Megan Harris
Orlando,FL
Summary
Over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the food service industry, consistently driving operational excellence and profitability in multi-unit, high-volume environments. Proven track record in transforming operations, reducing costs, and accelerating revenue growth. Expertise in strategic planning, financial oversight, and technology integration, with a focus on creating scalable systems and high-performing teams. Collaborates with C-suite executives and cross-functional stakeholders to consistently exceed business objectives in dynamic, fast-paced industries.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Operational Excellence & Special Projects
AREAS USA
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Elevated to lead operational excellence initiatives across 112+ locations generating $300MM in revenue, with a focus on multi-brand, high-traffic environments such as airports and turnpikes
- Developed and executed company-wide strategies that reduced COGS by 2.2%, saving $1.8 million year-over-year
- Enhanced inventory management practices, cutting Days on Hand by $500K monthly, and streamlined operations with the rollout of a proprietary SaaS platform
- Acted as the strategic liaison between field operators and executive leadership, delivering weekly performance insights directly to VPs, CEO, and COO
General Manager, Multi-Unit – Orlando International Airport
AREAS USA
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Directed operations for multiple units with combined revenues of $20MM, ensuring robust financial performance and cost control
- Achieved a reduction in COGS from 24.3% to 19% and led the highest revenue and EBITDA performing location among 1,900 global sites
- Pioneered operational excellence initiatives including the first implementation of Crunchtime technology across the company and managed new restaurant launches with teams exceeding 50 members
Independent Food Service Consultant
MLH CONSULTING LLC
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Partnered with owner-operated restaurants to design and implement scalable SOPs, comprehensive inventory systems, and effective training programs
- Enhanced operational efficiencies and leadership capabilities through tailored coaching sessions and hands-on managerial development
General Manager
THE KITCHEN RESTAURANT GROUP
10.2018 - 05.2020
- Drove an 8% year-over-year sales increase by deploying data-driven process improvements and innovative sales strategies
- Boosted private event sales by 12.5% while streamlining labor and prime cost controls, significantly enhancing overall profitability
- Established multiple sales records across daily, weekly, and event-specific metrics
General Manager / Assistant GM & Training Manager
TAVISTOCK RESTAURANT COLLECTION
05.2016 - 10.2018
- Delivered revenue increases exceeding $126K within eight months by implementing aggressive cost management and revenue enhancement strategies
- Reduced COGS by 3% and payroll expenses by over 3.5% within short timeframes, reinforcing financial discipline and operational efficiency
- Led the development and retention of management talent, training 17+ future leaders with a 90% retention rate
General Manager
BAR LOUIE
03.2013 - 05.2016
- Oversaw comprehensive operations including P&L management, cost control, and staff development, consistently exceeding performance metrics
- Implemented process improvements that maintained beverage and food costs well below industry benchmarks and minimized waste
General Manager
Buckle
01.2000 - 01.2010
- Managed a $6MM new build-out location, delivering full-cycle operational leadership from merchandising to talent development
- Spearheaded the deployment of innovative sales tools and training programs, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership and sustained business growth
Education
Bachelor of Administration -
Miami University
Oxford, OH01.2003
Skills
- Strategic Operational Leadership
- Multi-Unit & Cross-Functional Management
- Profit & Loss Accountability
- Cost Reduction & Process Optimization
- Enterprise Systems Integration
- SOP Development & Implementation
- Change Management & Transformation
- Talent Development & Executive Coaching
- Enterprise Systems
- Business Tools
- Productivity Suites
Technical Proficiencies
Crunchtime, SAP, Concur, Oracle, Aloha, Pulse, Micros, Toast, Tock, Hubspot, JIRA, ADP, UltiPro, InfoSync, SMG, NPS, Open Table, Sevenrooms, Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Smartsheets
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Certification
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
Timeline
Manager, Operational Excellence & Special Projects
AREAS USA
07.2022 - 07.2024
General Manager, Multi-Unit – Orlando International Airport
AREAS USA
07.2022 - 07.2024
Independent Food Service Consultant
MLH CONSULTING LLC
01.2021 - 07.2022
General Manager
THE KITCHEN RESTAURANT GROUP
10.2018 - 05.2020
General Manager / Assistant GM & Training Manager
TAVISTOCK RESTAURANT COLLECTION
05.2016 - 10.2018
General Manager
BAR LOUIE
03.2013 - 05.2016
General Manager
Buckle
01.2000 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Administration -
Miami University
Similar Profiles
Justin WyattJustin Wyatt
Fast Food Associate at Areas USAFast Food Associate at Areas USA
Dominick FlowersDominick Flowers
Multi-Unit Concept Manager at Areas USAMulti-Unit Concept Manager at Areas USA
JASMINE DIXONJASMINE DIXON
Assistant Concept Manager at Areas USAAssistant Concept Manager at Areas USA