Karina Carbajal
Tempe,AZ
Summary
Accomplished restaurant manager known for elevating guest satisfaction and driving profitability. Skilled in P&L management, strategic planning, and team coaching, consistently achieving operational goals. Bilingual in English and Spanish, dedicated to fostering a positive, high-performing kitchen culture.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's
Mesa, AZ
06.2026 - Current
- Managed kitchen staffing, scheduling, deployment, prep levels, food production, inventory, and labor to enhance operational efficiency.
- Led daily back-of-house operations to ensure consistent food quality, proper execution, ticket times, and guest satisfaction.
- Train, coach, and develop kitchen team members on Applebee's recipes, procedures, food quality standards, and safe food-handling practices.
- Monitored food preparation, portion control, waste, and product availability to ensure quality standards and maintain food cost control.
- Ensure compliance with Applebee's operational standards, food safety and sanitation requirements, cleanliness procedures, and health regulations.
- Led kitchen team with accountability and urgency, fostering a positive, team-oriented environment focused on execution and continuous improvement.
People/Sales Manager
Applebee's
Mesa, AZ
12.2025 - 06.2026
- Lead daily restaurant operations while driving sales, guest satisfaction, and team performance.
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and labor costs while developing employees.
- Coached managers and team members to meet operational and service goals.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, food safety regulations, and brand initiatives.
- Fostered accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement culture.
General Manager
Rusty Taco
Tempe, AZ
04.2025 - 11.2025
- Directed restaurant operations, focusing on staffing, inventory management, financial performance, and enhancing guest experience.
- Managed inventory, ordering, and supply chain processes to control costs and maximize profitability.
- Maintained high standards of food quality, cleanliness, and operational execution.
- Led initiatives enhancing guest satisfaction and fostering employee engagement.
- Recruited and developed team members and supervisors through training and coaching.
General Manager
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Scottsdale, AZ
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Led daily operations with a focus on guest satisfaction and business growth.
- Executed strategies that streamlined operations and enhanced financial performance.
- Oversaw restaurant sales, profitability, labor management, and operational performance, driving overall business success.
- Recruited, trained, and developed employees, fostering a positive team culture that enhanced employee engagement.
- Ensured compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and operational procedures.
Cook / Trainer
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
Mesa, AZ
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Trained and onboarded new team members, ensuring smooth transitions and adherence to company standards.
- Ensured food safety, cleanliness, and operational standards were consistently met to maintain quality service.
- Executed opening and closing procedures, contributing to operational efficiency and team readiness.
- Prepared menu items according to company recipes and quality standards.
Cook / Trainer
Perfect Pear Bistro
Tempe, AZ
10.2022 - 01.2024
- Prepared high-quality menu items, ensuring consistency and adherence to food safety standards.
- Supported training and development of new employees to enhance team effectiveness.
- Assisted with inventory preparation in a timely manner. and daily operational needs.
Food Service Worker
The Habit Burger Grill
Phoenix, AZ
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Provided prompt and friendly guest service in fast-paced environment.
- Ensured cleanliness and upheld food safety and quality standards across all food service operations.
- Prepared ingredients efficiently for meals in busy kitchen, supporting daily operations. and daily operations.
Leasing Consultant
ParaWest Management
Phoenix, AZ
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Managed leasing activities and tenant relations, resulting in successful lease renewals.
- Processed applications and maintained leasing documentation to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Assisted with marketing and community outreach initiatives to enhance property visibility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZCertificate - Human Resources Management
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZAssociate of Applied Science - Accounting
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Restaurant Operations Management
- Inventory management
- P&L Management
- Cost Reduction Strategies
- Labor cost control
- Labor scheduling
- Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
- Sanitation standards
- Inventory & Cost Control
- Guest service excellence
- Guest satisfaction
- Team development
- Leadership development
- Hiring retention
- High volume dining
- Restaurant operations
- Food safety
Certification
ServSafe Manager Certification (2026), Food Allergens Essentials Certification (2025), Arizona Title 4 Basic Liquor Law Certification (2025), Food Safety Manager Certification, Arizona Real Estate License, Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- United Food Bank, Volunteer
- St. Mary's Food Bank, Volunteer
- Boys & Girls Club, Volunteer
- Arizona State Wrestling Championship Hospitality Team, Volunteer
- PTO President, Volunteer
Community Service
Tempe High School Booster Board, Vice President, 2022, Present
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's
06.2026 - Current
People/Sales Manager
Applebee's
12.2025 - 06.2026
General Manager
Rusty Taco
04.2025 - 11.2025
General Manager
Dickey's Barbecue Pit
01.2024 - 04.2025
Cook / Trainer
Oregano's Pizza Bistro
10.2022 - 01.2024
Cook / Trainer
Perfect Pear Bistro
10.2022 - 01.2024
Food Service Worker
The Habit Burger Grill
08.2019 - 03.2020
Leasing Consultant
ParaWest Management
02.2018 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Grand Canyon University
Certificate - Human Resources Management
Phoenix College
Associate of Applied Science - Accounting
Phoenix College