Nikki Hovey
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dynamic Kitchen Manager with a proven track record at Inspire Brands, excelling in food safety and inventory management. Enhanced kitchen efficiency and reduced waste through strategic training and streamlined processes. Committed to fostering a collaborative team environment while consistently achieving high customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Kitchen Manager
Inspire Brands
Bedford, TX
10.2024 - Current
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all health department regulations and guidelines.
- Scheduled and received food and beverage deliveries, adhering to food cost and budget.
- Checked and tested foods to verify quality and temperature.
- Mentored and trained new team members, fostering a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration within the kitchen staff.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerators and freezers to verify proper food storage, container labeling, and surface cleaning.
- Reduced food waste by closely monitoring inventory levels and implementing proper food storage techniques.
- Collaborated with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen team and service areas for optimal guest experiences.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Consistently met or exceeded local health department inspection requirements through diligent adherence to safety protocols and maintaining thorough documentation records.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by implementing streamlined processes and optimizing staff scheduling.
- Delegated food preparation duties down to cooks and followed up with cooks to verify proper preparation and production of meals.
- Developed and implemented kitchen policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for kitchen operations and comply with regulations.
- Achieved rapid ticket times during peak service hours by effectively managing workflow distribution across various stations.
- Implemented and maintained food safety and sanitation standards to establish safe handling and preparation of food.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture by actively engaging with staff members, promoting open communication channels, and demonstrating support for ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Increased overall profitability with effective budget management, including cost control strategies for purchasing and labor expenses.
- Fostered a collaborative working environment among diverse teams of cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and other support staff.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, addressing any skill gaps or growth opportunities through ongoing training.
- Streamlined kitchen operations through regular equipment maintenance checks, minimizing downtime due to malfunctions or repairs.
Kitchen Manager
SSP America
Dallas, TX
07.2023 - 10.2024
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with attentiveness to dietary restrictions and allergen concerns in menu offerings.
- Reviewed and analyzed kitchen performance to verify gaps and observe continuous improvement.
- Designed and maintained menus to offer variety of high quality and consistency of dishes.
- Developed and maintained professional relationships with suppliers to acquire high-quality ingredients and products with reasonable prices.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Developed strong vendor relationships for consistent delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
General Manager
Taco Bell
Reno, NV
01.2020 - 07.2023
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
Assistant General Manager
Cinemark Theaters
Reno, NV
09.2018 - 01.2020
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Collaborated with the General Manager on marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive sales growth.
- Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for optimal profitability.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
- Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Hardcourt Learning Direct
Phoenix, AZ05.2000
Skills
- Multitasking and organization
- Customer service
- Food safety
- Inventory management
- Staff supervision
- Food preparation
- Staff training and development
- Kitchen management
- Inventory control
- Waste reduction
- Problem-solving
Timeline
Kitchen Manager
Inspire Brands
10.2024 - Current
Kitchen Manager
SSP America
07.2023 - 10.2024
General Manager
Taco Bell
01.2020 - 07.2023
Assistant General Manager
Cinemark Theaters
09.2018 - 01.2020
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Hardcourt Learning Direct