James Rutko
Evansville,IN
Summary
Dynamic business leader with extensive experience in high-volume restaurant operations. Directed teams of 150 staff, achieving a 15% reduction in operational expenses and a 12% increase in customer traffic. Expertise in P&L management, strategic planning, and fostering high-performance cultures. Proven track record of implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and drive profitability growth.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
TGI Friday's Restuarant
Evansville, Indiana
06.2018 - 08.2026
- Directed P&L management to ensure sustainable financial performance.
- Managed multi-unit operations to streamline processes and improve overall productivity.
- Controlled inventory to optimize resource allocation and reduce waste.
- Created positive work environment through team building activities that fostered interdepartmental collaboration.
General Manager
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
Henderson, KY
11.2015 - 06.2018
- Led initiatives to enhance brand visibility and attract top talent across multiple locations.
- Recruited, developed, and trained a 150-member team to strengthen operational execution.
- Achieved 12% annual increase in traffic through strategic initiatives.
- Identified process improvement opportunities and collaborated with departments to implement actionable plans.
Senior Associate Manager
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
Evansville, Indiana
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Supervised daily operations in high-volume restaurant and retail environment with annual sales exceeding 6 million.
- Partnered with general managers across multiple locations to optimize operational processes.
- Collaborated with management to streamline workflow and implement efficiency initiatives.
- Developed top talent to enhance execution and drive performance.
General Manager
TGI Fridays
Evansville, Indiana
03.2006 - 01.2013
- Managed high-volume sales exceeding $5 million annually.
- Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems to boost productivity.
- Coordinated employee training activities to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Maintained stringent recipe standards for scratch food and beverage quality to enhance inventory results.
Kitchen Manager
Rafferty's Restaurant
Evansville, Indiana
05.1994 - 03.2006
- Trained and supervised kitchen staff on advanced food preparation techniques to improve workflow and consistency.
- Maintained cleanliness and managed inventory in high-volume scratch kitchens to ensure compliance with health standards.
- Identified and resolved operational inefficiencies in high-volume locations, improving service delivery through collaboration.
Education
High School Diploma -
Fort Knox High School
Fort Knox, KY05-1988
Skills
- Profit management
- Multi-unit management
- Operational efficiency
- Inventory control
- Strategic planning
- Team development
- Brand development
Timeline
General Manager
TGI Friday's Restuarant
06.2018 - 08.2026
General Manager
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
11.2015 - 06.2018
Senior Associate Manager
Cracker Barrell Old Country Store
01.2013 - 11.2015
General Manager
TGI Fridays
03.2006 - 01.2013
Kitchen Manager
Rafferty's Restaurant
05.1994 - 03.2006
High School Diploma -
Fort Knox High School