
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Product Costing
- Analytical Skills
- Team Leadership
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Sound Judgment
- All aspects of Foodservice Sales & Operations
- Employee retention/training and employee development
- Safety Assurance
- Staff Development
- Performance Evaluations
- Staff Motivation
- Operations Management
- Facility Management
- Performance Improvement
- Team Oversight
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Inventory Control
- Customer Experience
- Staffing
- Food Consumption Estimates
- Catering Consultation
- Event Planning Proficiency
- Vendor Relations
- Waste Reduction
- Revenue Growth
- Menu Development
- Kitchen Staff Leadership
- Order Documentation
- Servsafe Manager
- Equipment and Seating Layouts
- Supply Ordering and Management
- Menu Pricing and Writing
- Delegating Assignments and Tasks
- Labor and Overhead Cost Estimation
- Monitoring Food Preparation
- Liquor Law Compliance
- Facilities Planning
- Front of House Management
- Equipment Maintenance
- Menu Planning
- Compliance Requirements
- Delivery Schedules
- Operating Budget
- Operational Standards
- Team Meetings
- Project Estimation and Bidding
- Building Upkeep
- Safety Practices
- Cleaning Schedules
- Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
- Handling Procedures
- Resource Management
- Source Vendors
- Preventive Maintenance
Certification
- ServSafe - Food Protection Manager Certification
- State of Ohio Food Protection Certification
Additional Information
- AWARDS , Express APEX Award of Excellence
- Cameron Mitchell Restaurants General Manager of the year
Timeline
General Manager Operations•Cafe•Catering•Events
Express Clothing, Headquarters
09.2015 - 06.2024
Multi Concept General Manager/Operating Partner
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
01.2000 - 09.2015
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