Kevin Presley
Dallas,TX
Summary
Accomplished Director of Food & Beverage at SSA Group, adept in hospitality management and operational efficiency. Spearheaded innovative menu developments and staff development programs, significantly enhancing guest satisfaction and team productivity. Skilled in vendor negotiation and cost control, with a proven track record of fostering continuous improvement and achieving long-term organizational growth.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Food & Beverage
SSA Group Dallas Zoo
10.2023 - Current
- Increased overall guest satisfaction by revamping menus and introducing innovative food and beverage offerings.
- Spearheaded staff development initiatives including ongoing training programs focused on customer service excellence, upselling techniques, and product knowledge enhancement.
- Developed a strong team of food service professionals, selecting top talent through comprehensive recruitment initiatives.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, conducting regular staff performance evaluations and providing targeted feedback.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
Food & Beverage Operational Manager
SSA Group Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
03.2021 - 10.2023
- Improved team productivity through effective communication, training, and performance evaluations.
- Managed budgets for multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery and cost control.
- Increased customer satisfaction with consistent quality control measures and proactive issue resolution.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing negotiations and improved service levels.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to develop strategic plans aimed at achieving long-term organizational growth and success.
- Implemented innovative solutions to address operational challenges, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs.
- Mentored staff members on best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Set, enforced, and optimized internal policies to maintain responsiveness to demands.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Food & Beverage Operational Assistant
SSA Group Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
03.2018 - 03.2021
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
- Liaised with vendors to negotiate pricing, securing better deals on food and beverage products.
- Maintained excellent communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams for seamless operations.
- Streamlined workflow processes for increased efficiency, resulting in quicker service times.
- Developed promotional strategies that effectively increased overall sales volume within the business.
- Supported accounting functions by accurately tracking expenses and revenues related to food and beverage operations.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of delicious and visually appealing dishes.
- Improved customer satisfaction by implementing efficient service processes and maintaining food quality standards.
- Enhanced team productivity by providing proper training and support to staff members.
- Participated in hiring processes by conducting interviews and evaluating candidates'' suitability for various roles within the organization.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, leading to improved guest retention rates.
- Contributed to successful revenue growth by upselling menu items or suggesting add-ons when appropriate.
Education
Associate of Arts - Education
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY05.2012
High School Diploma -
Harrison High School
Colorado Springs, CO05.2005
Skills
- Operational Efficiency
- Hospitality Management
- Allergen awareness
- Menu development
- Purchasing management
- Performance Analysis
- Vendor negotiation
- Cost Control
- Sanitation Standards
- Staff Leadership
- Sustainability practices
- Food Safety Compliance
- Food presentation
- Staff Supervision
- Inventory Management
- Quality Assurance
- Nutrition knowledge
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Reliable and Responsible
- Team Leadership
- Critical Thinking
- Safe Food Handling
- Money Handling
Accomplishments
Graduated the SSA Group Apprenticeship Program.
Timeline
Director of Food & Beverage
SSA Group Dallas Zoo
10.2023 - Current
Food & Beverage Operational Manager
SSA Group Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
03.2021 - 10.2023
Food & Beverage Operational Assistant
SSA Group Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
03.2018 - 03.2021
Associate of Arts - Education
Laramie County Community College
High School Diploma -
Harrison High School
Similar Profiles
Aaron MarksAaron Marks
Warehouse Runner/Associate at SSA Group at Nashville ZooWarehouse Runner/Associate at SSA Group at Nashville Zoo
Fernando Covarrubias SeguraFernando Covarrubias Segura
Prep Cook at SSA Group the Fresno Chaffee ZooPrep Cook at SSA Group the Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Nicholas RamosNicholas Ramos
Accounting Intern at SSA Group LLC At Roger Williams Park ZooAccounting Intern at SSA Group LLC At Roger Williams Park Zoo