Kyle Whelan
Little Elm,TX
Summary
Passionate restaurant leader with a proven record of driving sales growth, strengthening operations, and building loyal teams. Dedicated to the restaurant industry and committed to helping partners grow by delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering brand loyalty, and developing staff for long-term success. Skilled in P&L management, operational efficiency, and creative problem-solving, with a genuine focus on growing both people and business together.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bar Manager
Craftway Kitchen
03.2024 - Current
- Assisted in opening Southlake location by laying out bar with efficiency and guest interaction in mind.
- Hired and trained bar staff to excel in guest interaction and craft cocktail execution.
- Responsible for rotating/seasonal cocktail ideas which included frozen recipes.
- Managed all aspects of ordering/inventory solutions to keep with COGS budgets and LBW cost.
- Assisted Managing Partner/Ownership in all operations through opening to ensure operational standards were met.
General Manager
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
02.2021 - 12.2023
- Oversaw all operations for a large patio bar concept with $6.4 million in sales in 2023.
- Increased monthly sales by an average of 10% year-over-year through operational efficiencies, focus on guest retention, and staff training.
- Supervised and trained a management team of 5 managers that developed a team of ~100 employees across front- and back-of-house operations.
- Responsible for P&L reconciliation and routinely achieved 15% profit margin through cost control, labor management, and revenue growth.
General Manager
Bandito's Tex-Mex Cantina
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Oversaw all operations for a full-service Tex-Mex concept within a 1,800-sq-ft shotgun-style footprint, maximizing efficiency and guest experience despite spatial limitations.
- Successfully led staff through a leadership transition, retaining key members and maintaining operational stability.
- Stabilized operations and boosted sales following a period of decline, leveraging streamlined processes and proactive guest interaction to restore growth.
- Limited pandemic sales decline to 12.5% through an innovative to-go model that attracted recognition from a leading industry operator.
Assistant General Manager
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
10.2013 - 08.2019
- Recruited by the General Manager to address operational inefficiencies and strengthen restaurant performance within months of opening.
- Personally responsible for creating a full food inventory and costing solution, establishing recipe builds, cost controls, and inventory standards.
- Assisted the General Manager in all aspects of operations, frequently taking on expanded responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
- Served as Assistant GM during a difficult leadership change, reinforcing stability and trust while remaining committed to the company's success.
- Monitored financial performance, identifying areas for cost reduction and process improvement.
General Manager
Rockfish Seafood Grill
01.2011 - 09.2013
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with company policies and standards.
- Responsible for leading LSM strategies to generate organic sales growth.
- Controlled labor costs while maintaining service standards, stepping in to independently run kitchen operations as needed.
- Managed complete P&L reconciliation process, ensuring accuracy and adherence to budget goals.
- Responsible for all orders for kitchen and bar.
Kitchen Manager
Rockfish Seafood Grill
08.2009 - 12.2010
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff on cooking techniques and food handling procedures.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate pricing and maintain optimal stock levels.
- Conducted regular inspections to uphold cleanliness and sanitation compliance in the kitchen.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
Skills
- Genuine Customer Engagement
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Staff training
- P&L Management and reconciliation
- Brand growth and development
Certification
- ServeSafe Food Manager - Exp 7/18/2027
- TABC - Exp 04/16/2026
Timeline
Bar Manager
Craftway Kitchen
03.2024 - Current
General Manager
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
02.2021 - 12.2023
General Manager
Bandito's Tex-Mex Cantina
08.2019 - 02.2021
Assistant General Manager
Katy Trail Ice House Outpost
10.2013 - 08.2019
General Manager
Rockfish Seafood Grill
01.2011 - 09.2013
Kitchen Manager
Rockfish Seafood Grill
08.2009 - 12.2010
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