Hi, I’m
JAMES KELLY
Woolwich Township,NJ
Summary
Strategic-thinking individual experienced in turning low-performing organizations into top revenue producers. Offering engaging and pleasant personality with expertise improving customer relationships. Dynamic Director oversees every facet of production with strong project management and decision-making skills. Skilled at coordinating production plans and personnel resources to complete work under tight deadlines. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Trying to seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
24
years of professional experience
Work History
PrePaired, LLC
OWNER / OPERATOR
06.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Own and operate a catering and meal prep company.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing high-quality services and timely communication.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Iacofano Group, LLC
FACILITY DIRECTOR
11.2022 - 12.2023
Job overview
- Oversee all aspects of a 24-hour catering business, including delivery logistics, food production, staffing, and sales
- Managed space allocation within the facility, maximizing utilization while adhering to safety standards.
- Updated tracking system monitoring facilities-related materials, supplies and equipment.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for the overall growth and improvement of the facility.
- Conducted regular facility inspections to identify repair needs or improvements.
Zoes Kitchen
Training General Manager
01.2017 - 09.2021
Job overview
- Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of existing training programs, making data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement.
- Implemented innovative training methods to engage employees and enhance their professional growth.
- Coordinated external partnerships with industry experts, bringing cutting-edge insights into our company''s upskilling strategy.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Trained new hires to perform cross-training exercises with experienced workers.
- Supported regional growth and development of fast casual restaurant chain as a valued resource
- Provided aid and guidance to area leader, developed management team, and grew top-line sales while maintaining bottom-line profit in multiple gardens
- Recruited, hired, trained, and developed restaurant staff and leadership in guest service excellence
- Consistently achieved a 95+ rating in food safety audits; scored 100 twice
- Produced consistent solid food costs and the highest guest feedback and scores in Philadelphia
- Raised locations to a positive double-digit comp in the first two years of hire while the company performed at -12%
- Maintained 60% or less rolling turnover each year during tenure
- Nominated for Rookie of the Year and Be the Change recognition at national conference; selected for 2020 National Menu Working Group.
Buffalo Wild Wings
GENERAL MANAGER
01.2015 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Stewarded daily operations as the direct supervisor of all department heads and shift leads at an American casual dining restaurant and sports bar franchise
- Hired, trained, and developed all staff in addition to managing profit and loss statements
- Finished second place in a nationwide upselling contest through leadership and management of the team.
Stone Rose Restaurant
GENERAL MANAGER / BEVERAGE MANAGER
01.2015 - 12.2016
Job overview
- Onboarded and developed all front-of-house staff while overseeing daily operations and profit and loss statements for Italian and American restaurants
- Coordinated with the chef to deliver all aspects of premium food service and to enhance guest experience through the management of staff
- Maintained beverage program and wine list at American eatery
- Presided over turnaround, which produced positive comp sales after five months of declining sales prior to hire.
Carmel Kitchen Wine Bar
PA DIRECTOR OF BEVERAGE / DINING AND BEVERAGE MANAGER
01.2012 - 01.2014
Job overview
- Launched a new restaurant location for a Mediterranean eatery and bar
- Governed and supported all restaurant opening plans and activities, including menu, beverage, and wine list creation; server and host management; bar operations; and staff and management training
- Captured promotional images for digital branding and messages as an official restaurant photographer
- Maintained iPad menus and Micros interface, including the addition of all new items
- Honored by 'OpenTable' diners as Best Mediterranean Restaurant and Notable Wine List
- Built an award-winning wine list used in three Pennsylvania stores
- Created both food and beverage items sold in eight different locations
- Represented restaurant on live television segment in promotion of beverage program.
Valley Forge Convention Center
BEVERAGE MANAGER
01.2003 - 01.2007
Holiday Inn
SALES / CATERING MANAGER
01.2000 - 01.2003
BARTENDER / MANAGER
Job overview
- Directed bartending and general service operations for three family restaurants in Pennsylvania.
Education
Pennsylvania State UniversityState College, PA
Coursework completed in Management Science Information Systems
St. Joseph's Preparatory SchoolPhiladelphia, PA
High School Diploma
Skills
- Restaurant Manager / Multi-Unit Leadership / Staff Training & Development
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Inventory Management
- Performance Improvement
- Customer Relations
- Account Management
- Cost Reduction
- Inventory Tracking and Management
- Vendor relationships
- Sales Analysis
- Networking abilities
- Coaching and Training
- Motivational Leadership
- Athlete Safety
- Fitness Assessments
Timeline
FACILITY DIRECTOR
Iacofano Group, LLC
11.2022 - 12.2023
OWNER / OPERATOR
PrePaired, LLC
06.2021 - Current
Training General Manager
Zoes Kitchen
01.2017 - 09.2021
GENERAL MANAGER
Buffalo Wild Wings
01.2015 - 12.2016
GENERAL MANAGER / BEVERAGE MANAGER
Stone Rose Restaurant
01.2015 - 12.2016
PA DIRECTOR OF BEVERAGE / DINING AND BEVERAGE MANAGER
Carmel Kitchen Wine Bar
01.2012 - 01.2014
BEVERAGE MANAGER
Valley Forge Convention Center
01.2003 - 01.2007
SALES / CATERING MANAGER
Holiday Inn
01.2000 - 01.2003
BARTENDER / MANAGER
Pennsylvania State University
Coursework completed in Management Science Information Systems
St. Joseph's Preparatory School
High School Diploma