Ebony Forbes
New York,NY
Summary
Results-oriented, highly accomplished, and driven General Manager with a proven track record of success in leading and managing diverse teams and exceeding business objectives. 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, 11 years of managing restaurant operations, and 6 years of building high performing teams with a focus on training and development. Strong ability to lead teams in high volume locations while increasing sales. Possesses strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships. Skilled in motivating teams to achieve company objectives, while promoting a positive work culture.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Yard House
06.2024 - Current
- Transferred to Yard House Yonkers in June 2024
- Collaborated with a management team of 6 managers and 2 chefs to lead a team of 110+ team members focused on operational excellence and guest satisfaction
- Developed and executed strategic plans that resulted in successfully reducing bar waste and bringing Beverage AvsT from 20% to 8%, achieving a consistent 9% food AvsT, Consistent weekly GSS metrics at or exceeding brand average
- Utilized performance metrics to assess team effectiveness and drive continuous improvement
- Made adjustments to manager AORs to ensure all members of the management team are active in the growth and progression of the business.
- Managed budget implementations, team member reviews, training, schedules, and all vendor negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high team member satisfaction.
Assistant General Manager
Yard House
07.2023 - Current
- Transferred to Yard House Greenville in July 2023
- Collaborated with a management team of 3 managers and 2 chefs to lead a team of 60+ team members
- Partnered with the GM to provide leadership and vision to the management team, helped develop a culture of accountability and open communication, assisted with building a high performing team driven by hospitality and guest service.
- Lead Manager Activation meetings
- Developed strategies and implemented scheduling templates to reduce restaurant labor.
- Monitored cost/labor through sales projections and utilizing labor scheduling report
- Created systems for restaurant cleanliness
- Implemented the utilization of training materials/resources and best training practices to ensure consistency during the training process.
- Performed weekly inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels and pricing
- Monitored bar cost and provided feedback to the bar team when necessary to gain results.
- Maintained high Bar GSS scores and used guests feedback to increase the bar teams level of hospitality.
- Developed and maintained a team at the Front Desk that provides hospitable, professional service while adhering to standards and procedures
Assistant General Manager
Yard House
07.2023 - Current
- Transferred to Yard House Greenville in July 2023
- Collaborated with a management team of 3 managers and 2 chefs to lead a team of 60+ team members
- Partnered with the GM to provide leadership and vision to the management team, helped develop a culture of accountability and open communication, assisted with building a high performing team driven by hospitality and guest service.
- Lead Manager Activation meetings
- Developed strategies and implemented scheduling templates to reduce restaurant labor.
- Monitored cost/labor through sales projections and utilizing labor scheduling report
- Created systems for restaurant cleanliness
- Implemented the utilization of training materials/resources and best training practices to ensure consistency during the training process.
- Performed weekly inventory audits to ensure accuracy in stock levels and pricing
- Monitored bar cost and provided feedback to the bar team when necessary to gain results.
- Maintained high Bar GSS scores and used guests feedback to increase the bar teams level of hospitality.
- Developed and maintained a team at the Front Desk that provides hospitable, professional service while adhering to standards and procedures
Bar Manager
Yard House
04.2017 - 07.2023
- Transferred to Yard House - The Battery in 2017
- Collaborated with a management team of 10 manager/chefs to lead a team of 150+ in a high volume restaurant
- Developed several managers and team members by instilling a sense of pride with a focus on great guest experience, systems, and product knowledge.
- Excelled in leading all FOH Departments
- Completed the HOH Competency Check list
- Proficient in opening and Closing HOH procedures, parpull and production, 4 stage line check, and thorough knowledge of execution in all line stations.
- Went to Support Yard House Gaithersburg, MD
Bar Manager
Yard House
04.2017 - 07.2023
- Transferred to Yard House - The Battery in 2017
- Collaborated with a management team of 10 manager/chefs to lead a team of 150+ in a high volume restaurant
- Developed several managers and team members by instilling a sense of pride with a focus on great guest experience, systems, and product knowledge.
- Excelled in leading all FOH Departments
- Completed the HOH Competency Check list
- Proficient in opening and Closing HOH procedures, parpull and production, 4 stage line check, and thorough knowledge of execution in all line stations.
- Went to Support Yard House Gaithersburg, MD
Training Manager
Yard House
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Proficient at all FOH departments and HOH line stations
- Collaborated with a management team of 10 manager/chefs to lead a team of 130+ in a high volume restaurant
- Created systems to further the teams knowledge to enhance their potential for growth.
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs using various assessment tools, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated team-building exercises that improved communication and collaboration among team members.
Training Manager
Yard House
01.2014 - 04.2017
- Proficient at all FOH departments and HOH line stations
- Collaborated with a management team of 10 manager/chefs to lead a team of 130+ in a high volume restaurant
- Created systems to further the teams knowledge to enhance their potential for growth.
- Alternated training methods to diversify instruction, strengthen learning opportunities, and enhance program success.
- Monitored and evaluated training performance to determine quality and cohesiveness.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs using various assessment tools, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement initiatives.
- Facilitated team-building exercises that improved communication and collaboration among team members.
Bartender
Yard House
07.2012 - 01.2014
- Opened Yard House West Nyack, NY as Bartender in July 2012
- Became a Bartender Trainer Dec 2012
- Supported Yard House Yonkers as a bartender
- Became a Service Professional June 2013
- Was promoted to a restaurant manager from West Nyack, Ny in Oct. 2014
- Completed Management Training in Yard House Lynnfield, Ma in Dec 2014
Bartender
Yard House
07.2012 - 01.2014
- Opened Yard House West Nyack, NY as Bartender in July 2012
- Became a Bartender Trainer Dec 2012
- Supported Yard House Yonkers as a bartender
- Became a Service Professional June 2013
- Was promoted to a restaurant manager from West Nyack, Ny in Oct. 2014
- Completed Management Training in Yard House Lynnfield, Ma in Dec 2014
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Orange County College
Middletown, New York06.2010
High School Diploma - undefined
Valley Central High School
Montgomery, New York06.2006
Skills
- Motivator
- Leadership
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Problem-Solving
- Team building
- Time management
- Training and development
Timeline
General Manager
Yard House
06.2024 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Yard House
07.2023 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Yard House
07.2023 - Current
Bar Manager
Yard House
04.2017 - 07.2023
Bar Manager
Yard House
04.2017 - 07.2023
Training Manager
Yard House
01.2014 - 04.2017
Training Manager
Yard House
01.2014 - 04.2017
Bartender
Yard House
07.2012 - 01.2014
Bartender
Yard House
07.2012 - 01.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Valley Central High School
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Orange County College