Nicolas Fraga-Garcia
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic operations and restaurant management professional with over 32 years of progressive leadership experience at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, advancing from Busboy to General Manager through unwavering dedication and exceptional performance. Recognized as the first Hispanic employee promoted to General Manager within the company, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and career advancement. Expertise in overseeing high-volume, multi-million-dollar restaurant operations, cultivating high-performing teams, managing financial outcomes, and ensuring outstanding guest experiences. Bilingual in English and Spanish, skilled at fostering strong relationships with employees, customers, and leadership at all levels.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager / Restaurant Operations Leader
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
01.1992 - 01.2024
- Progressed from Busboy to General Manager during a distinguished 32-year career, earning increasing leadership responsibilities through consistent performance and operational excellence.
- General Manager – Lincolnwood, IL (2020–2024)
- General Manager – Lincoln Square, IL (2017–2020)
- General Manager – Gold Coast, Chicago, IL (2013–2017)
- General Manager – Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL (2009–2013)
- General Manager – Buffalo Grove, IL (2005–2009)
- Manager – Lincolnwood, IL (1997–2005)
- Key Achievements
- Promoted from Busboy to General Manager over a 32-year career based on consistent leadership and performance.
- Became the first Hispanic employee promoted to General Manager at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria.
- Selected to lead several of the company's highest-volume and flagship restaurant locations, consistently trusted with premier operations.
- Directed daily operations for restaurants generating more than $6 million in annual revenue.
- Led, coached, and developed teams of 80–100 employees in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and mentored managers and hourly team members, developing future leaders within the organization.
- Managed labor budgets, scheduling, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships while controlling operating costs.
- Oversaw annual operating budgets and financial performance to achieve sales and profitability goals.
- Conducted daily, weekly, and monthly inventory audits to maintain operational efficiency.
- Led weekly management meetings to align department leaders on operational priorities.
- Maintained exceptional standards for guest satisfaction, food quality, employee development, and operational excellence.
Education
High School Diploma -
ESCA
San Luis Potosí, Mexico08.1992
Skills
- Restaurant & Operations Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Hiring, Training & Performance Coaching
- Budget & Financial Management
- Labor Scheduling & Cost Control
- Inventory Management & Purchasing
- Profit & Loss (P&L) Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Process Improvement
- Vendor & Supplier Relations
- Bilingual (English & Spanish)
- Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook
- REVEL, Toast, ASSAL & Restaurant POS Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- REVEL POS
- Toast POS
- ASSAL POS
- Restaurant Management Software
LANGUAGES
English (Fluent)
Spanish (Fluent)
Timeline
General Manager / Restaurant Operations Leader
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
01.1992 - 01.2024
High School Diploma -
ESCA