K. KUMA GORDON
Ypsilanti
Summary
Dynamic Restaurant General Manager with a proven track record at Carrols Corp – Burger King, excelling in cost control and staff development. Achieved a remarkable 8% sales growth while fostering a high-performance team culture. Skilled in operations management and passionate about enhancing customer satisfaction through strategic planning and effective problem-solving.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant General Manager
RBI/Carrols Corp (Burger King)
Belleville
01.2016 - Current
- Achieved industry certifications with high scores, including ServSafe at 97.
- Exceeded performance goals: eight percent sales growth, three-minute service speed, and eighty-seven percent Guest Trac scores.
- Maintained cost and inventory control within 0.04% of company standards.
- Developed employees into hourly and salaried management roles.
- Consistently attained quarterly brand standard scores in the high 80s over three years.
- Recognized for lowest turnover ratio during fiscal years 2021-2024.
General Manager & Assistant Training Manager
Papa John’s Pizza
NC & SC
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Developed and launched local marketing strategy, resulting in 30% annual sales growth over four years.
- Implemented standardized administrative systems, increasing store quality scores by 15 points.
- Utilized expertise in computer applications to execute administrative tasks efficiently.
- Analyzed P&L statements, facilities scores, and inventory data to drive informed decision-making.
- Enhanced team efficiency by leveraging individual skills to boost performance and profitability.
- Delivered consistent improvements in performance through data analysis of service cycles and customer satisfaction.
General Manager
BW Sports, Inc.
Denver
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Directed daily business functions encompassing staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service, and sales.
Guest Services Manager
Perkin’s Family Restaurants
Denver
01.1999
- Achieved 100% guest satisfaction, enhancing client loyalty through quality service control and guest relations.
- Analyzed and communicated P&L results, evaluating in-house systems, facilities scores, and inventory metrics.
- Delivered consistent performance improvements by assessing ticket times and sales/service cycles.
- Implemented strategic enhancements based on comprehensive team performance evaluations.
Cook II
Brown Palace Hotel
Denver
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Ensured meal quality by preparing ingredients per standardized recipes.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace and equipment.
- Followed safety and sanitation guidelines to create a secure kitchen environment.
- Collaborated with team members to improve efficiency during meal service.
- Monitored food freshness and quality prior to service to uphold standards.
- Adapted to changing menu items and customer requests during service periods.
- Checked food stock levels and placed orders as necessary.
- Tasted prepared dishes to evaluate flavor, texture, and presentation.
Prep Cook
Daytona Ale House
Daytona Beach
01.1998
- Prepared menu item ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring efficiently.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness through regular sanitization of surfaces and equipment.
- Operated kitchen tools, including knives, peelers, and mixers, with safety and precision.
- Executed proper techniques for ingredient preparation to ensure high-quality dishes.
Prep Cook & Line Cook
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Daytona Beach
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Collaborated with team members to expedite meal preparation during peak hours.
Executive Steward
Adams Mark Hotel
Daytona Beach
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Coordinated daily activities of food service staff, optimizing workflow and efficiency.
- Conducted regular inventory checks to maintain adequate supplies of kitchen equipment and ingredients.
- Managed inventory of kitchen supplies and utensils to ensure operational effectiveness.
- Ensured cleanliness and sanitation of all kitchen areas according to health regulations.
- Supported preparation of dining spaces for events and guest services.
- Maintained organization of kitchen and dining areas, enhancing overall accessibility.
Line Cook
Columbia Restaurant
Daytona Beach
01.1995
- Operated kitchen equipment including grills, fryers, and ovens with safety protocols.
- Maintained cleanliness of workstations and kitchen areas throughout shifts.
- Assisted chefs in assembling and plating dishes to meet restaurant standards.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.
- Cooked multiple orders concurrently during busy periods.
- Managed various tasks while maintaining organization in a fast-paced environment.
- Set up workstations with necessary ingredients, utensils, and cooking equipment.
- Communicated effectively with staff regarding orders and menu updates.
Assistant Manager
Lil Caesar’s Pizza
Bessemer
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Managed daily store operations and customer service activities to enhance efficiency.
- Coordinated inventory management, ensuring stock rotation and product availability.
- Handled cash register functions, guaranteeing accurate transactions and customer satisfaction.
- Trained new team members on company policies and procedures to ensure compliance.
- Provided guidance to junior staff on tasks, projects, and objectives for improved performance.
- Collaborated with team members to foster a positive work environment.
- Maintained professionalism in stressful situations, effectively diffusing tense interactions.
Education
Associate of Science - Secondary Education
Washtenaw Community College
01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
01.1994
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
01.1994
Skills
- Business development and sales leadership
- Customer relationship management
- Cost control and financial management
- Sales forecasting and inventory management
- Staff training and development
- Performance analysis and strategic planning
- Operations management and cross-functional collaboration
- Problem solving and recruitment strategies
Areas Of Strength And Expertise
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Sales Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Training & Development
- Food Service Management
- Financial Management
- Customer Service
- Relationship Development
- Recruitment & Procurement
- Problem Solving
Affiliations
- Vice President of People Power. Focus is on creating accessible social platforms for political engagement within local communities. For example, creating podcasts that discuss issues affecting local communities or organizing townhall political engagements with police and fire departments and city officials in order to foster effective dialogue between local government institutions and their core constituencies towards developing solutions to problems.
Accomplishments
- Oversaw the successful professional growth and development of 6 employees to hourly and salaried management positions.
Certification
- Servsafe food handlers license
Professional Philosophies
- The most valuable asset of a successful business is a talented and dedicated workforce; its always about your people.
- A company's culture is a reflection of it's leadership and core values.
- Never expect of your employees that which you have not first demonstrated you expect from yourself; integrity and accountability starts in the mirror.
- Respect the difference between talent and work ethic. If he is willing to work at it, you can coach a basketball player how to be a great, passer, scorer, and defender, but you'll never be able to coach him to be 6'8 268 lbs with a 44' vertical; there is more than one path to greatness.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Restaurant General Manager
RBI/Carrols Corp (Burger King)
01.2016 - Current
General Manager & Assistant Training Manager
Papa John’s Pizza
01.2001 - 01.2007
General Manager
BW Sports, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2001
Guest Services Manager
Perkin’s Family Restaurants
01.1999
Cook II
Brown Palace Hotel
01.1998 - 01.1999
Prep Cook
Daytona Ale House
01.1998
Prep Cook & Line Cook
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
01.1996 - 01.1998
Executive Steward
Adams Mark Hotel
01.1995 - 01.1996
Line Cook
Columbia Restaurant
01.1995
Assistant Manager
Lil Caesar’s Pizza
01.1994 - 01.1995
Associate of Science - Secondary Education
Washtenaw Community College
Bachelor of Science - Food Service Management
Johnson & Wales University
Associate of Science - Culinary Arts
Johnson & Wales University
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