Kevin Butz
American Fork,UT
Summary
Experienced and results-driven hospitality leader with over a decade of success in restaurant, bar, and hotel operations, currently pursuing advancement into a Market Partner role. Recognized for building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and mentoring management talent across multiple locations. Proven ability to lead with autonomy and oversee new restaurant openings while maintaining brand standards and financial performance. Skilled in executing local marketing strategies that increase brand visibility and guest traffic, while coaching teams on upselling techniques to drive incremental sales and improve per-check averages. Passionate about developing future leaders, optimizing food and labor costs, and executing strategic initiatives that elevate guest experiences and business results. Ready to leverage multi-unit experience and a hands-on leadership style to make a lasting impact at the market level.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operating Partner
PF Chang's
10.2021 - Current
- Consistent achiever of company KPI's.
- #1 in Social Scores for over the past year.
- Positive SRS & SRT for the year of 2024 and the majority of 2023.
- Spearhead guest-centric initiatives to deliver personalized service and exceed expectations, resulting in increased guest satisfaction and repeat business.
- Drive incremental sales through upselling strategies and team coaching, consistently improving per-check averages.
- Conduct financial analysis to optimize EBITDA and implement market-responsive strategies.
- Lead daily operations including food ordering, inventory control, kitchen oversight, and service standards.
- Recruit, onboard, and manage personnel actions including promotions, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
- Mentor management team members, preparing them for future leadership roles through training and development.
- Oversee culinary systems and ensure food safety, quality, and consistency across all kitchen operations.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and innovation, aligning team efforts with company goals.
- Championed a guest-first culture by implementing service training programs that elevated hospitality standards and improved guest retention.
- Led cross-functional initiatives to streamline kitchen and front-of-house operations, reducing service times and improving table turnover.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to execute local campaigns and community outreach, increasing brand visibility and driving foot traffic.
- Analyzed labor metrics and optimized scheduling to balance labor costs with service quality, achieving consistent labor efficiency targets.
- Implemented inventory management protocols that reduced waste and improved cost of goods sold (COGS) performance.
- Conducted regular audits of food safety, cleanliness, and compliance standards, maintaining top health inspection scores.
- Facilitated leadership development workshops and succession planning to build a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Managed crisis response and recovery plans during operational disruptions, ensuring business continuity and team safety.
- Partnered with regional leadership to align restaurant goals with broader company objectives, contributing to strategic planning and execution.
- Delivered quarterly business reviews and performance reports to executive leadership, highlighting wins, challenges, and growth opportunities.
- Cultivated a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations, recognizing achievements, and addressing underperformance promptly.
- Led change management efforts during organizational transitions, maintaining morale and performance through clear communication and support.
Assistant Operating Partner
PF Chang's
09.2020 - 10.2021
- Conduct all duties in alignment with directives from P.F. Chang’s, and the Operating Partner.
- Serve as acting Operating Partner in their absence, executing all leadership and operational responsibilities independently.
- Traveled to 5 different locations throughout the market to provide support and assist during the year as AOP.
- Conduct initial interviews with new hourly candidates and assist in selecting and orienting new trainees.
- Support development in key operational areas including P&L analysis, food and labor cost control, safety and sanitation, culinary standards, and recipe adherence.
- Prepare work schedules for restaurant managers and Culinary Partner under the direction of the Operating Partner.
- Act as liaison for all approved vendor relationships, ensuring compliance and maintaining service standards.
- Reconcile P&L statements with restaurant managers to ensure financial accuracy and accountability.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to other members of the management team and hourly team members.
- Assist with internal audits and restaurant feedback reports to drive continuous improvement.
- Approve non-capital maintenance, repairs, and upgrades in the absence of the Operating Partner.
- Support coordination of local marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility and guest engagement.
- Ensure restaurant maintains a safe, clean, and compliant working environment for team members and guests.
- Execute all front-of-house and kitchen duties with confidence in P.F. Chang’s culinary operations.
- Demonstrate ability to lead the restaurant independently with minimal direction.
- Meet or exceed financial metrics and operational goals.
- Show commitment to personal development and readiness for promotion to Operating Partner.
- Communicate effectively with all levels of team members, management, and vendors.
- Work efficiently in a dynamic, self-directed environment with a high tolerance for stress.
- Communicate with empathy, confidence, and professionalism.
- Challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement.
- Set priorities, track progress, and hold self and others accountable for results.
Senior Manager
PF Chang's
04.2019 - 09.2020
- Manage and execute all front-of-house functions in alignment with company standards and Operating Partner direction
- Supervise and facilitate training for all Hospitality Team Members
- Clearly communicate with team members, management, and guests throughout each shift
- Develop and manage schedules for Hospitality Team Members to ensure proper coverage
- Conduct daily pre-shift meetings to provide focus and direction for staff
- Enforce dress code standards and hold team accountable for compliance
- Ensure adherence to all state safety and sanitation guidelines
- Support inventory execution and manage controllable costs within assigned areas
- Assign and oversee completion of side work responsibilities
- Manage check-outs and reconciliation for Hospitality staff
- Maintain a clean and safe environment for team members and guests
- Address guest service issues professionally and with empathy
- Model and inspire others to “Live the Message” in all aspects of the role
- Operate kitchen equipment including wok, mixer, slicer, buffalo chopper, and knives safely and effectively
- Apply business and leadership skills to ensure flawless shift execution
- Meet financial expectations for assigned areas with minimal direction
- Hold team accountable for results and coach for improved performance
- Assemble a talented and diverse staff and nurture successor talent
- Recognize team successes and foster a culture of respect and inclusion
- Navigate conflict and change with empathy and confidence
- Challenge the status quo and identify opportunities for improvement
- Use business metrics and competitive insights to guide decision-making
- Set priorities, track progress, and ensure execution with personal accountability
Manager
Landing Hotel
06.2017 - 10.2018
- Manager for company’s two restaurants, convention center, and hotel operations.
- Managed servers, bartenders, banquet staff, back of house staff, maintenance crew, front desk, shuttle drivers and housekeeping staff daily.
- Managed staff hiring, recruitment for servers, bartenders and other front of house positions.
- Organize and direct work training programs and staff meetings. Established standards for personnel performance that fostered positive team work flow to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes, garnishing and presentation of food to ensure consistency of quality.
- Motivated staff by leading them to success by assisting with food preparation, cooking, serving food and drinks, clearing tables and dishwashing when necessary.
- Performed employee satisfaction responsibilities, and acted staff HR representative for employee relations as needed.
- Front of house scheduling.
- Implemented cost effective strategies to ensure efficient liquor inventory purchases and storage organization for day to day restaurant needs, convention center, and holiday cocktail promotional events for correctly anticipated customer consumption.
- Organized onsite and offsite catering events ensuring proper setup and breakdown of each event.
- Worked closely with guests to create an environment where they feel at home, ensure quality experiences and satisfaction through genuine service.
Bartender/Server
PF Changs
12.2010 - 04.2017
- #1 server in the company for rewards member sign ups.
- Consistently performed in the top of the company server scorecard.
- Top performing server, bartender and trainer for the upscale restaurant concept.
- Constantly striving to provide the best possible dining experience our guests have ever had. Motivation to achieve the highest numbers through suggestive selling, pleasant demeanor and positive attitude.
- Excelled in menu and ingredient knowledge.
- Ability to work at high pace with attention to detail.
- Highly developed multitasking abilities.
- Significant wine and alcohol knowledge.
- Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods.
- Ensured optimal guest experience by recommending menu items based on customer needs and preferences.
- Checked identification to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol and complied to all other food and beverage regulations and requirements.
- Fostered repeat business with friendly service, getting to know guests and their favorite dishes.
- Trained new front of house members and familiarized new employees with our company culture.
- Assisted coworkers to achieve maximum efficiency during peak attendance times.
- Assisted hosts by greeting, seating, taking reservations, taking to-go orders.
- Stocked beer, wine, liquor and related supplies such as glassware, straws and bar tools into the bar daily.
- Maintained inventory and ordered all beer, wine and liquor for bar.
- Sliced fresh fruit for garnish, prepared fresh juices and mixes for specialty cocktails.
- Prepared top shelf cocktails with advanced bartending techniques.
Bartender
Hacienda Restaurant and Grill
05.2007 - 03.2010
- Bartender at a high volume modern infusion bar. Mastered classic bartending and advanced mixology techniques.
- Checked identification to verify legal purchase of alcohol.
- Take beverage order from serving staff or directly from the bar patrons.
- Serve wine, bottled beers and craft brews.
- Prepared highballs and cocktails.
- Create drink recipes.
- Prep and cut fresh fruit and ingredients daily.
- Clean glasses, bottles, bar top and work areas.
- Infuse liquors.
- Inventory management and ordering of all beer, wine, liquor and all other bar related items.
- Plan and organize cocktail lounge for private parties and special events.
- Take accurate food orders and serve to bar patrons.
- Arrange bottles and glasses to make attractive displays.
Education
No Degree - Business Management
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT01.2006
Skills
- Operational excellence
- Data-driven decision making
- Sales and Marketing
- Building and Construction
- Property maintenance
- Training and coaching
- Customer relationship building
Accomplishments
PF Chang's Certified Training Restaurant-December 2023
PF Chang's #4 Restaurant of 2024
Certification
Servsafe Manager Certification
Timeline
Operating Partner
PF Chang's
10.2021 - Current
Assistant Operating Partner
PF Chang's
09.2020 - 10.2021
Senior Manager
PF Chang's
04.2019 - 09.2020
Manager
Landing Hotel
06.2017 - 10.2018
Bartender/Server
PF Changs
12.2010 - 04.2017
Bartender
Hacienda Restaurant and Grill
05.2007 - 03.2010
No Degree - Business Management
Utah Valley University