J. Chris Kinnaird
Denton
Summary
Results-driven managerial professional with track record of optimizing operational efficiency and leading teams to success. Recognized for fostering collaborative environment and delivering consistent results. Adept at navigating dynamic business challenges through strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager/Kitchen Manager
The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
10.2024 - 08.2025
- 5M annual sales
- Managed day-to-day operations, FOH and BOH
- Reduced kitchen turnover from over 200% to under 60%
- Managed Food, bar, and labor costs
- Training and People Development
- Scheduling, Hiring, Ordering, and Inventory
General Manager/Assistant Restaurant General Manager
Maggiano’s Little Italy
07.2018 - 08.2024
- 7M annual sales at DFW - 5M annual sales at Love Field
- Led a team of 40+ team members
- Consistently exceeded food cost at 14%
- Consistently met bar cost at 27%
- Developed 5+ team members for management roles
- Open DFW location
- Captured 60% higher sales YOY at Love Field location – 2021 sales were over 1M
- Credited for keeping staff turnover below 50% at the DFW airport location
General Manager/Executive Chef
Cru Food & Wine Bar
06.2016 - 07.2018
- DFW Airport
- 2M+ annual sales
- Achieved and maintained overall food and beverage cost below 25%
- Nominated for 2017 Airport Wine Bar of the Year by the Moodie Davitt FAB Awards within 6 months of launch. Subsequently finished top 6 across the globe.
- Re-nominated in 2018 for the same distinction
- Finished in 1st place for Airport Wine Bar of the Year worldwide
Restaurant Manager
Chili’s Bar & Grill
09.2010 - 06.2016
- Achieved status as one of the top 5 restaurants in the region for two consecutive years.
- Lowered overall alcohol costs from 26% to 21% within two months of assuming the position.
- Decreased restaurant turnover from 120% to 65%
- Commended for turning around a location that was in the bottom 20% to a consistent top 10% of customer survey results.
Education
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management
The Art Institute of Dallas
03-2004
Skills
- Hospitality operations management
- Front and back of house management
- Budget management
- Team development
- Safety and sanitation management
- Vendor management
- Exceptional guest relations
- Multi-location management
- Operational turnaround management
- Sales strategy development
- Financial reporting and payroll administration
- Profit optimization strategies
- Database administration
Timeline
Assistant General Manager/Kitchen Manager
The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
10.2024 - 08.2025
General Manager/Assistant Restaurant General Manager
Maggiano’s Little Italy
07.2018 - 08.2024
General Manager/Executive Chef
Cru Food & Wine Bar
06.2016 - 07.2018
Restaurant Manager
Chili’s Bar & Grill
09.2010 - 06.2016
Associate of Applied Science Degree - Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management
The Art Institute of Dallas
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