KEVIN DEVER
Iowa City,IA
Summary
Accomplished, service-focused professional with extensive experience in restaurant management and a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry. Proven expertise in budget creation and adherence, driving sales, managing beverage inventories, and developing front-of-house staff to enhance guest satisfaction. Strategic thinker with a strong aptitude for team leadership and operational excellence, consistently fostering collaborative environments that yield measurable results. Demonstrated success in managing daily operations and leading initiatives to improve efficiency while effectively communicating across all organizational levels.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Cortado
Iowa City, IA
01.2024 - 02.2026
- Directed daily operations, ensuring high-quality service and food standards.
- Analyzed financial data to establish cost-control measures that significantly improved profitability and operational efficiency.
- Guided and supported staff development initiatives, fostering an environment of teamwork and high performance.
- Developed strategic marketing initiatives, increasing customer engagement and brand loyalty.
- Managed all aspects of product ordering and acquisition to support operational efficiency.
General Manager
JimmyJack’s Rib Shack
Iowa City, IA
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Oversaw daily management operations of Jimmyjack's Rib Shack, including catering food services, to enhance overall productivity.
- Coordinated catering services for large groups, including University of Iowa football squad, to strengthen brand visibility and client relationships.
- Addressed scheduling conflicts and implemented sanitation protocols to uphold customer safety standards.
- Applied in-depth product knowledge to enhance market penetration and stimulate revenue growth for barbeque sauces and rubs.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for launching online sales of company’s ribs and other meats to enhance revenue opportunities.
Manager
Pollo Bravo
Portland, OR
01.2017 - 06.2021
- Drove an increase in sales of food and beverages by developing, implementing, and managing business plans.
- Deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last-minute menu changes.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in the community to boost sales.
- Accomplishments:
- Earned Employee of the Year award in 2019, reflecting commitment to excellence and team success.
- Directed a workforce of 10 employees, implementing strategic scheduling practices to minimize labor expenses.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with product sales representatives to negotiate competitive pricing.
- Achieved top salesperson designation for four consecutive years, reflecting commitment to exceeding sales targets.
- Implemented strategies to create a hospitable setting, resulting in increased repeat visits and elevated sales figures.
Manager/High-End Event Server
Plaza Del Toro
Portland, OR
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Enhanced client satisfaction ratings by managing a high-end event supervising logistics and functionality needed to meet demands.
- Efficiently maintained customer satisfaction with timely table check-ins to assess food and beverage needs.
- Effectively resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Successful in leveraging trends in customer industries and marketplaces to shape solutions and approaches.
Manager/Bartender
Tasty & Sons
Portland, OR
06.2014 - 12.2017
- Crafted strategic marketing plans to drive sales growth and enhance profitability while overseeing cost management.
- Conducted in-depth training programs for staff in food preparation and customer-facing roles to foster effective teamwork.
- Oversaw bar inventory and storage systems to maintain stock within optimal levels and enhance service delivery.
- Trained new team members to effectively utilize POS systems, improve customer service, and achieve sales objectives.
Manager
Songbird Café
Portland, OR
01.2014 - 06.2014
- Established and enforced cleaning and sanitization standards among team members to minimize cross-contamination and infection risks.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing plans while strengthening customer relations to boost overall sales.
- Evaluated demand trends and coordinated employee scheduling to ensure adequate coverage and maintain operational effectiveness.
- Managed product displays to drive consistent sales growth and reduce waste, ensuring profitability.
Manager
Township & Range
Portland, OR
02.2013 - 12.2013
- Evaluated operational processes to enhance workflow efficiency and elevate customer satisfaction.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere while consistently providing high-quality service to elevate overall customer experience.
- Nurtured a welcoming atmosphere and delivered superior customer service to increase walk-in traffic.
- Analyzed customer feedback and communicated solutions to strengthen customer loyalty and satisfaction.
- Supervised inventory control measures, focusing on achieving optimal stock levels while reducing excess waste.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of sales data to inform strategic choices and advance revenue growth initiatives.
- Developed and coordinated staffing schedules to enhance operational efficiency during peak service times.
Server/Busser/Host
Laurelhurst Market
Portland, OR
06.2012 - 11.2012
- Executed order placement, billing management, and complimentary item handling through POS system to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Analyzed workflows and partnered with colleagues to optimize task processes, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Facilitated efficient dining room operations by providing attentive and professional bussing services.
- Coordinated with team members to effectively manage unexpected dining room challenges and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
Manager/Banquet Service
Clarklewis
Portland, OR
06.2008 - 06.2012
- Formulated comprehensive restaurant business plan through demand analysis, competitor evaluation, and sales projection development.
- Evaluated variances and executed corrective actions to enhance average meal checks and boost customer visits.
- Monitored and assessed preparation and storage protocols to maintain cost-effective and safe operational practices.
- Executed cash register balancing and transaction reconciliation processes, ensuring secure deposit of establishment's earnings to bank.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ball State University
Muncie, IN05-1994
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proficient in various POS platforms
- Effective team management
- Troubleshooting skills
- Operational streamlining
- Collaborative team member
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
Accomplishments
- Supervision - Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.
- Staffing - Worked directly with Human Resources to streamline hiring and onboarding process.
- Marketing - Implemented marketing strategies which resulted in [X%] growth of customer base.
Certification
- Nationally Known Training Programs
- Stumptown & Water Avenue Coffee, Portland, OR January 2014
- Completed programs and licensing for food service, beverage service, safe cleanliness and management needs in multiple states.
- [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
EARLY EMPLOYMENT
- Character Performer - Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
- Admissions Counselor, Outbound Call Specialist - University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
- Manager - Oreganos Pizza Bistro, Phoenix, AZ
- Manager - Chops Steak and Seafood, Phoenix, AZ
Timeline
General Manager
Cortado
01.2024 - 02.2026
General Manager
JimmyJack’s Rib Shack
10.2021 - 12.2023
Manager/High-End Event Server
Plaza Del Toro
06.2017 - 03.2020
Manager
Pollo Bravo
01.2017 - 06.2021
Manager/Bartender
Tasty & Sons
06.2014 - 12.2017
Manager
Songbird Café
01.2014 - 06.2014
Manager
Township & Range
02.2013 - 12.2013
Server/Busser/Host
Laurelhurst Market
06.2012 - 11.2012
Manager/Banquet Service
Clarklewis
06.2008 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ball State University