Michelle J. Newquist
Clearwater,FL
Summary
Dynamic restaurant management professional known for enhancing guest satisfaction and operational performance. Achieved multiple Restaurant of the Year awards while overseeing high-grossing locations, implementing effective operational strategies, and cultivating strong team cohesion to drive results.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Shift Lead, DT, Server
The Cheesecake Factory
Chandler, Arizona
05.2021 - Current
- Achieved Restaurant of the Year in 2023; restaurant grossing $15 million annually
- Streamline shift operations for increased efficiency by implementing effective delegation and task prioritization.
- Achieve seamless staff transitions during peak hours by coordinating efficient shift changes.
- Manage cash handling procedures accurately, ensuring all transactions were properly recorded and reported.
- Conduct and participate in training new hire servers
- Enhance guest satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Handle guest complaints professionally, resolving issues through diplomatic acknowledgment and commitment to service.
- Increase sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, promotions and rewards program.
- Maintain a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Foster loyalty among regular customers with regular guests and rewards members
- Effectively manage 4-6 table sections and promote teamwork by helping others
Restaurant Manager
Maggiano's Little Italy
Scottsdale, Arizona
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Successfully operated Scottsdale location grossing $8 million annually
- Developed and implemented operational strategies, increasing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed daily restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Trained and mentored staff, resulting in improved service quality and team cohesion.
- Oversaw inventory management, streamlining stock levels and minimizing waste.
Restaurant Manager
Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Orlando, Florida
05.2017 - 10.2020
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Set and enforce performance and service standards to keep a consistent, high-quality environment devoted to guest satisfaction
- Carefully select, train and supervise staff
- Motivated host team to deliver high guest satisfaction by collaborating with them and optimizing seating through Open Table functions.
- Fostered positive work environment that promoted teamwork and effective communication among staff.
- Developed engaging activities and prizes to encourage staff participation in promoting Wine Club membership.
- Determine operational weak points and implement corrective action plans to resolve said points
- Conduct health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately
- Verify accurate records and sufficient supplies by conducting weekly inventories of food, beverages, wine and kitchen supplies
- Achieved Restaurant of the Year 2018, I-drive location grossing $8 million annually
Senior Restaurant Manager
The Cheesecake Factory
Orlando, Florida
05.2012 - 05.2017
- Successfully operated Orlando location grossing $22 million annually
- Achieved Restaurant of The Year 2013
- Interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised a team of over 200 employees to ensure operational excellence.
- Led and coached team members on effective methods, operations and procedures
- Coached team members on food safety, sanitation processes, customer service, menu education, and up-selling techniques to enhance revenue.
- Fostered a positive atmosphere, exceeding expectations for team and guest experiences.
- Generate detailed daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly reports on business, labor and profit
- Prepared for and executed quarterly new menu implementation
- Wrote an efficient schedule for servers, bartenders, baker, host, bussers and food runners reflecting labor needs
- Achieved promotion to management after completing one year in serving role
Restaurant Manager
Duffy's Sports Grill
North Miami Beach, Florida
05.2008 - 03.2012
- Managed daily restaurant operations and ensured exceptional guest experiences.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and evaluation of staff to build strong team capable of delivering exceptional service.
- Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
- Coordinated inventory management and supply ordering to ensure consistent stock availability for smooth operations.
- Maintained detailed records of sales transactions and daily shift reports.
- Led team meetings to communicate goals, expectations, and service updates.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Implemented marketing strategies that increased awareness and participation in special events, Duffy's MVP Program, and menu items.
Education
Associate of Arts - General
Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, FLSkills
- Inventory Control
- Food Safety & Compliance
- Labor Cost Control
- P&L management
- Team Leadership
- Multitasking and Organization
- Conflict Resolution
- Interpersonal Communication
Certification
ServSafe Certified
Timeline
Shift Lead, DT, Server
The Cheesecake Factory
05.2021 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Maggiano's Little Italy
11.2020 - 05.2021
Restaurant Manager
Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurants
05.2017 - 10.2020
Senior Restaurant Manager
The Cheesecake Factory
05.2012 - 05.2017
Restaurant Manager
Duffy's Sports Grill
05.2008 - 03.2012
Associate of Arts - General
Eastern Florida State College