Michael Kerr

Strategic restaurant operations leader with a proven track record of scaling multi-unit brands, launching high-performing locations, and optimizing team performance across diverse markets. I specialize in building systems from the ground up, mentoring managers into leaders, and driving culture that fuels accountability and growth.

With 20+ years in food and beverage operations, I’ve successfully opened over 25 stores, reduced labor costs, improved SPLH, and led teams through operational turnarounds. I’m known for bringing clarity to chaos, aligning execution with brand standards, and developing infrastructures that scale.

I bring hands-on leadership, financial insight, and a relentless drive for excellence to every operation I lead.

• Achieved 17.7% year-over-year revenue growth by leading cross-functional teams and refining shop-level execution.
• Reduced labor costs by 9% and increased Sales Per Labor Hour (SPLH) by $7.54 through strategic scheduling and workforce optimization.
• Opened 10 new store locations in under 2 years, exceeding market expansion goals while maintaining brand consistency.
• Implemented performance dashboards using Excel and Toast, improving manager accountability and financial literacy.
• Mentored and promoted 6+ team members into salaried leadership roles by creating development pipelines and coaching plans.
• Resolved chronic supply chain delays by restructuring vendor agreements and implementing proactive par ordering systems.
• Led market-wide menu optimization initiative, improving throughput and increasing average ticket by 12%.
• Collaborated with marketing team to launch local store marketing events, resulting in 22% traffic growth in underperforming shops.
• Achieved record low turnover rate (18%) by strengthening culture, investing in team development, and improving communication systems.
• Introduced new training standards and onboarding materials that decreased time-to-productivity for new hires by 30%.