Nathan Delfs
Denver,CO
Summary
Restaurant operations leader with 8+ years of experience advancing from back-of-house roles into managing large, high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-volume environments. Proven ability to coach and develop staff, maintain strong service and food safety standards, and keep daily operations running smoothly under pressure. Known as a dependable leader who takes initiative, builds strong teams, and thrives on increasing responsibility, with a long-term goal of continuing to grow into higher levels of restaurant leadership.
Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager
Shake Shack
Denver, CO
01.2022 - 07.2024
- Led, coached, and developed a team of 28 front- and back-of-house employees in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environment
- Oversaw daily operations including service flow, staffing levels, and quality control during peak business hours
- Served as primary leader on duty, handling escalated guest concerns and making real-time operational decisions
- Conducted ongoing performance coaching and feedback, strengthening accountability and team productivity
- Cross-trained employees across multiple stations, increasing scheduling flexibility and operational efficiency
- Maintained a clean, organized, and food-safe environment in compliance with company and health department standards
- Recognized as a reliable leader trusted with increasing operational responsibility and team oversight
- Helped foster a positive, team-focused culture centered on communication, consistency, and high performance
Line Cook → Kitchen Manager
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Denver, CO
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Promoted from Line Cook to Kitchen Manager after mastering all stations and demonstrating strong leadership and operational reliability
- Led a team of 5-6 cooks per shift in a high-volume kitchen
- Managed daily kitchen operations including inventory control, ordering, and prep planning to ensure consistent service readiness
- Created prep lists and delegated responsibilities to maintain strong workflow during peak hours
- Supervised food quality, plating standards, and strict adherence to food safety regulations
- Built staff schedules to ensure proper coverage while supporting labor efficiency
- Trained new kitchen staff on procedures, safety standards, and performance expectations
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
Denver, CO
07.2016 - 05.2021
- Supervised and motivated kitchen staff to improve productivity and consistency
- Trained new hires on food handling, sanitation, and kitchen procedures
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies to prevent shortages
- Delegated tasks and set clear performance expectations during shifts
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation
- Resolved operational issues quickly to keep service running smoothly
Cashier
Regal Cinemas
Denver, CO
11.2014 - 01.2016
- Processed high volumes of customer transactions accurately using POS systems
- Increased concession sales using suggestive selling techniques
- Helped reduce customer wait times by maintaining fast and efficient service
- Trained new employees on register operations and customer service standards
Dishwasher
Bennett BBQ
Arvada, CO
06.2012 - 02.2014
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and dishware
- Supported kitchen staff during peak hours to ensure smooth operations
- Restocked supplies and assisted with back-of-house organization
Education
High School Diploma -
Arvada High School
Arvada, COSkills
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- High-Volume Restaurant Operations
- Customer Experience & Conflict Resolution
- Scheduling & Labor Coordination
- Inventory Management & Ordering
- Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance
- Training & Onboarding
- Performance Coaching
- Service Flow & Efficiency
- Point of Sale (POS) Systems
- Customer service
- Time management
Certification
- ServSafe Certified Manager
- Food Handler Certification
- Food Safety Certification
Timeline
Manager
Shake Shack
01.2022 - 07.2024
Line Cook → Kitchen Manager
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
07.2017 - 01.2022
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
07.2016 - 05.2021
Cashier
Regal Cinemas
11.2014 - 01.2016
Dishwasher
Bennett BBQ
06.2012 - 02.2014
High School Diploma -
Arvada High School