Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Receptionist

Nichole McElhiney

General Manager
New Castle,DE

Summary

Results-driven Director of Operations with 22 years of leadership in the hospitality industry, including ownership of two successful locations. Expertise in multi-unit management, new venue openings, acquisitions, and scaling operations. Consistency in financial performance yielding a high quality of earnings, impressive financial metrics, excellent KPIs, and a solid bottom line across diverse concepts. Skilled in managing daily operations and strategic planning, leveraging organization, effective communication, and streamlined processes that cultivate a positive work culture delivering outstanding results. Seeking opportunities with a company that fosters collaboration, supports professional development, and values its people.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

General Manager

The Wildset Hotel and Ruse
St. Michaels, MD
08.2023 - Current

Seats: 70-90 | Revenue: $5.2 million | Team: 60

  • Increased event bookings by 60% without interruption of operations
  • Surpassed quarterly projections by 15% through data-driven workflow improvements.
  • Conducted wine classes to educate staff and elevate guest experience, increasing check averages by 10%-20%.
  • Maximum bonus received every quarter based off controllable costs+
  • Recognized by Vogue magazine for exceptional wine list and elevated dining experience as acting GM.
  • Analyzed daily performance reports to identify trends and enhance operational effectiveness.

Food and Beverage Director

The Fontainebleau Resort
Ocean City, Maryland
02.2023 - 08.2023

Seats: 1000+| Revenue: $15.6M | Team: 150-250

  • Oversaw operations across eight outlets, including live entertainment, and two pools with F&B services.
  • Managed 40,000 sq. ft. Of event space, facilitating 20 or more weekly events off-season, and 50 or more during peak periods.
  • Directed the F&B team through the acquisition process while still in full operation during the busy season.
  • Supported the sales team during the director's absence, maintaining service continuity and client engagement.
  • Secured 50+ entertainers within two weeks for seasonal programming via network connections.
  • Delivered cross-departmental support during the General Manager's absence, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient operations.

Development Manager and Event Director

Chickie's and Pete's
Malvern, PA
10.2021 - 01.2023

Seats: 275 | Revenue: $7.4M | Team: 98

  • OPENED NEW LOCATION!
  • First location to partner with Parx Casino and introduce a new POS system to enhance operations (Aloha).
  • Through innovative marketing strategies and event planning, the team exceeded sales projections by over 30% in the first year.
  • Promoted a seasoned manager to GM within three months.
  • Per my suggestion to Pete (owner), the transitioned seasoned management team and corporate to new business technology and POS (Micros to Aloha).
  • Led talent acquisition, recruitment, and created training content that is still used company-wide.
  • Drove revenue growth through innovative events, consistently exceeding financial benchmarks.

Senior Level II Operations Manager

The Cheesecake Factory
Christiana, DE
10.2018 - 09.2021

Seats: 250 | Revenue: $14M | Team: 90-115

  • Achieved the second-highest grossing location in the region, averaging $14 million annually.
  • Developed corporate business practices, analytics, disciplines, and met proficiencies to achieve promotions and advance.
  • Secured oppositional staff members' buy-in on policies and procedures to ensure consistent service delivery and secure retention.
  • Managed each department efficiently, increased culinary skills and knowledge, and enhanced practical application in a full scratch kitchen.
  • Gained insight on corporate structure, new technology, and top-of-the-line SOPs.

Assistant General Manager and Event Director

Kick Axe
Philadelphia
12.2016 - 09.2018

Seats: 225 | Revenue: $1.8M | Team: 80

  • Opened new location in Old city, Philly
  • Executed Grand Opening with Brian Westbrook
  • Spearheaded $4 million build-out of former Steven Starr restaurant, transforming it into an upscale axe throwing venue in a lodge setting.
  • Traveled to multiple locations to support occasionally: Brooklyn, NY and Alexandria, VA
  • Led talent acquisition efforts, organizing a hiring fair that drew 300+ applicants with a small management team, ensuring optimal staffing.

Consultant

The Bayard House
Chesapeake City, MD
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Developed innovative beverage programs, including Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu, enhancing brand visibility through live entertainment and targeted marketing strategies.
  • Curated profitable events like waterfront wedding parties, increasing annual profit margins by 30%.
  • Reduced COGS by 12% through staff retraining, pricing analysis, and efficient ordering practices.
  • Identified problematic staff, recouping over $2,000 monthly and promoting a supervisor to bar manager to prevent recurrence.

General Manager and Event Director

Saketumi
Rehoboth Beach, DE
03.2014 - 11.2016

Seats: 275 | Revenue: $2.5M | Team: 55-80

  • Successfully expanded the business portfolio by conceptualizing, launching, and managing Miyagi's, a highly acclaimed ramen noodle bar that attracted a diverse customer base.
  • Proactively safeguarded the company’s reputation by addressing and resolving a social media sabotage incident, ensuring customer trust, and owner satisfaction.
  • Enhanced event coordination expertise by organizing successful culinary events, and further developed advanced skills in pan-Asian cuisine, contributing to overall operational excellence.
  • Increased brand visibility and strengthened community engagement by spearheading local food show initiatives, resulting in higher customer footfall, and positive brand recognition.

Consultant

The Wheelhouse
Lewes, Delaware
04.2015 - 09.2015
  • Assisted in opening of new store
  • Provided support throughout the entire season to ensure seamless operations.
  • Collaboratively designed bar program, crafted cocktails, and established content for efficient shift management
  • Guided team through service and facilitated staff training on POS system.
  • Managed multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.

Restaurant Owner

The Oasis Grille
Chestertown, MD
01.2009 - 01.2013

Full service restaurant with an island vibe in a casual atmoshpere.The menu features flavorful Pacific Island cuisine, authentic locally sourced seafood, and classic American dishes.

  • FIrst open of new restaurant
  • Hiring and training manager
  • Partner and I went different directions

Restaurant Owner

Brahma Bulls Inc
Rock Hall, MD
01.2004 - 01.2013
  • Operated business while attending college full-time and working part-time in legal field.
  • Collaborated with chef to develop innovative recipes, flavors, and dish presentations.
  • Launched themed event recognized as "Best Tourist Attraction" by Kent News, achieving record profitability.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for food, equipment, and supplies to enhance operations.

Paralegal

The Law Office of David Wright
Chestertown, Maryland
05.2008 - 06.2010

Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process

Paralegal

State Attorney's Office 1st Judicial Circuit
Dorchester County, MD
01.2009 - 01.2010

Collaborated with attorneys in all stages of litigation process

Education

LICENSE - COSMETOLOGY

DELAWARE LEARNING INSTITUTE
01.2016

B.S. - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

UMUC
01.2013

A.A.S - PARALEGAL STUDIES

CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE
01.2011

Skills

Financial acumen

  • Effective cost management, inventory control, and waste reduction strategies
  • Sales techniques, including suggestive selling,
  • P&L reporting
  • Inventory control
  • Social media, website, loyalty, and marketing campaigns are increasing visibility and engagement by 5% to 18%
  • Focus on PPA
  • Conducting biweekly reviews on pricing, products,

Operations

  • Expertise in multi-unit management, venue openings, and acquisitions, ensuring streamlined operations and scalable growth
  • Financial analysis
  • Budget management
  • Adept at menu development, focusing on seasonal, cost-effective ingredients, while maintaining quality and brand consistency
  • Strong understanding of health and safety compliance, implementing training programs, regular inspections, and digital tracking systems to meet legal requirements
  • Exceptional time management skills, coordinating staff schedules, service flow, and deadlines in fast-paced environments
  • Cross-functional team coordination
  • Human resources management
  • Mergers and acquisitions experience
  • Performance metrics analysis

Staff & Guest Relations

  • Effective training programs to enhance team performance, reduce turnover, and ensure compliance with standards
  • Skilled in conflict resolution, utilizing communication, psychology, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques to foster a positive work culture
  • Strong communication skills facilitate clear exchanges between staff, management, and guests through pre-shift meetings and daily reporting systems
  • Experienced in event planning, coordinating logistics, catering, and 3rd-party services to execute seamless and profitable events

Quality Control

  • Comprehensive culinary knowledge, collaborating with chefs to maintain consistency, quality, and timely execution of dishes
  • Focused on creating exceptional guest experiences through innovative menu offerings, appealing presentation, and memorable service
  • Skilled in building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting a culture of recognition and productivity
  • Wine education
  • Menu development
  • Quality assurance
  • Culinary technique
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Food preparation techniques
  • BOH operations
  • Inventory control
  • Kitchen staff management
  • ServSafe certification
  • Performance assessments
  • Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Order delivery practices
  • Food service safety training
  • Recipes and menu planning

Technology & Interests

  • Proficient in restaurant management software, point-of-sale systems, and business technology platforms
  • Introduced technology to strengthen efficiency in reservations, accounting, inventory, scheduling, bookkeeping, and payroll
  • CRM software
  • Program administration
  • Compliance management
  • Business process reengineering
  • Law: rules and regulations, legal research, business law, contract law, tort law, real estate law, family law, landlord tenant law, product liability, litigation

Aloha, Micros, Toast, Resy, Bookeo, OpenTable, NetSuite, Oracle, Restraunt365, Touchbistro, Square, Xtrachef, hotschedules, wheniwork, 7shifts, Homebase, calendly, Google, Microsoft, quickbooks, ADP, Paychex, Gusto, Sage

Certification

  • CPR certified
  • Servsafe: Manager food handling
  • Alcohol Safety (TIPS, MD, ABC, DE)
  • ADR (alternative dispute resolution)

Timeline

General Manager

The Wildset Hotel and Ruse
08.2023 - Current

Food and Beverage Director

The Fontainebleau Resort
02.2023 - 08.2023

Development Manager and Event Director

Chickie's and Pete's
10.2021 - 01.2023

Senior Level II Operations Manager

The Cheesecake Factory
10.2018 - 09.2021

Consultant

The Bayard House
01.2017 - 01.2018

Assistant General Manager and Event Director

Kick Axe
12.2016 - 09.2018

Consultant

The Wheelhouse
04.2015 - 09.2015

General Manager and Event Director

Saketumi
03.2014 - 11.2016

Restaurant Owner

The Oasis Grille
01.2009 - 01.2013

Paralegal

State Attorney's Office 1st Judicial Circuit
01.2009 - 01.2010

Paralegal

The Law Office of David Wright
05.2008 - 06.2010

Restaurant Owner

Brahma Bulls Inc
01.2004 - 01.2013

LICENSE - COSMETOLOGY

DELAWARE LEARNING INSTITUTE

B.S. - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

UMUC

A.A.S - PARALEGAL STUDIES

CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE
Nichole McElhineyGeneral Manager