Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Michael Finch

Raleigh,NC

Summary

Experienced GM with a track record of running high-volume, upscale restaurants while upholding service standards and keeping teams motivated. Strong focus on cost control, smart scheduling, continuing education, and coaching. Known for being hands-on in the dining room, quick to solve problems, and able to balance the guest experience with the bottom line.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager

Urban Food Group - Coquette
09.2024 - Current
  • Directed all aspects of daily operations for a high-volume French brasserie, leading and developing 40+ FOH staff.
  • Improved profit margins through strategic pricing adjustments, market research, and competitive positioning.
  • Cut BWL cost ratios YoY through pricing strategy and inventory optimization.
  • Hired, trained, and developed FOH team while standardizing steps of service to ensure consistency.
  • Integrated Toast POS with existing systems, streamlining reporting and operational efficiency.
  • Stabilized operations and staff morale through a high-profile workplace crisis, maintaining continuity of service and guiding the team through extraordinary public scrutiny.
  • Resolved escalated guest complaints personally, protecting brand reputation and reinforcing long-term guest loyalty.

General Manager

Cape Fear Seafood Company
05.2024 - 09.2024
  • Managed 50+ hourly and salaried employees across FOH and BOH operations.
  • Controlled labor costs, monitored COGS and P&L, and ensured accurate inventory and ordering.
  • Hired, trained, and staffed FOH through applicant review and interviews.
  • Restructured and managed the private dining program, including bookings and event execution.

Assistant General Manager

Urban Food Group - Vivace / Coquette
03.2023 - 05.2024
  • Directed private dining events program, collaborating with chefs to curate menus and meet guest needs.
  • Coordinated FOH and BOH teams to deliver customized event experiences.
  • Screened, interviewed, and hired FOH candidates; led training to uphold company standards.
  • Monitored guest reviews, resolved service issues, and promoted retention.
  • Supported FOH staff at Coquette to ensure consistency across both concepts.

Server / Manager / Bartender

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille
10.2022 - 02.2023
  • Began as server before filling in as manager during holiday season, eventually covering bartending shifts as well.
  • Resolved guest complaints, coached FOH staff, and ensured quality control.
  • Guided staff on wine sales, answered guest questions, and performed table-side service.
  • Assisted guest concerns that fell outside of the purview of service staff and elevated guest experience.

Server

Dune by Laurent Tourondel
10.2021 - 09.2022
  • Delivered fine-dining service in Michelin-starred chef’s beachfront concept.
  • Supported wine and beverage sales, providing elevated guest service.
  • Thoroughly memorized and was a top seller of a weekly, rotating feature menu, contributing greatly to my culinary knowledge.
  • Adapted to high-volume upscale environment while maintaining guest focus.
  • We were named 'Best Restaurant' by the Miami New Times and 'Best New Restaurant' by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.

Server

Starr Restaurants - El Vez / Steak 954
04.2019 - 06.2021
  • Served in two of Stephen Starr’s South Florida restaurants, adapting to distinct cuisines and service models.
  • Greatly strengthened wine knowledge, tableside wine service skills, and fine-dining steps of service.
  • Provided consistent fine-dining service in upscale hotel environments.
  • Gained in-depth knowledge of different cuts and types of steaks - including multiple high-end wagyu selections - New World wines, Mezcal, Tequila, and Latin flavors.

Server / Bartender

Taste, J Alexander's, Spring Rolls Parkside, Brier Creek Beer Garden, Flying Burrito
05.2014 - 11.2018
  • Progressed from server to bartender/trainer across multiple concepts.
  • Learned craft cocktails, wine basics, and guest relations.
  • Handled FOH complaints, cash control, expediting, and inventory.
  • Built the foundations in service and leadership that informed later management success.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Political Science

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Cardinal Gibbons High School
Raleigh, NC
01.2009

Skills

  • Training and development
  • Inventory and cost control
  • Hiring and staffing
  • Sales and market analysis
  • Proficient with Toast, Aloha, Microsoft Office, Inventory Management Systems
  • Fine dining etiquette and steps of service
  • Guest relations and retention
  • Staff relations and retention
  • Vendor and client relations
  • Old and New World wine knowledge
  • Beer and spirit knowledge
  • Culinary knowledge

Certification

  • Food Handler Certification (FL)
  • Tips Certification (FL)
  • Driver's License (NC)
  • ServSafe Manager Certification February 2024 to February 2029 (NC)

Languages

English
Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

General Manager

Urban Food Group - Coquette
09.2024 - Current

General Manager

Cape Fear Seafood Company
05.2024 - 09.2024

Assistant General Manager

Urban Food Group - Vivace / Coquette
03.2023 - 05.2024

Server / Manager / Bartender

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille
10.2022 - 02.2023

Server

Dune by Laurent Tourondel
10.2021 - 09.2022

Server

Starr Restaurants - El Vez / Steak 954
04.2019 - 06.2021

Server / Bartender

Taste, J Alexander's, Spring Rolls Parkside, Brier Creek Beer Garden, Flying Burrito
05.2014 - 11.2018

Some College (No Degree) - Political Science

Appalachian State University

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE