Gracie Elster
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive experience in leadership, operations management, employee development, and customer engagement. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, execute successful business launches, and build strong relationships through exceptional communication and collaboration. Licensed Pharmacy Technician and Certified Nutrition Coach with a unique blend of healthcare knowledge, business acumen, and consumer-focused experience. Adept at analyzing customer needs, driving engagement, and developing strategies that enhance brand loyalty and business growth. Seeking to leverage a diverse background in leadership, healthcare, and client relations to transition into a marketing role where creativity, communication, and strategic thinking can make a measurable impact.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Restaurant Leader
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Pittsburgh, PA
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day operations while managing a roster of 70+ employees in a 4 million dollar profit restaurant. All while fostering a positive culture and atmosphere to optimize employee experiences.
- Executed cross-functional training to achieve company-wide goals of collaboration and innovation.
- Assisted with new hire processing and onboarding and existing training programs.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership skills and advance their careers within the company.
- Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
- Evaluated staff performance during milestone check-ins and provided coaching and feedback to address inefficiencies.
- Helped meet changing business demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Streamlined internal communication, ensuring accurate and up-to-date schedule information for all team members.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with the management team to ensure timely completion of daily tasks, increasing overall productivity.
- Maintained a clean and well-organized work environment, promoting safety and efficiency among team members.
- Maintained accurate records of purchase orders, invoices, and other relevant documentation for easy retrieval and reference.
Operations Manager
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Pittsburgh, PA
04.2024 - 09.2024
- Executed $40,000 worth of sales on opening day
- Helped train, hire, and develop over 150+ new employees
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring optimal functionality of equipment and infrastructure at all times.
- Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Performed cleaning and organization duties.
- Maintained high sanitation standards by regularly cleaning workspaces, equipment, and utensils.
Front of House Manager
Puttery
Pittsburgh, PA
12.2022 - 05.2023
- Executed sales of $67,000 during the venue's opening day
- Helped hire, train, and develop 100+ new hires
- Partnered with back-of-house management in order to maintain seamless communication between teams, ensuring a smooth dining experience for guests.
- Maintained positive team environment by encouraging teamwork and respect in accordance with company mission.
- Acted as the main point of contact for guest inquiries, addressing concerns promptly and professionally while maintaining a positive rapport with clientele.
- Trained new hires on company policies, procedure, s as well as proper food handling techniques which resulted in reduced turnover rates.
- Managed day-to-day FOH operations to drive quality, standards, and meet customer expectations.
- Performed cash handling activities and secured nightly bank deposits.
Lead Server and Trainer
First Watch Daytime Cafe
Pittsburgh, PA
12.2020 - 05.2022
- Promoted a positive workplace culture through teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among coworkers.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate and timely delivery of meals, resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Implemented upselling techniques to boost average check size while still prioritizing guest satisfaction.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for guests at all times.
- Mentored new servers, sharing best practices for exceptional service and fostering a positive work environment.
- Kept updated knowledge of menu and promotions, recommending specific items according to preferences and food allergies.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Assigned tasks and shifts to servers to manage organized schedules and provide adequate coverage.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Oversaw inventory management for front-of-house supplies, minimizing waste while ensuring adequate stock levels.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
Education
High School Diploma -
Elizabeth Forward Senior High School
Elizabeth, PA06.2019
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht) - Medicine
Stepful
11.2025
Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) - Health And Wellness
National Academy of Sports Medicine
08.2026
Skills
- Inventory oversight
- Coaching and mentoring
- Interpersonal communication
- Reliability
- Recruitment and hiring
- Team leadership
- Training and mentoring
- Staff development
- Promotional planning
- Digital marketing
- Customer relationship management
- Logistics management
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler Certification - National Restaurant Association.
- Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP)
Timeline
Assistant Restaurant Leader
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
09.2024 - 01.2025
Operations Manager
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
04.2024 - 09.2024
Front of House Manager
Puttery
12.2022 - 05.2023
Lead Server and Trainer
First Watch Daytime Cafe
12.2020 - 05.2022
High School Diploma -
Elizabeth Forward Senior High School
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht) - Medicine
Stepful
Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) - Health And Wellness
National Academy of Sports Medicine