Katherine E Torbert
Forest Lake,MN
Summary
Culture first-results driven, General Manager, dedicated to going above and beyond to create a great experience. Established rapport with guests and staff with high operational guidelines and the highest quality of food. Offering 17 years of experience and very successful at working in high-volume environments to meet challenging sales, service and quality objectives. Creative problem-solver and endless achiever. Food Safety Manager Certified.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Jersey Mikes
Forest Lake, MN
01.2021 - 10.2026
- Build a community within the 4 walls.
- Hire/onboard and mentor/coach team members of all ages from all types of experience to be themselves and learn from each other.
- Hit period COGS and Labor goals
- Maintain brand operational standards through speed of service and assembly line structure.
- Develop community connections and partnerships
- Oversaw cash handling, register reconciliation, and secure end-of-day financial procedures
- Resolved customer concerns quickly, supporting service quality and repeat business
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Bartender Server
Johnny C's Sports Bar
Little Falls, MN
12.2013 - 09.2025
- Give best service always with smile
- Kept accurate inventories and notify owner of ordering needs for liquor, beer, wine and bar supplies
- Train incoming staff regarding restaurant's practices, culture and procedures, and POS system
- Anticipate guest needs and provide proactive service
- Social media administrator, advertising consulting, create internet exposure
- Built solid rapport with many frequent patrons to cultivate guest loyalty
- Ensured superior service and efficiency at all times
- Reviewed identification in adherence with state and federal laws for serving alcohol. SAFESERVE Certified
- Handled cash on daily basis, which built trustworthiness and loyalty with owners
General Manager
G Will Liquors
Royalton, MN
06.2020 - 01.2021
- Directed daily store operations, ensuring smooth opening, closing, and floor coverage
- Managed inventory controls, restocking procedures, and product organization to maintain shelf availability
- Scheduled staff, assigned duties, and monitored performance to support efficient team execution
- Enforced alcohol sales compliance, age verification, and store policy adherence
- Coordinated vendor orders and delivery receipts to maintain accurate stock flow
- Trained team members on store procedures, product knowledge, and operational standards
General Manager
Little River Restaurants, Inc
Little Falls, MN
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency
- Developed and maintained relationships with all customers and suppliers through building rapport and understanding what are passionate about
- Enhanced operational success through effective staffing, strong training, adherence to safety regulations and well-timed customer service
- Set schedules for 15 staff by planning and designating shifts and hours
- Analyzed variances and implemented corrective actions to increase average meal checks and customer visits
- Protected business, team members and customers by monitoring alcohol consumption and keeping operation in line with legal service requirements
- Orchestrated positive customer experiences at all stages by overseeing every area of front of house operations
- Helped general management develop prices based on inventory costs and portion sizes
Promoter/Manager
North Central Speedway
Brainerd, MN
05.2009 - 06.2016
- Employee hiring, training and scheduling, payroll, accounting, money handling,
- Event creating, planning, and coordination, branding, advertising, social networking, merchandise sales, website development, mobile app, and internet content
- Increased sponsorship sales, marketing and marketing coordination, suite box sales, ticket sales
- Established speedway day to day operation, customer service, and person of contact for track
- License, registration, insurance, state and local yearly filing and up to date CPR certifications
- All racing sanction duties, rules packaging, board participation
- Inventory and ordering for all food, beverage, and clothing items. Increased revenue by 40%
Owner
The Tiki Hut
Brainerd, MN
01.2005 - 01.2007
- One person show, everything bar owner is responsible for
- Gambling licensing, pull tabs
- Negotiated vendor pricing to optimize profits
- Developed and launched new menu selections to drive sales
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management
University of Minnesota
Morris, MN2006
High School Diploma -
Little Falls Community High School
Little Falls, MN2000
Skills
- Strong decision making skills
- Quick problem solver
- STRONG Customer Service
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Staff Management
- Knowledge of Identification regulations
- Beverage expertise
- Sales
- Budgeting
Certification
- SafeServ certification: Food Handling
- MMBA Alcohol Training certification
- CPR certification
Affiliations
Johnny Chiaka 320-360-2845
Owner Johnny C's Sports Bar
Gary Posch 320-980-1426
Owner of Brandl Motors Dealerships
Butch Anderson 612-325-7405
Owner of Express ATM Services
Jim Stannard 402-210-5896
VP of IMCA Racing
Additional Information
Special hobbies: Community Concert Band and Orchestra Member.
Timeline
General Manager
Jersey Mikes
01.2021 - 10.2026
General Manager
G Will Liquors
06.2020 - 01.2021
General Manager
Little River Restaurants, Inc
12.2019 - 05.2020
Bartender Server
Johnny C's Sports Bar
12.2013 - 09.2025
Promoter/Manager
North Central Speedway
05.2009 - 06.2016
Owner
The Tiki Hut
01.2005 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management
University of Minnesota
High School Diploma -
Little Falls Community High School