Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Leadership And Community
Summary
Timeline
Generic
MARI COTRELL
Open To Work
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MARI COTRELL

General Manager
Fort Worth,TX

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: 2 weeks notice

Desired Job Title

Multi-Unit ManagerArea ManagerArea DirectorDirector of OperationsGeneral Manager

Work Type

Full TimeContract WorkConsulting

Location Preference

On-Site
Location: Fort Worth, TX, USDallas, TXAustin, TXSan Antonio, TXKaty, TX
Open to relocation: Yes

Important To Me

Company CulturePaid time offWork-life balanceCareer advancementPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefits

Summary

Accomplished General Manager with extensive experience leading high-performing teams and managing multimillion-dollar operations. Skilled in driving profitability through labor optimization and cost controls, while fostering community partnerships that elevate brand visibility and guest satisfaction in the hospitality sector.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Postino WineCafe
Southlake, TX
01.2026 - Current
  • Lead operations for an upscale wine bar generating $5M+ annually, delivering refined hospitality and consistent brand execution.
  • Build and inspire a culture-driven team grounded in warmth, connection, and elevated service.
  • Drive profitability through thoughtful labor planning, cost controls, and operational precision.
  • Oversee wine programming, menu execution, and seasonal rollouts aligned with brand identity and local market trends.
  • Strengthen community presence through relationship-building and memorable guest experiences.
  • Collaborate with corporate leadership to elevate Southlake as a flagship-level location.

General Manager

SSA Group, Dallas Zoo
Dallas, TX
04.2023 - 01.2026
  • Directed a 15-leader management team across Food, Beverage, Retail, and Catering; supported 150+ employees.
  • Oversaw $24M in annual revenue across 17 internal locations.
  • Managed $600K+ in annual internal and external events, ensuring seamless guest experiences.
  • Designed and costed seasonal menus and concepts across all outlets.
  • Built and maintained labor models, operational budgets, and financial reporting systems.

General Manager & Multi-Unit Manager

Rôti
Dallas, TX
04.2016 - 03.2023
  • Led multi-unit operations with a focus on scratch-kitchen execution and catering growth.
  • Oversaw 7 locations, achieving 19% food cost and 20% EBITDA.
  • Recruited, trained, developed management teams to consistently exceed KPIs.
  • Implemented inventory and cost-control strategies reducing long-term expenses.
  • Designed post-COVID sales and marketing strategies that successfully rebuilt revenue and enhanced retention.
  • Built nonprofit partnerships (including WCK), generating $50K+ in sales.

Multi-Unit Manager

Boston Market
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2014 - 11.2016
  • Recruited and trained 40+ employees to meet operational standards.
  • Increased annual sales by 3.2% in 9 months, generating $2.3M.
  • Grew catering sales by 65%, with each location achieving $3K+.
  • Improved Thanksgiving sales by 10.9%, with each store exceeding $150K.

Kitchen Manager / Catering Manager

Newk’s
Atlanta, GA
11.2009 - 12.2013
  • Built a $150K catering department, achieving highest company sales for 2 years.
  • Supported catering launches in two new locations.
  • Facilitated establishment of 3 locations alongside franchisor to expand market presence
  • Created and led a delivery team of 18 drivers.

Kitchen Manager

Fishmonger
Atlanta, GA
08.2001 - 08.2009
  • Advanced through roles to Sous Chef in an upscale fresh-seafood fine-dining concept.
  • Managed scratch-kitchen execution with seafood flown in daily.
  • Designed seasonal menus in collaboration with the Executive Chef.
  • Oversaw daily kitchen operations in a high-volume seafood establishment.
  • Managed inventory and ordered supplies to maintain fresh ingredients.

Education

B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management

Georgia State University

B.S. - Nutrition

Kaplan University

Culinary Degree -

Le Cordon Bleu

Six Sigma Lean - Green Belt

Skills

  • Hospitality-First Leadership
  • Culture & Team Development
  • Guest Experience Excellence
  • Upscale Wine & Beverage Programs
  • P&L Ownership
  • Forecasting
  • Budgeting
  • Multi-Unit Operations
  • Labor Optimization & Scheduling
  • Inventory & Cost Control
  • Catering & Event Strategy
  • Community Partnerships & Brand Presence
  • Policy/program development
  • Client account management
  • Multi-unit operation management

Leadership And Community

Board of Directors - CleanUp USA, 01/01/21, Present, Guide fundraising strategy, donor development, and mission-aligned growth for a national nonprofit focused on community revitalization and environmental stewardship.

Summary

Hospitality-driven General Manager & Multi-Unit Leader with 20+ years of experience elevating guest experiences, shaping high-performing teams, and leading multimillion-dollar operations. Known for blending operational precision with the warmth, intuition, and cultural leadership that define exceptional dining environments., Hospitality-First Leadership, Culture & Team Development, Guest Experience Excellence, Upscale Wine & Beverage Programs, P&L Ownership, Forecasting, Budgeting, Multi-Unit Operations, Labor Optimization & Scheduling, Inventory & Cost Control, Catering & Event Strategy, Community Partnerships & Brand Presence

Timeline

General Manager

Postino WineCafe
01.2026 - Current

General Manager

SSA Group, Dallas Zoo
04.2023 - 01.2026

General Manager & Multi-Unit Manager

Rôti
04.2016 - 03.2023

Multi-Unit Manager

Boston Market
01.2014 - 11.2016

Kitchen Manager / Catering Manager

Newk’s
11.2009 - 12.2013

Kitchen Manager

Fishmonger
08.2001 - 08.2009

B.S. - Hotel & Restaurant Management

Georgia State University

B.S. - Nutrition

Kaplan University

Culinary Degree -

Le Cordon Bleu

Six Sigma Lean - Green Belt

MARI COTRELLGeneral Manager