Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

IAN WELBY

PHILADELPHIA,PA
IAN WELBY

Summary

Senior-level executive leader with experience to drive impactful change. Proven ability to implement strategic initiatives and enhance operational performance. Valued for collaborative team leadership and adaptability to evolving business needs.


Responsible for overseeing all aspects of a company's beverage operations, including strategy, revenue generation, product development, and team management, with a focus on maximizing profitability and guest satisfaction.

Overview

10
years of professional experience

Work History

Bar Louie - BLH Acquisitions, LLC

Vice President of Beverage & Execution
11.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Developed and implemented beverage strategies aligned with the company's overall business goals.
  • Lead the development of new beverage offerings, including cocktails, mocktails, martinis, and all other beverage offerings while considering trends and guest preferences.
  • Oversee all aspects of beverage operations and execution, including inventory management, cost control, and quality.
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.
  • Monitor and analyze beverage financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and cost savings.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with beverage suppliers, ensuring proper support and timely programming.
  • Focus on maximizing beverage sales and profitability through effective execution, pricing, promotions, and menu development.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including guests, vendors, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.

Bar Louie - BLH Acquisitions, LLC

Vice President of Operations
03.2020 - 11.2022

Job overview

  • Leads operations for 18 units operating in seven states across the Northeast and Midwest with annual revenues of $50M; reports to Chief Operating Officer
  • Leads and develops Directors of Operations and 1 Market Operations Managers; 12 General Manager indirect reports
  • Collaborate with executive team to develop performance goals and long-term strategic vision
  • Led team through Covid-19 restrictions and reopening of multiple locations, with all 49 bars opened post COVID restrictions lifted and staffed to a minimum of 85% hourly and 100% management coverage; 80% of bars realized 2019 sales levels and the company EBITDA goal of 18% with a flow through of at least 50%, the remaining 20% provided additional resources and focus
  • Analyzes current operational processes and performance, developing solutions to maximize efficiency and profitability
  • Led the implementation of platform Toast for all POS functionalities to increase efficiency of guest service and reduce FOH labor by ~1%; elevated guest service and raised the social rating average for bars to 4.3 out of 5
  • Devises strategies to ensure growth of operations leadership including the creation, design, and implementation of the General Manager Advanced Development Initiative offering high-performing General Managers the opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities
  • Partnered with Marketing to implement Entertainment and bar specific promotions with all programs designed to provide a 4 to 1 expected return
  • Collaborated with Construction and Development for 750k remodel of our largest bar in Foxboro, MA; partnered with designers on updated floor plan, design decisions, and functionality of new remodel

Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations, LLC

Director of Learning and Development
06.2018 - 03.2020

Job overview

  • Designed, refined, and implemented existing training programs and the company’s Leadership Development Program in partnership with Operations, that is aligned to company's vision and future strategic business goals, for 110 restaurants operating in 29 states with annual sales of $200M; reported to Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Led and developed three direct reports including Manager of Learning & Development; Instructional Designer: and Training Coordinator
  • Overhauled hourly, key hourly, management and G&A training programs to next level leveraging online learning to fullest extent; reduced management turnover by ~20% and met goal of 50% internal promotes from key hourly leaders to full-time management
  • Supported introduction of new products, procedures, marketing initiatives, training development, and equipment including design of new menu program rollout for complete overhaul of menu in first half of 2019 and 'Year of the Bar' program to re-engage bar team and re-establish foundation to grow bar business
  • Updated branding and functionality of existing LMS; increased engagement from hourly and salary team members, driving them to use the platform more often for training and education purposes and developed system to monitor Team Member training programs completion and individual Team Member development
  • Supervised new manager (MIT) training program, to include formal evaluation system that measures individual achievement of learning objectives, validates skill/knowledge development, and assesses cultural fit
  • Personalized mapping for team members working towards new role or increased responsibilities, including curriculum development and tracking

Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations LLC

Director of Operations
05.2016 - 05.2018

Job overview

  • Led day-to-day operations performance for nine units in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and south Florida markets with annual revenues of $25M; reported to Senior Vice President of Operations
  • Exceeded sales expectations while increasing profit margins; increased annual net sales for the market 7% while driving 20%+ EBITDA, flowthrough averaged ~60%
  • Developed plans for managing/retaining talent inside organization and for improving leadership strength
  • Set challenging cross-functional goals that support organizational goals and strategies including three region bars earning certified training restaurants designation, and region led the new IT platform rollout
  • Provide leadership, motivation, and direction for General Managers to help increase safe, healthy, and profitable work environment
  • Held team members accountable for consistently keeping high standards and providing best guest experience possible

Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations, LLC

Director of New Store Openings
05.2015 - 05.2016

Job overview

  • Led all development and operational facets of new store openings; reported to Senior Vice President of New Store Openings and Chief Operating Officer
  • Planned, operated, and financially committed to over ten new units, participated in site planning and selection; set pre/post open budgets and all financial targets
  • Created opening systems and process guidelines to ensure operational success within very limited time; involved in all aspects of training programs
  • Achieved financial goals within 90 days of open
  • Provide leadership and coaching for up to 40 Managers and over 300 team members on daily and weekly basis

Education

Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA

from Hospitality and Business

University Overview

Skills

  • Beverage Strategy & Operations
  • Beverage Program Implementation
  • Beverage Innovation & Execution
  • Innovative Product Development
  • Profit Maximization Strategies
  • Budget Analysis
  • Leadership Development Coaching
  • Educational Program Design
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Financial Acumen
  • Leadership Development
  • Policy and Procedure Adherence
  • Process and System Implementation
  • Profit & Loss Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Relationship Building
  • Effective Team Leadership
  • Networking Expertise
  • Strategic Decision-Making
  • Analytical Problem Solving

Accomplishments

Accomplishments
  • Achieved reduction of overall company-wide Beverage cost by .8% YOY through effective strategy, field support and direction.
  • Created, organized, and executed Bar Louie's Most Valuable Bartender program and competition. Partnered with Campari to recognize our top talent nationally.
  • Created Bar Louie's Martini of the Month program, which drives profitability and guest satisfaction, while donating proceeds to our charitable partner.
  • Designed and implemented a Beverage program that increased profitability, improved execution, and raised guest satisfaction.
  • Finalist at VIBE Conference 2025 for Best Beverage Menu. The only bar/restaurant brand nominated as a finalist.
  • Guest panel speaker at NextGen Restaurant Summit 2024
  • Guest panel speaker at VIBE Conference 2025
  • Appeared on multiple news segments discussing Beverage, for both local and national outlets.
  • Quoted in multiple national publications regarding Beverage.

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Vice President of Beverage & Execution
Bar Louie - BLH Acquisitions, LLC
11.2022 - Current
Vice President of Operations
Bar Louie - BLH Acquisitions, LLC
03.2020 - 11.2022
Director of Learning and Development
Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations, LLC
06.2018 - 03.2020
Director of Operations
Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations LLC
05.2016 - 05.2018
Director of New Store Openings
Bar Louie - BL Restaurant Operations, LLC
05.2015 - 05.2016
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
from Hospitality and Business

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IAN WELBY