JACOB "JAKE" R. REPLOGLE
Little Falls,WI
Summary
Leveraged over two decades of expertise in fine dining and hospitality to drive business growth and operational excellence.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Owner
Jake's Restaurant
01.2003 - 01.2025
- Acquired and led a family-owned restaurant, successfully expanding operations, brand reputation, and long term profitability.
- Directed all aspects of business operations including culinary development, financial management, staffing, vendor relations, and guest experience.
- Built and executed integrated marketing strategies, including hands on management of Facebook and Instagram, driving sustained customer growth and brand visibility.
- Designed and maintained an award-winning wine program, earning the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 14 consecutive years (2010 - 2023).
- Consistently ranked among Milwaukee's Best Restaurants for nearly two decades (2003 to 2020).
Restaurant Owner
Jake’s Burger
04.2011 - 04.2021
- Led end-to-end restaurant operations with full accountability for food quality, service standards, staffing, training, and guest satisfaction.
- Managed financial performance including budgeting, payroll, inventory control, vendor negotiations, and cost containment to maximize margins.
- Drove revenue and brand growth through menu optimization, brand-focused marketing initiatives, and elevated customer engagement while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Line Cook
Bouley
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Worked under renowned Chef David Bouley
- Prepare and execute French Cuisine with both classic and modern culinary techniques for high-end clientele.
- Assisted in menu preparation and execution for both on premise and off premise catered events and seasonal holiday celebrations.
Line Cook
The Federalist at XV Beacon
01.1999 - 01.2000
- Cooked for royal families, celebrities, and high-profile guests.
- Gained expertise in classical French and contemporary American cuisine.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Hospitality Administration
Boston University
Boston, MAAssociate Degree - French Culinary Techniques & Cuisine
French Culinary Institute
New York, NYSkills
- Assisted team members in reaching project objectives Supported staff growth through training and mentorship Worked with colleagues to improve team effectiveness
- Assisted in creating financial plans for effective budget management Supported monitoring of expenses to facilitate cost control efforts Collaborated with teams to meet financial goals through structured planning
- Directed menu development and execution strategies to elevate culinary offerings
- Assisted in creating marketing strategies to improve brand visibility Supported social media campaigns to effectively engage target audiences Collaborated with teams to develop content that aligns with marketing objectives
- Exhibited proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Suite applications
Timeline
Restaurant Owner
Jake’s Burger
04.2011 - 04.2021
Restaurant Owner
Jake's Restaurant
01.2003 - 01.2025
Line Cook
Bouley
01.2000 - 01.2001
Line Cook
The Federalist at XV Beacon
01.1999 - 01.2000
Bachelor's Degree - Hospitality Administration
Boston University
Associate Degree - French Culinary Techniques & Cuisine
French Culinary Institute
Awards & Recognition
Best Restaurant in Milwaukee (2003 - 2020), Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2010 - 2023), Milwaukee's Best New Chefs 2003