Nijel Ellison
Chicago,IL
Summary
Strategic and versatile operations executive with 15+ years of experience spanning the hospitality, retail, and direct sales industries. Proven success in scaling multi-unit operations, optimizing performance, and developing strong, inclusive leadership cultures. Currently leading Raising Cane’s Chicago flagship location, one of the brand’s highest-volume units, while serving as a key regional leader in talent pipeline development and operational excellence. Recognized for a holistic approach to training, sales, and team development, leveraging cross-industry expertise to drive transformational growth. Adept at balancing customer experience, financial discipline, and team engagement to deliver sustained profitability and top line sales. Willing to relocate: Anywhere Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Leader
Raising Cane's
Chicago, IL
05.2023 - Current
- Lead operations for a multi-million dollar flagship restaurant, serving as a market leader in both sales performance and team development.
- Serve as a regional talent filter: recruiting, vetting, and developing managers and crew members for future leadership roles.
- Drive sales growth through strategic customer engagement and team accountability frameworks.
- Oversee financial performance including forecasting, labor modeling, and P&L management to drive cost control and margin improvement.
- Champion company culture, ensuring standards for safety, service, and cleanliness are consistently exceeded.
Operations Director
Dunkin Baskin Robbins
Chicago, IL
10.2020 - 05.2023
- Oversaw daily operations for multiple store locations, leading district-level strategy, team performance, and operational consistency.
- Delivered a 15% reduction in operational costs through workflow streamlining, inventory controls, and staffing optimization.
- Elevated team engagement and customer satisfaction through robust training, development pipelines, and brand immersion programs.
- Ensured compliance with national Dunkin’ standards while customizing local execution strategies to boost market share.
Sales Director
STAN'S DONUTS AND COFFEE
Chicago, IL
11.2018 - 10.2020
- Built and executed a cross-channel sales strategy spanning cafes, bakery, catering, and food truck operations.
- Managed high-profile B2B relationships with brands including Starbucks, Boeing, Pepsi, and Hilton, generating 65% of total catering revenue.
- Spearheaded delivery platform integration across all locations (DoorDash, Grubhub, UberEats), training teams to maximize digital revenue.
- Served as Coffee Program Lead, developing seasonal offerings, optimizing vendor relationships, and creating consistency through systemized training.
Regional Sales Manager
FANNIE MAY CONFECTION'S
Chicago, IL
05.2015 - 11.2018
- Directed a regional portfolio of 90+ stores with a focus on B2B client development and retail integration.
- Orchestrated launch of in-store cafés, creating a new revenue stream through pastries and beverage offerings.
- Strengthened customer retention by deepening VIP relationships and creating tailored business gifting solutions.
Skills
- Profit & Loss
- Communication skills
- Forecasting
- Process Improvement
- Customer service
- Branding
- Restaurant experience
Awards
LEADERSHIP & RECOGNITION, Board Member, Downtown Oak Park Association (2012–2015), Freedman Group, Multiunit Training Program, Commencement Speaker, Gavit High School (2018), Merchant of the Year, Downtown Oak Park (2014)
Additional Information
- Additional Experience:
- District Manager – Managed a $30M portfolio across 21 stores; led training and monthly P&L reviews.
- General Manager – Opened concept stores including Cheryl’s Cookies; developed staff into leadership roles.
- Training Manager, Starbucks Palmer House – Trained 50+ baristas; awarded Coffee Master certificate.
Timeline
Restaurant Leader
Raising Cane's
05.2023 - Current
Operations Director
Dunkin Baskin Robbins
10.2020 - 05.2023
Sales Director
STAN'S DONUTS AND COFFEE
11.2018 - 10.2020
Regional Sales Manager
FANNIE MAY CONFECTION'S
05.2015 - 11.2018