Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Frank Defer

Utica,MI

Summary

Proven leader in the culinary and hospitality industry, with a track record of enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing revenue at P.F. Chang's. Skilled in strategic planning and execution, alongside exceptional interpersonal communication, I've driven significant brand growth and team development. Achieved regular sales increases and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and excellence all while continuing to go beyond the norms and push myself into new opportunities though a never say never and a can't afford to lose approach. I believe in Servant Leadership to deliver results and build team that have trust in my ability to do the work alongside them when needed. always encouraging them to be the best in the industry and help them achieve it.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Market Partner / Area Director

P.F. Chang's Bistro
01.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced brand reputation, consistently providing exceptional guest experiences.
  • Managed budgets effectively while prioritizing resources for maximum impact on restaurant operations profitability and sales goals.
  • Developed and maintained multiple teams of operators and managers and set expectations to drive 5 star Guest experience
  • Streamlined restaurant operations processes to increase efficiency and maximize revenue generation.
  • Played a pivotal role in driving organizational change initiatives that resulted in enhanced operational efficiencies both culinary and hospitality.
  • Partnered with our operating partners and developed and implemented marketing plans to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
  • Responsible for day to day operations of 12 teams executing and operating the restaurants in my market.

Regional Culinary Operations Manager

P.F. Chang's Bistro
04.2016 - 01.2021
  • Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
  • Responsible for all Culinary operations and trainers at more than 20 New Restaurant Openings.
  • Conducted roll out training meetings for regions and markets semi-annually.
  • Mentored Chefs and team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
  • Maintained positive Guest relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills to Market Partners and leaders.
  • Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction to implement initiatives.

Executive Chef / Market Chef

P.F. Chang's Bistro
06.2009 - 05.2016
  • 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 managing controls, food quality and recipe adherence.
  • Developed a bench of future leaders from hourly team members.
  • Spent years as a training location for management for other locations.
  • Oversaw business operations, inventory control, and customer service for restaurant.
  • Oversaw operations and Culinary Management teams of 12 Bistro operations as a Market Chef over 4 states.
  • Conducted Audits and implemented strategic advancements in operational and organizational excellence.

Team Member / Sous Chef

P.F. Chang's Bistro
04.2006 - 06.2009
  • Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
  • Learned all required tasks quickly to maximize performance.
  • Worked scheduled shifts and remained available to work during coworker absences, holidays, and busy periods.
  • Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
  • Developed strong cooperative relationships with coworkers and managers.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
  • Ensured smooth operations during peak periods via effective time management techniques such as delegation and task prioritization.

Team Member / Head Baker Associate Partner

Achatz Handmade Pie Co
01.1999 - 04.2006
  • Started as a production prep cook / dishwasher.
  • Learned to bake and run 8 convection ovens and a rack oven.
  • Became a production bakery manager.
  • Lead a team of scratch made bakery team members from pie shell production, fruit mixing, filling production, baking packaging and shipping to over 50 wholesale accounts in Detroit area and Chicago.
  • Converted recipes to scale production and create training materials where there were none before.
  • Hired, trained, opened and operated 3 new locations as we expanded in the Metro Detroit Area as we expanded as an associate partner.
  • proud to have been part of a growth strategy and operation for multi unit production and tipple digit sales year after year.
  • Addressed and resolved customer complaints in polite and professional manner.
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
  • Assisted in the onboarding of new team members by providing guidance, support, and training resources to ensure a smooth transition into the work environment.

Education

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Macomb Community College Culinary Program Focused
Clinton, MI

Skills

  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Performance Tracking
  • Financial Acumen
  • Relationship Building
  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Strategic Planning and Execution
  • Effective Communication
  • Performance Improvement
  • Retention Strategies
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-Making

Timeline

Market Partner / Area Director

P.F. Chang's Bistro
01.2021 - Current

Regional Culinary Operations Manager

P.F. Chang's Bistro
04.2016 - 01.2021

Executive Chef / Market Chef

P.F. Chang's Bistro
06.2009 - 05.2016

Team Member / Sous Chef

P.F. Chang's Bistro
04.2006 - 06.2009

Team Member / Head Baker Associate Partner

Achatz Handmade Pie Co
01.1999 - 04.2006

No Degree - Culinary Arts

Macomb Community College Culinary Program Focused

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Frank Defer