James Suttmiller
Concord,NH
Summary
Operations leader with 20+ years of experience in grocery, food service, and hospitality. Proven success in multi-unit management, P&L; oversight, and driving $7M+ in annual revenue. Expert in building high-performing teams, improving profitability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Recognized for launching innovative food concepts and operational excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Food and Beverage Manager
IKEA
04.2022 - 08.2025
- Managed 5 revenue centers generating $7M+ annually from food operations; store total $200M+. Food Department 50+ coworkers, store total 350+ coworkers.
- Full P&L; responsibility; improved operational efficiency and profitability.
- Opened and operated the first IKEA 'Swedish Café' in the USA.
- Recruited, trained, and developed food service teams, ensuring compliance and guest satisfaction.
- Steering Team Member (top 8 store Management team)
- Learning and Development Team facilitator; primary area of focus, leadership training for all leadership (50+) best practices recruiting, hiring, developing, engaging, evaluating teams and individuals according to company standards.
- Oversaw compliance with health regulations, ensuring safe food handling procedures were followed.
- Established membership and collaboration with SACC-NE (Swedish American Chamber of Commerce New England); multiple events including speaking engagements, Swedish Heritage Festivals, and community engagement events.
Store Manager
ALDI
12.2020 - 03.2022
- Oversaw operations with $10M+ annual sales.
- Directed staff recruitment, training, and performance management.
- Controlled costs through labor optimization, inventory management, and financial analysis.
- Consistently achieved sales and customer service goals.
- Oversaw daily store operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock availability and reducing waste.
- Fostered a positive work environment, promoting teamwork and collaboration among staff members.
- Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
General Manager
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
05.2016 - 11.2019
- Directed daily restaurant operations generating $2.3M annually.
- Achieved sales targets while reducing turnover.
- Managed payroll, scheduling, inventory, and compliance.
- Directed daily operations to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Supervised catering operations, ensuring timely execution of events and adherence to quality standards.
Managing Partner
Chili's Bar & Grill
05.2008 - 03.2016
- Oversaw $2.7M+ restaurant operations and a team of 30+.
- Maintained strong guest satisfaction and employee engagement.
- Controlled labor costs and cost of goods.
- Led operational strategy to enhance guest satisfaction and drive repeat business.
- Oversaw training programs to develop staff skills and improve service quality.
General Manager
Dewey's American Grill
03.2004 - 01.2008
- Managed $1.5M+ restaurant operations.
- Developed marketing initiatives and contributed to menu development.
- Ensured guest satisfaction and compliance with food safety standards.
- Developed and implemented strategic marketing initiatives to drive revenue growth.
- Developed staff training programs, fostering a culture of high performance and teamwork.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving supply chain efficiency.
- Oversaw compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe dining environment for guests and employees.
Sales & Distribution Representative
Naturally Boulder Bottled Water
09.2003 - 02.2004
- Grew customer base through door-to-door and cold-call sales.
- Managed orders, invoicing, inventory, and logistics.
- Handled warehousing operations including forklift and pallet-jack use.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure timely distribution of bottled water products.
- Coordinated delivery schedules to optimize routes and enhance customer satisfaction.
Bar Manager
Lessing's Hospitality Group
01.2001 - 08.2003
- Oversaw daily bar operations, ensuring high standards of service and efficiency.
- Trained and mentored staff on beverage preparation and customer service best practices.
- Managed inventory levels, reducing waste through effective stock control measures.
- Developed and implemented innovative cocktail menus that enhanced customer experience.
- Source and hire all entertainment including musicians, DJ's, and special event staff.
Education
High School Diploma -
Chaminade High School
Mineola, NY06.1997
Skills
- Multi-Unit Operations Management
- Team Leadership & Development
- Cost Control & Efficiency
- P&L & Financial Analysis
- Guest Experience Optimization
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Ordering and purchasing
- Sanitation standards
- Staff leadership
Certification
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager (exp. 2025)
- Allergen Awareness Training (exp. 2025)
- Cicerone Certified Beer Server
Timeline
Food and Beverage Manager
IKEA
04.2022 - 08.2025
Store Manager
ALDI
12.2020 - 03.2022
General Manager
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
05.2016 - 11.2019
Managing Partner
Chili's Bar & Grill
05.2008 - 03.2016
General Manager
Dewey's American Grill
03.2004 - 01.2008
Sales & Distribution Representative
Naturally Boulder Bottled Water
09.2003 - 02.2004
Bar Manager
Lessing's Hospitality Group
01.2001 - 08.2003
High School Diploma -
Chaminade High School