NICHOLAS K. MAKRIS
Barrington,R.I.
Summary
Dynamic full-time professor at Johnson & Wales University with nineteen years of extensive industry experience as co-owner and general manager of a thriving restaurant. Proven track record of increasing sales by thirty-five percent through strategic implementation of quality assurance, inventory management, and facilities oversight. Recognized for exceptional communication skills that foster strong relationships with guests, vendors, and staff, alongside a commitment to experiential, industry-relevant instruction that equips students for leadership roles in hospitality operations. Expertise in advanced food service operations management includes menu development, marketing strategy, staff scheduling, production planning and execution, service management, and fiscal accountability.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fulltime Professor
Johnson & Wales University
11.2013 - Current
- Helped students develop a realist view of hospitality industry.
- Taught methods used by the food service industry such as development of Income Statements and Budgets and analyzing operations.
- Senior-level capstone coursework with a focus on advanced food and beverage operations management.
- Integrating essential leadership competencies within the foodservice environment.
- Delivered instruction in financial literacy, emphasizing income statements and core financial documentation.
- Taught the GSX model, emphasizing how effective management practices and strong customer service directly contribute to increased sales performance.
- Directed Experiential Education
- Guided students through a real client-based case project, supporting them in creating a new menu, curating a comprehensive wine and beverage program, and contributing to the development of an effective kitchen layout.
- Guided students in redesigning university dining operations, focusing on menu development, dining layout optimization, and improved operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with industry partners to align academic programs with current market trends and employer needs.
- Served on various university committees, driving strategic initiatives for academic excellence and institutional effectiveness.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Increased course relevance by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lesson plans.
- Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
- Developed and delivered comprehensive curriculum in Restaurant Operations Management that aligned with university standards and student learning outcomes.
Managing Partner and Co-Owner
Andreas Greek-American Restaurant
01.2000 - 01.2019
- Maintain budget through accurate planning, waste reduction, purchasing, and cost-effective operations procedures.
- Planned and managed significant remodeling projects that enhanced the ambiance of the property.
- Responsible for budgeting, cost control, payroll, general accounting and bookkeeping.
- Develop marketing campaigns to increase visibility of the restaurant, defined target market, and determine advertising placement.
- Plan menus, calculate food and beverage costs, and purchase inventory.
- Investigation and resolution of quality and service issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
- Manage all aspects of daily restaurant operations, which include: team building and staff retention; cost containment and quality control; facilities management and safety protocols; and purchasing and inventory management.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to foster team development.
- Streamlined operational processes to reduce costs and improve service delivery times.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and maintain inventory levels.
- Established quality control measures to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Mentored junior staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, leading by example and encouraging team innovation, which markedly increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
English Instructor
Koralis English Institute
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Taught speech and language to students who had completed advanced English courses.
- Instructor of English grammar, comprehension, and literacy classes.
- Developed and implemented speech and language tutorial system.
Education
Doctorate - Business Administration
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01.2022
MBA - International Business
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI01.1998
B.S. - Sales and Meeting Management
Johnson & Wales University
Providence, RI01.1998
Associate of Business - Hotel Management
Business College of Athens
Athens, Greece01.1992
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Team leadership
- Student mentoring
- Diversity awareness
- Attention to detail
- Interpersonal relations
- Public speaking
Affiliations
- RI Hospitality Association
- Providence Chamber of Commerce
- Order of AHEPA, (Promotes Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility)
- Alpha-Omega Council, (Philanthropic Organization that Strives to Promote Positive Greek-American Relations)
Certification
- TiPS, 360 Certified. May 11, 2023-May 10, 2026
- TiPS Train the Trainer Certified. April 21, 2025-April 20, 2026
- National Registry of Food Service Professionals. May 24, 2023-May 23, 2028
- ServSafe Manager Certified. March 21, 2023-March 20, 2026
- Adult Mental Health First Aid. February 2, 2025-February 1, 2028
- Society of Wine Educators, Hospitality Beverage Specialist. April 1, 2022
Languages
Greek
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Martial Arts
- Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
Timeline
Fulltime Professor
Johnson & Wales University
11.2013 - Current
Managing Partner and Co-Owner
Andreas Greek-American Restaurant
01.2000 - 01.2019
English Instructor
Koralis English Institute
01.1990 - 01.1992
MBA - International Business
Johnson & Wales University
B.S. - Sales and Meeting Management
Johnson & Wales University
Doctorate - Business Administration
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Business - Hotel Management
Business College of Athens
PUBLICATIONS and SCHOLARLY WORK
- The Power of Nostalgic Drinks. Bar and Restaurant News. Article, 2025
- Hospitality Management Instructor Attitudes Towards COVID-Driven Compulsory Course-Virtualization: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Dissertation Thesis, 2022
- “Food Service Operations and Menu Development.” RI ProStart Boot Camp, Providence, RI, November 8, 2024
- “Principles of Hospitality Leadership.” MA Deca State Conference, Boston MA, April 20, 2024
- “Three Pillars of Success in Leadership.” FCCLA National Conference, Columbus, OH, November 12, 2024
- “Successful Leadership in the Hospitality Industry.” FCCLA National Conference, Birmingham AL. November 19, 2023
- “Are Donkeys Now Unicorns?”, Nightclub and Bar Show, Las Vegas NV, March 13, 2022