Dick Raynes
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented General Manager with extensive experience in leading high-volume, upscale restaurant operations. Recognized for delivering exceptional guest experiences while upholding rigorous safety and compliance standards. Expertise in developing high-performing teams and executing disciplined budget management strategies to drive profitability and operational efficiency. Committed to fostering a positive work environment that enhances team collaboration and elevates service excellence.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Animae
05.2024 - Current
- Lead day-to-day operations of a 10 million dollar per year, high-end restaurant recognized with multiple James Beard nominations.
- Foster a hospitality-first service culture, ensuring consistently elevated guest experiences.
- Oversee all operational functions including scheduling, payroll, budgeting, forecasting, safety compliance, ordering, and training.
- Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards.
- Partner with culinary leadership on menu execution and quarterly rollouts.
- Develop and oversee beverage programs with disciplined cost and inventory controls.
- Analyze financial and labor reports to optimize profitability, hitting key KPIs, while maintaining service quality.
Assistant General Manager / Bar Manager
Herb & Wood
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Supported operations for one of the busiest restaurants in San Diego with a 12 million dollar a year revenue.
- Managed scheduling, inventory, cost controls, and staff development across FOH and bar operations.
- Maintained bar program costs within target ranges and assisted with quarterly cocktail rollouts.
- Reviewed P&L statements, invoices, and ledgers to support financial performance.
Assistant General Manager / Wine Specialist
Animae
09.2021 - 08.2022
- Partnered with the General Manager to overhaul training programs and SOPs.
- Led redesign of the wine program, including purchasing, inventory management, and staff education.
- Developed servers’ wine knowledge to enhance guest experience and premium sales.
- Managed costs, schedules, and training initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of South Florida
Skills
- Guest Experience & Service Culture
- Safety, Health & Regulatory Compliance
- Budget Management & Cost Controls
- P&L Oversight & Forecasting
- Staff Training & Performance Development
- Labor Optimization
- Inventory Control
- Leadership & Team Development
- Financial Management & Budget Control
- Beverage & Wine Program Development
- Sales & Revenue Growth
- Inventory & Cost Optimization
- Safety & Compliance Standards
Timeline
General Manager
Animae
05.2024 - Current
Assistant General Manager / Bar Manager
Herb & Wood
08.2022 - 05.2024
Assistant General Manager / Wine Specialist
Animae
09.2021 - 08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of South Florida