JOLIE L. KOLASSA
Cleveland,OH
Summary
Dynamic professional with over 25 years of experience in food service management and outside sales. Proven ability to identify customer needs, develop tailored solutions, and effectively manage objections. Expertise in prospecting, qualifying leads, and securing new business opportunities. Experienced in representing companies at tradeshows and industry events to enhance brand visibility and network with potential clients.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Multi-Unit General Manager
Bahia Bowls
Cleveland, OH
01.2023 - Current
- Drove revenue and customer base through strategic sales planning and community engagement.
- Exceeded quarterly sales targets while improving margins and reducing labor costs.
- Fostered strong team culture, resulting in high employee engagement and retention.
- Built relationships with local organizations to increase visibility and brand trust.
General Manager
City BBQ
Cleveland, OH
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Executed strategic local marketing campaigns, achieving sales increases of 15–22%.
- Maintained training score above 97%, highest within brand.
- Managed labor costs and purchasing within budget to enhance profitability.
- Achieved guest satisfaction scores surpassing industry benchmarks.`
General Manager
First Watch Restaurants
Cleveland, OH
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Fast-tracked from Café Manager to GM in under a year.
- Managed full P&L, sales forecasting, ordering, payroll, and labor budgets.
- Led local marketing efforts that significantly improved customer acquisition.
- Earned a 100% food safety inspection score and top regional Steritech ratings.
Education
High School Diploma -
Maple Heights High School
5740 Lawn Avenue 05-1993
Skills
- Outside Sales & Territory Management
- Food Service Industry Expertise
- Customer Relationship Development
- Local Store & Community Marketing
- P&L Management / Budget Oversight
- Strategic Planning & Sales Forecasting
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- ServSafe Certified (Managerial Level)
Certification
ServSafe Certification – Managerial Level (State Registered)
Accomplishments
- Consistently grew unit sales by 15–22% YoY through local marketing and relationship-building.
- Opened and led 14 new food service locations, managing full operations and team training.
- Developed partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to drive traffic and brand loyalty.
- Maintained top-tier food safety and Steritech inspection scores (100%).
- Promoted 22+ team members into General Manager roles through mentorship and development.
Community Service
Led monthly 'Business of People' development seminars for 5 years., Active in community events and non-profit collaborations to drive outreach.
Timeline
Multi-Unit General Manager
Bahia Bowls
01.2023 - Current
General Manager
City BBQ
01.2018 - 01.2023
General Manager
First Watch Restaurants
01.2014 - 01.2018
High School Diploma -
Maple Heights High School
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