NAYELI V. DURAN
Dallas
Summary
Diverse bilingual trainer experienced in implementing innovative and strategic programs to deliver Gold Standard Excellence. Strong team-building and operational skills have been further enhanced through specific focus on new restaurant opening training.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Training & Operations Manager
Boston Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar
Dallas, TX
2025 - Current
- Lead and oversee all Front‑of‑House operations, ensuring smooth, efficient, and guest‑focused service.
- Develop, implement, and maintain training programs for FOH staff, including onboarding, skills development, service standards, and ongoing coaching.
- Analyze operational gaps or training opportunities and build strategies to improve efficiency and guest experience.
- Revamped content and training materials to align with contemporary learning and development standards.
- Overseeing the management of a new training platform for company-wide implementation.
Lead Hostess
Restaurant K Maple Avenue
Dallas, TX
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Supervised front-of-house operations to ensure optimal guest experience and satisfaction.
- Coordinated reservations and managed waitlists using reservation management systems.
- Developed strategies to enhance seating efficiency during peak hours, improving turnaround times.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the host stand and entrance area.
- Handled VIP guests, large parties, and special requests with attention to detail and professionalism.
New Restaurant Training Manager
SMASHBURGER
Denver, CO
09.2020 - 05.2024
- Lead trainer for new restaurant openings in all aspects of the restaurant
- Directly responsible for creating and implementing training plans to ensure gold standard execution, restaurant profitability and record sales
- Successfully opened 18 new restaurants in 16 months, 3 Full Smash Bars and the first Virtual Drive Through
- Responsible to train and support restaurants during non-opening periods including inventory, cost controls, opening/closing, and daily operations
- Manage 3 NRO managers to ensure all training is completed to Smashburger standards
- Directly responsible to effectively communicate daily updates to all cross functional leaders during NROs
- Awards: "Smashburger Team Member of the Month Winner" January 2022
Loyalty Ambassador
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS
Dallas, TX
02.2018 - 09.2020
- Direct liaison with guests and serve as their point of contact for all hotel questions or concerns
- Direct liaison with all Premium Level guests to ensure superior guest satisfaction
- Resolved all guest concerns, communicating to various cross functional teams to ensure 100% guest satisfaction
- Managed all front office administration, cash handling, and daily occupancy rates
- Managed the hotel through the Pandemic working in multiple positions
- Ensured hotel initiatives were successfully communicated to all guests
- Awards: Multiple recipient of the "Omni WOW Award" for superior guest satisfaction
Hostess and Server
NOCCIOLA RESTAURANT
Ojai, CA
08.2015 - 02.2018
- Created a warm and friendly environment for all guests
- Responsible for front of house opening and closing
- Delivered exceptional service
- Effectively communicated any allergies or dietary needs with the back of house team
Server
ASIAN FUSION
Ojai, CA
04.2015 - 08.2015
- Delivered exceptional service
- Ensured plates were correctly garnished
Education
High School Diploma -
Nordoff High School
Ojai, CA06-2014
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Customer service
Languages
Fluent in English
Fluent in Spanish
Timeline
Lead Hostess
Restaurant K Maple Avenue
08.2024 - 05.2025
New Restaurant Training Manager
SMASHBURGER
09.2020 - 05.2024
Loyalty Ambassador
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS
02.2018 - 09.2020
Hostess and Server
NOCCIOLA RESTAURANT
08.2015 - 02.2018
Server
ASIAN FUSION
04.2015 - 08.2015
Training & Operations Manager
Boston Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar
2025 - Current
High School Diploma -
Nordoff High School