Kerry Hale
Summary
Dynamic General Manager with a proven track record of excelling in operations management and team leadership. Enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic planning and effective training programs.
Skilled in inventory control and fostering a collaborative work environment, driving performance and operational efficiency. Controlling store level budgets to ensure a profitable P&L in all my management positions.
Proven track record of fostering team collaboration, team dynamics, and ensuring all managers and team members grow and thrive in dynamic environments.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Independent decision making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
First Watch
Johns Creek
11.2025 - 07.2026
- Transformed restaurant performance from 12% deficit year-over-year to 2% growth, enhancing overall profitability.
- Replaced and retrained staff to execute a Customer Obsessed mentality decreasing our complaints from an average of 10+ per week to less than 1 and increased compliments to 6+ per week
- Fostered a positive work environment through team-building activities and open communication. Reduced turnover by 57%.
- Cultivated a positive work environment through team-building activities and recognition initiatives, boosting employee morale and engagement.
- Streamlined staff scheduling and task delegation to optimize workflow and ensure adherence to labor guidelines.
- Coordinated inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste maintaining a 21% or less food cost monthly.
- Generated annual sales totaling 1.7 million dollars.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards. All Steritech audits received a Green.
General Manager
Salata Salad Kitchen
Alpharetta
03.2024 - 11.2025
- Annual Sales Volume of 1 Million+
- Achieved 14% sales growth; reduced food costs by 6% to 28.4% and labor costs by 3%.
- Promoted 4 team members to shift leads and 1 shift lead to GM. Recruited 2 candidates for GM positions.
- Recruiting, training and coaching a team of 30+.
- Managed catering program that consistently exceeded guest expectations for every order.
- Conducted customer service training and coaching, resulting in 15% increase in total guest count and $1.72 increase in average dollar sale.
- Ensure every guest receives the same value proposition from open to close.
- Maximize quality assurance by completing frequent line checks and monitoring back of the house operations.
- Verify food preparation meets the highest standards of quality. Ensure all food safety protocols are followed.
General Manager
Cava Grill
10.2021 - 03.2024
- Annual Sales Volume of $1.8 Million
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets, and controlled expenses to ensure financial stability and support long-term organizational growth.
- Sales growth of 7%, food cost reduction of 5%, labor reduction of 2%.
- Oversaw daily operations of a team of over 30 staff members to ensure efficient workflow.
- Exceptional training in building and coaching a team of diverse backgrounds.
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Maintained store scorecard and tracked key performance indicators to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Trained and promoted 4 Asst Managers and 1 General Manager in training.
- Engaged with customers during all shifts to strengthen connections, enhance relationships, and collect feedback on store and team performance.
Multi Unit Manager
Zoes Kitchen
02.2018 - 10.2021
- Oversaw daily operations across 5 locations, ensuring adherence to company policies and food safety standards.
- Conducted performance evaluations of 5 GMs and 3 GMITs, providing constructive feedback that promoted employee growth and teamwork.
- Reduced employee turnover rates by 2% by fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth, development and promotions.
- Facilitated weekly meetings with Jr. and Sr. Managers to discuss results and strategies, ensuring stores consistently met performance targets.
- Developed quarterly roll-up projections and budgets to guide financial planning.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Communication
University of Colorado At Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, CO05-1991
Skills
- Senior Leadership
Timeline
General Manager
First Watch
11.2025 - 07.2026
General Manager
Salata Salad Kitchen
03.2024 - 11.2025
General Manager
Cava Grill
10.2021 - 03.2024
Multi Unit Manager
Zoes Kitchen
02.2018 - 10.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Communication
University of Colorado At Colorado Springs