Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
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Qiana Gardner

Mackinac Island,MI

Summary

Enthusiastic hospitality manager focused on providing an epic experience for every guest, every time! Solid record of achieving record sales goals, while providing a solid foundation of training to ensure growth and retention, year after year. Excellent leadership skills, with experience in mentoring and guiding future leaders.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Restaurant Manager

Island House Hotel
Mackinac Island, MI
04.2025 - Current
  • Supervised and trained staff in customer service, food handling, and safety protocols.
  • Managed daily restaurant operations, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
  • Conducted training for front-of-house staff on policies, guest service techniques, and communication skills.

Assistant Store Manager

The Fresh Market
Little Rock, AR
09.2024 - 03.2025
  • Managed bakery, meat department, produce, and front end operations to maximize efficiency.
  • Spearheaded merchandising strategies for promotional and seasonal items, boosting sales performance.
  • Recruited and retained staff during holiday season and organizational changes, ensuring operational continuity.

Catering and Suites Manager

Oakview Group
Little Rock, AR
03.2024 - 09.2024
  • Developed detailed project plans encompassing timelines, goals, budgets, and staffing needs.
  • Coordinated client communications to identify event requirements and preferences.
  • Oversaw comprehensive catering operations, managing planning, budgeting, and execution for multiple events.

Food & Beverage Manager

Topgolf
Little Rock, AR
09.2023 - 01.2024
  • Successfully opened 94th Topgolf location in US.
  • Managed all food and beverage budgets, ordering, and inventory processes.
  • Utilized Hot Schedules, Crunch Time, Excel, SAP, and Microsoft Suite for operational efficiency.

Restaurant Manager

Vail Resorts
Breckenridge, CO
06.2022 - 10.2023
  • Managed over 200 employees during winter seasons, enhancing efficiency in high-volume dinner service at Maggie QSR.
  • Completed rigorous fine dining general manager training at Tavern on the Square, Vail, CO.
  • Supported fine dining operations at Alpine & Antlers prior to season conclusion.
  • Facilitated seamless service transitions during peak winter dining periods.

Front of the House Manager

Grand Lake Lodge
Grand Lake, CO
02.2022 - 06.2022
  • Initiated summer season operations for first seasonal work adventure.
  • Managed all front-of-house positions to enhance service quality.
  • Oversaw bar and coffee bar inventory, ensuring efficient ordering processes.
  • Executed financial reporting related to bar operations and inventory management.

Banquet and Fine Dining Server

Brave New Restaurant
Little Rock, AR
03.2021 - 02.2022
  • Tailored wine recommendations to customer preferences, demonstrating extensive knowledge of wine varieties.
  • Implemented strategies that enhanced operational efficiency within dining room operations.
  • Coordinated staffing for special events, including banquets and receptions, ensuring seamless execution.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

University of Maryland
01.2001

Skills

  • Hospitality and event planning
  • Catering and banquet operations
  • Menu development and vendor negotiations
  • Sales performance tracking
  • Budget and operational efficiency
  • Food and beverage management
  • Inventory and staff management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Crisis management
  • Inventory control and record keeping

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Restaurant Manager

Island House Hotel
04.2025 - Current

Assistant Store Manager

The Fresh Market
09.2024 - 03.2025

Catering and Suites Manager

Oakview Group
03.2024 - 09.2024

Food & Beverage Manager

Topgolf
09.2023 - 01.2024

Restaurant Manager

Vail Resorts
06.2022 - 10.2023

Front of the House Manager

Grand Lake Lodge
02.2022 - 06.2022

Banquet and Fine Dining Server

Brave New Restaurant
03.2021 - 02.2022

Bachelor of Science - Business Administration

University of Maryland