Douglas Walker
Waterbury,CT
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record at Teriyaki Experience, excelling in operations management and team building. Spearheaded strategies that drove year-over-year business growth while fostering a collaborative work environment. Skilled in P&L management and employee training, ensuring high standards of performance and customer satisfaction.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Teriyaki Experience
08.2020 - 03.2025
- 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.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- 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.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
Executive Chef
Havana Central
07.2013 - 09.2020
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Maintained a safe and sanitary work environment, adhering to health department standards and regulations.
- Increased customer satisfaction by creating innovative and diverse menus tailored to various dietary needs.
- Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
- Developed menus, controlled food costs and oversaw quality, sanitation, and safety processes.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests.
- Conducted regular evaluations of kitchen equipment and appliances, ensuring proper maintenance and timely replacement to maintain optimal operational efficiency.
- Maximized profitability by effectively managing food costs through portion control and minimizing waste.
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
01.2007 - 05.2013
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
Culinary Specialist
Yard House
10.2002 - 11.2007
- Increased overall efficiency by cross-training staff in various cooking techniques and station responsibilities.
- Mentored junior culinary staff, fostering professional growth and supporting skill development.
- Conducted regular safety checks on kitchen equipment to ensure proper functionality and minimize downtime due to repairs or replacements.
- Established food preparation procedures and guidelines to promote meal consistency and quality.
Kitchen Supervisor
T.G.I. FRIDAY'S - Bar & Restaurant
06.1995 - 09.2002
- Oversaw grill, stove, and oven, and cleaned equipment after every shift.
- Trained new team members on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Controlled food costs and managed inventory.
- Maintained high sanitation standards through routine cleaning protocols and adherence to health regulations.
Assistant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
02.1989 - 06.1995
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Education
High School Diploma -
Newburgh Free Academy
Newburgh, NYBachelor of Arts - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RISkills
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Team player
- Time management
- Training and coaching
- Staff management
- Inventory control
- Employee scheduling
- Verbal and written communication
- P&L management
Certification
Serv Safe Certification over the last 12 years, food handler over the last 10 years lic,
Timeline
General Manager
Teriyaki Experience
08.2020 - 03.2025
Executive Chef
Havana Central
07.2013 - 09.2020
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
01.2007 - 05.2013
Culinary Specialist
Yard House
10.2002 - 11.2007
Kitchen Supervisor
T.G.I. FRIDAY'S - Bar & Restaurant
06.1995 - 09.2002
Assistant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
02.1989 - 06.1995
High School Diploma -
Newburgh Free Academy
Bachelor of Arts - Hotel, Motel, And Restaurant Management
Johnson & Wales University
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