Henry (Hank) Nichols
Panama City Beach
Summary
Hospitality operations leader with 7+ years of experience driving performance in high-volume, guest-focused environments. Proven track record managing 40+ staff, leading FOH and BOH coordination, and optimizing labor, sales, and service execution in fast-paced, seasonal operations. Known for boosting revenue through data-driven promotions, improving team performance through structured training, and delivering consistently strong guest experiences in high-traffic settings.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Server / FOH Manager / Assistant General Manager
Angry Tuna Seafood Company
Panama City Beach
05.2022 - Current
- Oversaw daily front-of-house operations in a high-volume beachside restaurant serving 500+ covers per day, ensuring smooth service flow, strong guest experience, and consistent execution
- Led and coached 40+ employees across FOH and BOH, including hosts, servers, bartenders, and shift leaders; ran pre-shift meetings, section assignments, and ongoing performance feedback
- Regularly stepped into Acting GM role, managing full restaurant operations, financial closeouts, interdepartmental coordination, and peak-season service execution
- Built and managed labor schedules aligned to hourly sales trends, reducing labor waste while maintaining service standards during high-traffic shifts
- Developed dynamic, weather-based floor plans that optimized guest flow and maximized seating efficiency, contributing to increased sales during seasonal fluctuations
- Resolved escalated service issues as primary guest recovery lead, protecting brand reputation and maintaining 4.5+ star average rating across platforms
- Collaborated closely with kitchen leadership on ticket times, expo flow, and 86'd items to improve pacing and reduce food delays
- Directed shift operations including openings, closings, deposits, prep levels, and full restaurant walk-throughs for cleanliness and compliance
- Implemented shift leader accountability systems that improved side work completion, closing accuracy, and overall team morale
- Created and standardized training materials, onboarding guides, and operational procedures, improving consistency and new-hire ramp-up time
- Led hiring, training, and performance coaching; helped design the restaurant handbook, side work systems, and leadership structure
- Managed vendor relationships, coordinated liquor orders, and conducted inventory checks with Bar Manager to control costs and reduce waste
- Analyzed daily sales, comps, voids, and food waste to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Pulled and reviewed daily sales and labor reports from POS to make real-time staffing adjustments and improve scheduling efficiency
- Trained staff on POS usage, tipping, and checkout procedures, reducing errors and improving service speed
- Coordinated live music events and seasonal promotions to drive foot traffic, repeat visits, and brand visibility
- Independently managed all social media accounts, generating 50,000+ profile engagements and increasing local brand awareness
- Executed off-season promotions that resulted in 15% year-to-date increase in net sales within two months
- Increased unit volume by 40% and guest count by 43% through targeted promotions and operational improvements
- Reduced labor costs by 17% by aligning staffing models with real-time sales trends
- Increased draft beer sales by 78% by introducing new items and promotions
Beach Attendant
Lazy Days Beach Service
Panama City Beach
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Monitored beach conditions to promote guest safety and overall enjoyment.
- Patrolled beach to oversee guest activities and uphold safety regulations.
- Assisted guests with equipment rentals and provided instructions.
- Arranged beach chairs and umbrellas to enhance guest comfort and accessibility.
- Maintained cleanliness of beach areas and rental equipment.
- Educated visitors on local regulations and safety guidelines.
- Provided excellent customer service to enhance guest experiences.
- Collected and stored umbrella and beach equipment at end of day.
- Assisted with setting up tents, canopies, and other structures for beach events.
Boat Rental Associate
Salty Pontoons
Panama City Beach
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Assisted customers with rental agreements and reservations for watercraft and equipment.
- Clarified safety protocols and operational procedures for clients before rentals to ensure understanding and compliance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the rental fleet and storage area.
- Trained new staff on rental procedures and safety guidelines to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.
- Welcomed customers warmly at the rental facility to create a positive first impression.
- Educated customers on rental policies and local water safety guidelines to promote safe and informed use of watercraft.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, Florida, FL05-2025
High School Diploma -
Arnold High School
Panama City Beach, FL05-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida State University
Panama City Beach, FLSkills
- Operations management
- Table management
- Order taking and processing
- POS operation
- Sales forecasting
- Stock management
- Menu development
- Upselling techniques
- Customer service
- Guest relations
- Event planning
- Team leadership
- Task delegation
- Training development
- Conflict resolution
- Social media management
Revenue Performance Highlights
- Independently developed and executed off-season promotions that drove a 15% year-to-date increase in net sales within two months.
- Increased unit volume by 40% and guest count by 43% through targeted promotions and operational improvements.
- Reduced labor costs by 17% by aligning staffing models with real-time sales trends.
- Increased draft beer sales by 78% by introducing new items and promotions.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Server / FOH Manager / Assistant General Manager
Angry Tuna Seafood Company
05.2022 - Current
Beach Attendant
Lazy Days Beach Service
05.2021 - 08.2021
Boat Rental Associate
Salty Pontoons
05.2020 - 08.2020
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Gulf Coast State College
High School Diploma -
Arnold High School
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality And Tourism Management
Florida State University