Firas Haykal
Cleveland,OH
Summary
With six years of experience in the restaurant industry, I’ve developed a strong passion for hospitality and leadership. I started my career at Subway, then spent two years as General Manager at Aladdin’s, where I enhanced operations and customer service. For the past two years, I’ve owned and operated Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill, where I’ve built a reputation for excellent hospitality and effective team leadership. I’m eager to expand my impact in the restaurant industry and pursue franchise ownership opportunities, applying my skills in management and customer service to drive success
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Owner
Sittoo’s Lebanese grill
Cleveland, OH
01.2022 - Current
- Develop and implement business strategies to achieve financial goals and growth
- Increased sales up to 35% as of present
- Create and execute marketing and promotional plans to attract and retain customers, such as holiday promotions
- Oversee all financial aspects of the restaurant, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting
- Reduced cost of food and labor by 20%
- Monitor cash flow, manage expenses, and ensure profitability
- Ensure the smooth operation of the restaurant, from kitchen to front-of-house
- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures, such as team training and weekly meetings
- Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety
- Recruit, hire, and train team
- Implemented strategic initiatives that reduced staff turnover by 85% over years, enhancing team stability and organizational performance
- Manage and create schedules
- Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork
- Maintain all necessary licenses and permits for the operation of the restaurant
- Organized and led a successful fundraising campaign for [Seidman Cancer Center], raising almost 6 thousands dollars in donations through events and outreach efforts, exceeding the initial goal by 4 thousands dollars
- Coordinated with local businesses and volunteers to maximize community engagement and support
General Manager
Aladdin’s eatery
Westlake, OH
01.2019 - 12.2022
- Oversee daily restaurant operations to ensure smooth and efficient service
- Manage inventory, ordering, and stock control of ingredients and supplies
- Recruit, train, and supervise restaurant teams
- Ensure exceptional guest service by addressing guest complaints and resolving issues promptly
- Foster a welcoming and hospitable environment for all guests
- Monitor financial performance, including budgeting, sales, and expense management
- Analyze financial reports and implement strategies to improve profitability
- Ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene
- Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations
Assistant Manager
Subway
Cleveland, OH
07.2016 - 12.2018
- Team Leadership: Supervision: Managing kitchen staff, overseeing food prep, ensuring tasks are completed on time
- Training: Training new employees on food preparation, safety standards, and customer service
- Operational Management: Time Management: Balancing food preparation with customer service during peak hours
- Food Prep and Quality Control: Ensuring consistency in food quality, portion control, and meeting company standards
- Customer Interaction: Customer Service: Understanding the importance of customer satisfaction, handling complaints, and providing great service
- Problem Solving: Dealing with difficult customer situations or operational issues
- Inventory and Stock Management: Stocking and Ordering: Managing food inventory, ordering supplies, and reducing waste
- Waste Management: Keeping track of unused food and reducing waste through proper storage and handling
- Health and Safety Compliance: Food Safety: Ensuring the kitchen follows safety regulations, cleanliness, and food handling standards
- Sanitation: Maintaining a clean work environment and complying with health department regulations
- Understanding of Fast-Casual Operations: Menu Development: Knowing how to build and execute a simple, consistent menu that appeals to customers
- Customer Experience: Creating a smooth flow from order taking to food delivery, which is key in fast-casual dining
Education
Bachelor of Science - civil engineering
Cleveland State Univeristy
Cleveland, OH05-2024
Skills
- Business Management
- Financial Acumen
- Cost Control
- Staffing & HR Management
- Legal Knowledge
- Customer Service
- Communication Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Relationship Building
- Marketing & Promotion
- Branding
- Social Media & Digital Marketing
- Promotions & Events
- Culinary Knowledge
- Menu Development
- Food Quality & Consistency
- Knowledge of Trends
- Leadership & Team Management
- Team Motivation
- Delegation
- Training & Development
- Operations & Organization
- Time Management
- Inventory Management
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Adaptability & Problem Solving
- Crisis Management
- Innovation
- Quick Decision-Making
- Financial Literacy
- Accounting Basics
- Profitability Analysis
- Technology Savvy
- POS Systems
Awards
- Sales Growth Award
- Leadership Excellence Award
- Helped coordinate sponsorship opportunities for local schools and non-profit organizations
Languages
- English
- French
- Arabic
Skills
Financial Acumen, Cost Control, Staffing & HR Management, Legal Knowledge, Communication Skills, Conflict Resolution, Relationship Building, Branding, Social Media & Digital Marketing, Promotions & Events, Menu Development, Food Quality & Consistency, Knowledge of Trends, Team Motivation, Delegation, Training & Development, Time Management, Inventory Management, Health & Safety Compliance, Crisis Management, Innovation, Quick Decision-Making, Accounting Basics, Profitability Analysis, POS Systems, Restaurant Software, Data Analysis, Vendor Relations, Community Connections
Timeline
Restaurant Owner
Sittoo’s Lebanese grill
01.2022 - Current
General Manager
Aladdin’s eatery
01.2019 - 12.2022
Assistant Manager
Subway
07.2016 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - civil engineering
Cleveland State Univeristy