LISA A. NOVANDER
Summary
Highly proactive manager with 23 years of experience in team leadership in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Background includes sales, concierge partnerships, management and customer service in fast paced settings, formal dining and catering experiences.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
02.2023 - Current
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere with open communication channels for all employees to voice concerns or suggestions freely.
- Coordinated catering services for private events, delivering memorable experiences while maximizing profits.
- Developed comprehensive marketing plans for special events, promotions, and community outreach efforts to boost brand visibility.
Restaurant Manager
Adam's Taphouse Grill / Adam's Ribs
06.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Conducted performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas of improvement while recognizing outstanding achievements as well.
- Promoted a positive work environment with proactive conflict resolution strategies and team-building activities.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels for seamless operation.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Chesapeake Hills Country Club & Golf Course
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Evaluating and negotiating contracts, agreements, purchasing, procurement, and cooperative arrangements with industry and other private organizations
- Developing budget estimates and justifications; making sure that funds are used in accordance with the operating budget
- Assisting management to identify financial, personnel, and material needs and problems
- Managed workforce pipeline, continuously adding top rated talent and mentoring associates
- Collaborating with personnel specialists in finding solutions to management problems arising out of changes in work which have an impact on jobs and employees
- Advising management in developing and maintaining sound organization structures, improving management methods and procedures, and seeing to the effective use of manpower, money, and material.
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance service skills and increase overall efficiency.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Organized successful special events that contributed to increased sales figures.
- Oversaw the hiring process for new employees, selecting top talent to join our team.
- Developed ongoing training initiative to improve beverage knowledge of serving employees.
- Coordinated with vendors to secure competitive pricing on ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
- Collaborated with chefs and kitchen staff to ensure high-quality food preparation and timely delivery to customers.
- Maintained strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring consistent product quality while controlling costs.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards regarding alcohol service guidelines by regularly updating staff training and certifications.
Certified Sales Consultant
Bayside Auto Group
10.2015 - 05.2019
- Increased Toyota sales and services by 26% from previous year, leading to recognition with a Silver Award and numerous bonuses and incentives as the top salesperson for nine months out of the year
- Ability to negotiate with customers and secure contracts with no oversight or supervision and mentored and supported new sales team regularly to achieve sales goals
- Developed a strong customer base with repeat customers and referrals contributing to a closing ratio of 94% for three consecutive years.
Beverage Manager and Marketer
Centerplate
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Served as the lead bartender and led marketing and management of a bar at FedEx Stadium
- Developed and executed marketing plans, promotional sales, and suggestive selling techniques to mitigate supply overages and increase sales
- Responsible for managing and maintaining daily financial records and preparing orders for inventory in keeping with the budget and to meet current demand
- Cultivated new relationships with season ticket holders and clients
- Ensured all staff understood and adhered to relevant State laws regarding proper alcohol awareness and service responsibly.
Restaurant Manager
Jake and Al's Chophouse
05.2006 - 07.2014
- Recruited, supervised, interviewed, and trained front of house (FOH) staff directly
- Managed inventory and supplies to include negotiating contracts with vendors for liquor, beer, and wine sales
- Managed private functions and catering events to include planning, coordinating, and organizing services and products
- Implemented new menu items to increase revenue and decrease food costs
- Maintained a safe working environment while following applicable health and safety regulations
- Resolved customer complaints quickly and diplomatically
- Acknowledged for exceptional service and leadership with personal awards and incentives.
Education
GENERAL STUDIES -
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
La Plata, MD01.2012
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
RANDALLSTOWN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Randallstown, MD01.1987
Skills
- Team Management
- Inventory control and record keeping
- Customer Engagement
- Staff Management
- Point of Sale (POS) system operation
- Toast, Cake, Digital Dining, Micros, Aloha
- Customer-Oriented
- Complaint resolution
- Staff Scheduling
- Reservation handling
- Promotions planning
- Catering Coordination
- Trained in performance and wage reviews
- Wine Knowledge
- Problem-Solving
- Reliable and Responsible
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 70 staff members.
Affiliations
- Dallas Concierge Association
Certification
Food handlers certifications in Texas
TABC certification in Texas
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
02.2023 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Adam's Taphouse Grill / Adam's Ribs
06.2021 - 11.2022
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Chesapeake Hills Country Club & Golf Course
05.2019 - 06.2021
Certified Sales Consultant
Bayside Auto Group
10.2015 - 05.2019
Beverage Manager and Marketer
Centerplate
08.2014 - 01.2015
Restaurant Manager
Jake and Al's Chophouse
05.2006 - 07.2014
GENERAL STUDIES -
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
RANDALLSTOWN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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