JAMES GREGORY BANANA
West Point,Mississippi
Summary
Results-oriented Restaurant Manager with extensive experience overseeing high-traffic establishments. Skilled in managing diverse teams and enhancing operational efficiency across back-office and dining areas. Committed to quality, safety, and cost control while fostering a collaborative environment. Adept at motivating staff to meet customer demands and expanding the customer base through innovative strategies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Restaurant Manager/Lead Kitchen Manager
O Ferrall Management Group
Columbus, MS
07.2025 - Current
- Managed daily restaurant operations and upheld service quality standards to enhance customer experience.
- Trained and supervised staff, fostering skills development to improve overall team performance.
- Coordinated scheduling to maintain optimal staffing levels during peak hours.
- Developed and implemented inventory control procedures to minimize waste.
- Monitored compliance with health and safety regulations within the restaurant.
- Coached team members on food safety, sanitation, customer service, menu education, and up-selling techniques to increase revenue potential.
- Inspected dining room area regularly for cleanliness and adherence to safety standards.
Weatherization Specialist
Prairie Opportunity, Inc.
Starkville, MS
03.2024 - 06.2025
- Coordinated outreach efforts to engage community stakeholders and partners, fostering collaboration and support for weatherization initiatives.
- Managed project timelines and ensured compliance with organizational standards.
- Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance service delivery.
- Assisted in developing strategies to enhance customer satisfaction, contributing to improved service delivery.
- Provided technical support for customers in resolving complex issues.
- Assessed customer needs quickly during interactions.
- Reviewed documents for accuracy prior to submission, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Wrote and submitted reports on industry trends, prompting managers to develop business plans.
Assistant Manager
Jack Marshall Foods
Columbus, Mississippi
12.2022 - 10.2023
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours, enhancing service efficiency.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Implemented inventory management systems to maintain stock levels efficiently.
- Developed system for tracking inventory and ordering supplies, improving stock management accuracy.
- Monitored quality control processes to uphold food safety standards consistently.
- Implemented quality control measures, ensuring compliance with company standards and maintaining product integrity.
- Assisted in managing daily operations of food production and distribution.
- Collaborated with management on developing strategic plans for achieving business goals.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure smooth flow of operations.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in an effective manner.
- Established processes for monitoring customer satisfaction levels.
Sales Service Representative
Mondelez Global, LLC
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by effectively answering questions, suggesting effective solutions, and resolving issues quickly.
- Managed customer inquiries and provided product information effectively.
- Collaborated with sales team to resolve customer issues promptly.
- Cultivated strong customer relationships, resulting in increased satisfaction and loyalty.
- Informed customers about promotions and new product launches, enhancing engagement and driving sales.
- Processed orders and maintained accurate records in internal systems.
- Coordinated with logistics to ensure timely delivery of products.
- Conducted follow-ups with customers to gather feedback and improve service.
- Employed effective selling techniques by promoting product benefits and influencing decision-makers.
- Offered ongoing support to customers after sales by answering additional questions and resolving issues.
- Evaluated customer desires and budgetary constraints to pick best products or services.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify opportunities for improvement in the customer experience.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly by identifying issues, researching solutions, and implementing action plans.
Assistant Manager
Jack's Restaurant
West Point, Mississippi
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Assisted in managing daily operations of food production and distribution.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage during peak hours and minimize operational disruptions.
- Implemented inventory management systems to maintain stock levels efficiently.
- Trained new employees on safety protocols and operational procedures.
- Monitored quality control processes to ensure adherence to food safety standards and maintain product integrity.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
- Provided guidance and support to junior staff members on daily tasks, projects, and objectives.
- Collaborated with management on developing strategic plans for achieving business goals.
- Developed a system for tracking inventory and ordering supplies.
- Assisted in developing operational strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity across food production and distribution.
- Conducted regular performance reviews for employees to identify areas of improvement.
- Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
Host/Cashier/BOH Support
Chick-Fil-A
Columbus, Mississippi
03.2019 - 10.2019
- Greeted guests and managed seating arrangements efficiently.
- Provided menu information and answered guest inquiries promptly.
- Anticipated customer needs to provide excellent service, contributing to positive dining experiences.
- Monitored wait times and communicated updates to guests effectively.
- Provided customers with accurate wait times and monitored waiting list.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely order delivery, supporting a seamless dining experience.
- Resolved guest complaints with professionalism and empathy, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new hosts on customer service standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining areas consistently.
- Collaborated with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate customers.
- Offered seating and other special accommodations to customers according to preferences and dining area volume.
- Accommodated guests with children and special needs to promote a comfortable dining experience.
- Processed payments from customers using a POS system.
- Resolved conflicts between customers effectively.
- Supported promotional events by preparing the dining area accordingly.
Overnight Shift Cook
Cathy's Restaurant
West Point, Mississippi
03.2015 - 03.2018
- Prepared diverse dishes following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Coordinated with team members to deliver timely meal service during peak hours.
- Prepared dishes in a fast-paced environment working with teammates to maintain high customer satisfaction rate.
- Operated grills, fryers and broilers to cook items to quality guidelines.
- Monitored food quality and freshness before serving to guests.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and adhered to food safety regulations consistently.
- Managed inventory and restocked supplies to maintain kitchen efficiency.
- Operated kitchen equipment safely and effectively for food preparation tasks.
- Guided new staff on cooking techniques and kitchen protocols to enhance operational consistency.
- Adapted recipes based on dietary restrictions and customer preferences promptly.
BK Broiler Operator/Facility Maintenance Porter
Burger King
West Point, Mississippi
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Monitored cooking temperatures to ensure food safety and quality.
- Maintained cleanliness of the kitchen and cooking equipment.
- Ensured proper inventory levels of broiler supplies and ingredients.
- Trained and supervised kitchen personnel on broiler item preparation to ensure quality standards.
- Executed tasks quickly during peak service times to meet customer demand.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance food preparation efficiency.
- Assisted in training new employees on kitchen operations and safety procedures.
- Communicated effectively with front-of-house staff regarding customer orders so that they could be fulfilled quickly and efficiently.
- Facilitated communication among kitchen team, service staff, and managers to quickly resolve order discrepancies.
- Observed proper safety techniques when handling hot ovens or grills during broiling process.
Substitute Teacher for several School Districts
Kelly Services
Tupelo, Mississippi
04.2014 - 03.2015
- Delivered engaging lessons to diverse student groups in various subjects.
- Educated students in various subjects to provide seamless transition during absence of head teacher.
- Collaborated with teachers to adapt lesson plans for individual student needs.
- Maintained accurate attendance records and student performance documentation.
- Monitored student progress throughout the day.
- Communicated academic progress to students, staff, and parents to foster collaborative support.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance teamwork and communication skills among students.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order among students.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Implemented school policies and procedures to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Ensured that each student had access to appropriate materials and resources.
- Assessed student understanding through informal and formal methods.
- Provided detailed notes and reports on daily activities to primary teacher for continuity in instruction.
- Managed classroom environments to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.
Master Grill Operator/Fried Products
McDonald's
West Point, Mississippi
02.2013 - 05.2014
- Trained new staff on grill operation and safety procedures to ensure consistent compliance with protocols.
- Operated grills to ensure consistent cooking of menu items.
- Monitored grill temperatures and adjusted as necessary to maintain quality cooking standards.
- Monitored food safety standards and maintained cleanliness in grilling area.
- Ensured adherence to McDonald's service protocols during high-volume shifts.
- Collaborated with kitchen team to optimize food preparation timing for efficient service delivery.
- Adhered to health and safety standards when preparing food.
- Followed written recipes accurately and consistently prepared menu items accordingly.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of line workstations.
- Inspected equipment for proper functioning and reported maintenance needs.
- Managed inventory of grilling supplies and communicated restock requirements.
- Reviewed quality standards and verified continuous application throughout kitchen environment.
- Communicated with other team members regarding order status updates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi08.2000
Master of Ministry -
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma08.2000
12 Credit Hours -
Bonner-Campbell School of Religious Education
Edwards, Mississippi01.1997
Associate of Science Degree -
Mary Holmes College
West Point, Mississippi05.1996
Associate Degree -
Mississippi Delta Community College
Moorhead, Mississippi01.1992
Certificate of Paralegal - Entry Level
Southern Career Institute & National Institute of Paralegal Arts & Science
Boca Raton, Florida01.1990
High School -
West Point High School
West Point, Mississippi01.1986
Skills
- Inventory management
- Operational efficiency
- Health compliance
- Quality assurance
- Customer service
- Staff training
- Team management
- Supervisory skills
- Record keeping
Community Service
- Active Member of Northside Christian Church, West Point, MS
- Participate in Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon given by Columbus Recreation Authority, Columbus, MS
- Participate in Annual Soul Food Night given by Townsend Community Seniors, Columbus, MS
- Distribute Our Daily Bread devotions to various locations for public and private use
Certification
OSHA 30 General Industry/ Construction
Timeline
Restaurant Manager/Lead Kitchen Manager
O Ferrall Management Group
07.2025 - Current
Weatherization Specialist
Prairie Opportunity, Inc.
03.2024 - 06.2025
Assistant Manager
Jack Marshall Foods
12.2022 - 10.2023
Sales Service Representative
Mondelez Global, LLC
08.2021 - 12.2022
Assistant Manager
Jack's Restaurant
11.2019 - 04.2021
Host/Cashier/BOH Support
Chick-Fil-A
03.2019 - 10.2019
BK Broiler Operator/Facility Maintenance Porter
Burger King
08.2016 - 01.2017
Overnight Shift Cook
Cathy's Restaurant
03.2015 - 03.2018
Substitute Teacher for several School Districts
Kelly Services
04.2014 - 03.2015
Master Grill Operator/Fried Products
McDonald's
02.2013 - 05.2014
Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies
Mississippi University for Women
Master of Ministry -
Mid-America Christian University
12 Credit Hours -
Bonner-Campbell School of Religious Education
Associate of Science Degree -
Mary Holmes College
Associate Degree -
Mississippi Delta Community College
Certificate of Paralegal - Entry Level
Southern Career Institute & National Institute of Paralegal Arts & Science
High School -
West Point High School