Justin Smith
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record as a restaurant General Manager, excelling in operations management and fostering team collaboration. Demonstrated success in enhancing customer satisfaction and compliance with health codes, achieving significant improvements in service quality and operational efficiency. Skilled in inventory management and passionate about food safety, consistently delivering top-tier dining experiences.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Waldo's Chicken And Beer
12.2023 - Current
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of 20+ professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
General Manager
First Watch
06.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed a diverse team of 25+ professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and offering competitive compensation packages.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
General Manager
First Watch
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Managed a diverse team of 20+ professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
General Manager
First Watch
03.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed a diverse team of 20+ professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Implemented efficient scheduling practices to ensure optimal staffing levels during peak business hours.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
- Purchased adequate quantities of food, beverages, equipment, and supplies.
- Monitored inventory of supplies and purchased orders to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
Operations Manager
First Watch
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
Kitchen Manager/Line Cook Supervisor
First Watch
10.2017 - 07.2019
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Fostered a collaborative working environment among diverse teams of chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and other support staff.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Line Cook/Prep Chef
Four Season Restaurant
04.2017 - 09.2017
- Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
- Adapted quickly to new recipes and techniques, demonstrating versatility and eagerness to learn from colleagues.
- Upheld strict sanitation standards while preparing meals, maintaining a clean workspace free of cross-contamination risks.
- Expedited service during peak hours by coordinating with fellow line cooks on timing of dish completion.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using various kitchen equipment safely for efficient food preparation.
- Operated varied kitchen equipment, observing operation guidelines to avoid accidents and prevent malfunctions.
- Maintained consistent portion control, ensuring uniformity in presentation and reducing food waste.
- Demonstrated strong time management skills by prioritizing tasks efficiently during high-pressure situations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Brooke Point High School
Stafford, VA06.2015
Skills
- Operations Management
- Inventory Management
- Food Safety
- Health Code Compliance
- Food Preparation
- Organization and prioritization
- Food Service Background
- Passion for customer satisfaction
- Critical Thinking
Timeline
General Manager
Waldo's Chicken And Beer
12.2023 - Current
General Manager
First Watch
06.2023 - 12.2023
General Manager
First Watch
01.2023 - 06.2023
General Manager
First Watch
03.2021 - 01.2023
Operations Manager
First Watch
07.2019 - 07.2021
Kitchen Manager/Line Cook Supervisor
First Watch
10.2017 - 07.2019
Line Cook/Prep Chef
Four Season Restaurant
04.2017 - 09.2017
High School Diploma -
Brooke Point High School
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