Matthew Ridgway

Opening Team Manager at a Craft Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, overseeing a significant operation with 50+ employees and a $6M annual operational budget:
Strategic Leadership: Provided strategic leadership and direction, ensuring the implementation of standard operating procedures while managing cost control initiatives effectively.

Employee Training and Development: Developed and implemented a structured employee training program focused on service culture, etiquette, and compliance with health and safety regulations, fostering a knowledgeable and customer-focused team.

Operational Efficiency: Conducted thorough operational reviews to identify and capitalize on opportunities to reduce inventory waste and streamline task processes, optimizing efficiency without compromising service quality.

Service and Guest Satisfaction: Created a comprehensive company service manual and conducted ongoing front-of-house staff training on service technology applications and operational procedures, leading to a notable 25% improvement in guest experience feedback scores and achieving a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.

• Assisted in the creation of daily specials, collaborating with chefs to develop unique menu offerings.
• Developed lasting relationships with patrons through attentive service, expert knowledge of menu offerings, and genuine hospitality.
• Supervised private events at the restaurant, coordinating setup, staffing needs, and personalized services for clients'' needs.

• Provided training & leadership to a 15+ member service team.
• Collaborated in designing a Michelin quality service program
• Awarded 1st Michelin star - 2019
• Awarded 2nd Michelin star - 2021

Oversaw the development of people, sales, and profits across three full-service restaurant locations, each generating over $20 million in annual revenue and employing 80+ staff members:
Strategic Development: Balanced strategic alignments to facilitate future growth and development across all locations while ensuring seamless daily operational functions at the flagship venue.
Expansion and Diversification: Successfully opened two new sister locations in new markets, expanding the brand's footprint and market presence.
Sales and Marketing Innovation: Integrated a new food delivery sales channel to broaden revenue streams and developed integrated marketing channels, leveraging social media to enhance brand identity and customer engagement.
Operational Excellence: Supported each location in achieving financial objectives by overseeing operational activities and leading the execution of special projects.
Adaptation and Growth: Improved daily operations by embracing new industry trends, technologies, and innovations, thereby fostering market growth and maintaining competitive edge.