Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Otherprofessionaltraining
Areasofstrengthandexpertise
GeneralManager
KIRK KELING

KIRK KELING

Management
Wichita,KS

Summary

Experienced leader in the food and hospitality industry with a proven track record in providing exceptional customer service and increasing profit margins. Ability to manage all operations activities, from hiring and training staff and building a fun & rewarding culture, to implementing a budget to track cost and inventory. Increased sales and profits by double digits in every operation and market, regardless of company or region. Possesses impeccable communication skills, liaising with vendors and communicating with customers in a professional manner. Looking to take the next step in my career with a reputable organization that values hard work and positive results. Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
07.2023 - Current
  • Hired to create and rebuild a culture that was heavily disintegrated by former management
  • Focused on hiring and developing new team members, bringing back sales through local marketing, and implementing financial systems for profitability.

Operations Manager / General Manager

Topgolf
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Oversaw the opening of a new venue, managing hiring events and training for over 300 employees
  • Achieved sales over $1.5 Million in the first month and maintained performance above budget.

General Manager

Bricktown Brewery
06.2019 - 06.2022
  • Took over an operation needing professional standards and improved guest care
  • Increased sales significantly and developed a full-service Togo area.

General Manager

Olive Garden Restaurants
06.2013 - 06.2019
  • Improved top and bottom line results through guest care and cost controls
  • Achieved 'Diamond Club' status for top performance.

Food and Beverage & Conference Manager

Vail Corporation
02.2012 - 03.2013
  • Managed food and beverage operations, increased revenue through restructuring, and maintained high quality standards.

General Manager

Buffalo Wild Wings
02.2010 - 02.2012
  • Restructured operations to increase profits and sales, promoted to General Manager after three weeks of training.

General Manager

Applebee’s Grill & Bar
01.2008 - 11.2009
  • Oversaw daily operations, increased sales and profits significantly, and brought stability to a neglected operation.

Managing Partner

Chili’s Grill and Bar
03.1998 - 12.2007
  • Managed launch of a new branch, focusing on local marketing and employee development, achieving top performance in the region.

Education

Coursework - Marketing & Business Management

University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

Associate of Science - General Studies

Allen County Community College
Iola, KS

Skills

  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Team Player
  • Training and coaching
  • Inventory Control
  • Verbal and written communication
  • P&L Management
  • Team training and development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Employee Development
  • Cost analysis and savings

Otherprofessionaltraining

  • Pro K Graphics, Operations Manager, 05/01/95, 02/01/98
  • Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, General Manager, 03/01/92, 04/01/95
  • Long John Silver’s, District Manager, Regional Training Director, 01/01/81, 02/01/92

Areasofstrengthandexpertise

  • Customer Relations
  • Team Management & Effectiveness
  • Business Acumen
  • Planning & Execution
  • Project Management – New Units
  • Inventory Management
  • Effective Communication
  • Creating Long Term Profit Plans
  • High Standards to Health Codes
  • Budget Management
  • Vendor Relationships
  • Operations Training
  • Staff Development
  • Team Relations
KIRK KELINGManagement