Jessi Smith
Lufkin,Texas
Summary
Front-of-House Manager and Restaurant Opening Coordinator with over five years of leadership experience in high-volume, full-service dining. Proven track record of successfully opening six new restaurant locations, including leading large-scale hiring, training, and launch execution for teams of 150+ employees. Recognized for building strong team culture, driving operational excellence, and delivering consistent guest experiences in fast-paced environments. Highly adaptable leader with strengths in training development, labor optimization, and cross-functional collaboration, known for stepping into new markets to stabilize operations and lead teams through growth and change.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
FOH Manager
Bloomin' Brands
11.2021 - Current
- Oversaw daily front-of-house operations, ensuring compliance with service standards and guest satisfaction.
- Implemented staff training programs to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
- Monitored inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers to maintain optimal product availability.
- Developed and enforced health and safety protocols to promote a safe dining environment.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, maintaining positive relationships and improving guest experiences.
- Coordinated new store openings and lead the training team to open successful locations
- Trained MIT’s coming to the company in a certified training location.
- Opened Prosper Outback on the opening management, hiring over 150 outbackers, leading opening week, organizing training days, and scheduling all FOH staff, and starting from the ground up.
- I lead up to 150 Outbackers at one time in restaurant and kept moral up!
Manager
Angelina Brewing company and Restoration Bistro
11.2019 - 10.2021
- I managed 5 to 6 employees on shift, opened and closed every night, working 12 hour shifts almost every day.
- I interacted with customers daily and built multiple bonds.
- I booked parties, and private social events and also catered/ hosted them.
- I have a wide variety of skills.
Assistant Manager and Events Coordinator
HIJINX Trampoline Park
03.2017 - 11.2020
- I started off as an office manager, and helped build the park from the ground up.
- I hired all employees, filed paperwork, and reached out to potential candidates.
- After the park opened I was moved to assistant manager and events coordinator, and my duties were wide.
- Planning and booking parties, to leading a team of 30 everyday.
- I can do anything I put my mind to. And I strive to be the best at what I do.
Education
High school diploma - undefined
Hudson High School
Skills
- Front-of-House Operations Management
Multi-Unit Opening Coordination
Team Leadership & Culture Building
Staff Training & Development
Performance Coaching & Accountability
Cross-Functional Leadership (FOH / BOH / Corporate)
High-Volume Restaurant Management
Full-Cycle Hiring (150 Employees per Opening)
Interviewing & Talent Selection
New Store Staffing Strategy
Training Program Development & Execution
Onboarding & Retention Strategies
Leadership Development for Hourly & Management Teams
Labor Cost Control & Forecasting
Sales Performance Optimization
KPI Tracking & Reporting
Inventory Awareness & Cost Controls
Profit-Driven Decision Making
Brand Standards Implementation
Team Engagement & Morale Building
Internal Communication Systems
Recognition Programs & Incentives
Leading Through Change & High-Pressure Environments
New Restaurant Openings (6 Locations)
Opening Timeline & Readiness Planning
Pre-Opening Training Execution
Go-Live Leadership & Launch Support
Post-Opening Stabilization & Optimization
Traveling Opening Support & Store Recovery
Activities
- Management
- Bartending
- Event Planning
- Restaurant Experience
- Serving Experience
- POS
- Busser
- Management Experience
- Coordinator
- Assistant Manager Experience
- Events Management
- Office Management
- Catering
- Fundraising
- Event Marketing
- Social Media Management
- Customer service
- Salesforce
- Customer support
- Telemarketing
- Marketing
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Writing skills
- Project management
- Sales
- Digital marketing
Timeline
FOH Manager
Bloomin' Brands
11.2021 - Current
Manager
Angelina Brewing company and Restoration Bistro
11.2019 - 10.2021
Assistant Manager and Events Coordinator
HIJINX Trampoline Park
03.2017 - 11.2020
High school diploma - undefined
Hudson High School