JASON STEPHENS
Chandler,AZ
Summary
Hospitality executive with extensive experience managing multi-unit operations. Expertise in driving revenue growth through innovative catering initiatives and technology adoption, resulting in a 20% increase in catering and off-site revenue. Committed to fostering high-performing teams that enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Floridino's Pizza & Pasta
Chandler, AZ
01.2014 - Current
- Lead operations for a high-volume, full-service restaurant with multiple revenue streams including dine-in, catering, banquets, and a mobile food truck program.
- Manage a $5M+ annual operation with full P&L accountability.
- Oversee a team of 50+ employees and 7+ managers across FOH, BOH, catering, and banquet operations.
- Drive performance through culture-focused leadership, operational discipline, and continuous technology adoption.
- Built and sustained a high-retention culture by creating an environment where people feel seen, developed, and invested in - resulting in long-tenured staff and a team that takes ownership of the guest experience.
- Identified, developed, and promoted 5 hourly team members into supervisory and management roles, building a homegrown leadership pipeline that reduced reliance on external hiring.
- Established structured leadership cadences - including weekly manager meetings and individual coaching sessions - that improved cross-department alignment, accountability, and team cohesion.
- Identified, developed, and promoted 5 hourly team members into supervisory and management roles, building a homegrown leadership pipeline that reduced reliance on external hiring.
- Conceived and launched a food truck program from the ground up - managing the full build-out from concept through operations - creating a new incremental revenue stream and expanding brand reach into the community.
- Partnered with ownership and accounting to analyze P&L performance and identify cost control opportunities.
- Operate as a cross-functional leader across ownership, accounting, vendors, and event clients - translating business goals into day-to-day operational execution while managing competing priorities with clarity and calm.
- Served as escalation point for guest and employee issues, resolving concerns promptly and professionally.
- Led remodel projects while ensuring operational continuity and maintaining service standards.
- Implemented 7shifts for scheduling, labor management, and staff communication, improving efficiency and reducing manual coordination.
- Deployed xtraCHEF for inventory management, invoice processing, and recipe costing - increasing cost visibility and control.
- Introduced Loman.ai, an AI-powered phone management system, to handle inbound calls and improve guest responsiveness.
- Implemented Marqii for online reputation management - maintaining consistent business listings across all platforms, monitoring and responding to every guest review, and driving engagement through Google Business and Apple Business posts.
- Implemented POS and operational systems to improve workflow, communication, and real-time performance visibility.
District Manager
AZ Sandwich Shops / Dilly's
East Valley, AZ
01.2004 - 01.2014
- Provided multi-unit operational leadership across 4+ fast-casual locations in the East Valley, with full accountability for GM development, brand consistency, and financial performance across a geographically dispersed portfolio.
- Oversaw 4+ locations, ensuring effective operational execution, staffing alignment, and financial performance.
- Coached and developed General Managers through consistent field visits, performance conversations, and individualized development plans - turning underperforming locations into accountable, high-functioning teams.
- Acted as primary escalation point for guest and employee issues, resolving concerns to maintain operational integrity across all locations.
- Partnered with leadership to review P&Ls and implement cost control strategies, improving margins by 2%.
- Negotiated supplier programs resulting in reduced food costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Conducted SWOT analyses and competitive market assessments, identifying sales growth opportunities and addressing operational gaps to enhance performance.
- Improved store-level performance through structured coaching, operational audits, and accountability systems.
- Led end-to-end development and opening of 3 new fast-casual restaurant locations - overseeing site setup, hiring, training, and full operational launch from pre-opening through sustained performance.
- Supported launch and operational alignment of an international restaurant concept.
- Built and led hiring, onboarding, and training systems to ensure consistent execution across all locations.
General Manager
Dilly's Deli
Tempe, AZ
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Entrusted to lead the company's top-performing fast-casual location, driving consistent sales growth, team development, and operational excellence.
- Increased sales by 10% by implementing a delivery program that enhanced customer access.
- Led catering, community engagement, and local marketing initiatives to strengthen community ties and boost brand recognition.
- Implemented POS and inventory systems, improving operational control and visibility for better decision-making.
- Built strong teams through targeted hiring, training, and development.
Education
Diploma -
Carmel High School
Ball State University
University of Cincinnati
IUPUI
Skills
- Operations management
- Cost control
- Sales growth strategies
- Revenue expansion tactics
- Manager coaching
- District leadership
- General manager coaching
- Engagement strategies
- Guest enhancement
- Team engagement strategies
- Training implementation
- Process improvement
- Sales strategies
- Revenue tactics
- Event planning
- Remote team management
- Corporate social responsibility
- Digital marketing
- 7shifts management
- xtraCHEF management
- Marqii management
- Lomanai management
- POS systems management
Community Leadership And Volunteer Experience
- Squadron Commander, Chandler, AZ, 01/01/19, 01/01/21, Provide leadership and direction for a large membership-based veterans organization, overseeing meetings, initiatives, and community engagement., Lead and facilitate monthly meetings ensuring alignment, communication, and member engagement., Foster a culture of accountability, service, and collaboration across the membership., Build relationships with members, leadership teams, and community partners to strengthen organizational impact.
- Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Chairman, 8 Years, Lead planning and execution of an annual charity golf tournament supporting veteran and community causes., Direct all aspects of event logistics, sponsorships, budgeting, and volunteer coordination., Manage cross-functional teams to execute a large-scale annual fundraising event with consistent, high-impact results., Develop community partnerships and sponsorships to drive participation and financial support.
Personal Information
Title: Hospitality Executive
Earlier Experience
- Assistant Manager, Dilly's Deli
- Bartender / Server, Don Hall's Castleton Grill
Core Leadership Strengths
- Multi-Unit Operations & District Leadership
- P&L Ownership & Cost Control
- GM Coaching & Development
- Culture Building & Team Engagement
- Guest Experience & Brand Execution
- Training Systems & Process Improvement
- Sales Growth & Revenue Expansion
- Catering & Off-Site Operations
- Community Engagement & Local Marketing
Timeline
General Manager
Floridino's Pizza & Pasta
01.2014 - Current
District Manager
AZ Sandwich Shops / Dilly's
01.2004 - 01.2014
General Manager
Dilly's Deli
01.2000 - 01.2004
Diploma -
Carmel High School
Ball State University
University of Cincinnati
IUPUI