Raymond A Watkins
Hospitality Professional
Louisville,KY
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
The Cafe
Louisville, KY
06.2024 - Current
- Responsible for scheduling, hiring, ordering and overall staff performance.
- Responsible for menu development.
- Participate in marketing and menu planning decisions.
- Responsible for customer satisfaction and product quality.
- Other duties as directed by the Ownership team.
General Manager
Selena’s at Willow Lake Tavern
Louisville, KY
06.2011 - 06.2024
- Responsible for scheduling, hiring, ordering and overall staff performance.
- Responsible for the development of training materials and continued improvement of recipes.
- Participate in marketing and menu planning decisions.
- Responsible for customer satisfaction and product quality.
- Other duties as directed by the Ownership team.
Independent Restaurant Consultant
Independent Restaurant Consultant
Louisville, KY
10.2008 - 04.2012
- I have assisted in the successful opening of new Sonic Drive-ins in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Iowa, California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maryland and Michigan.
- Responsible for the training of management and crew members in the successful, safe and profitable operations of Sonic Drive-ins.
- Worked closely with venders to setup, customize and train store personnel on the POS systems.
- Worked closely with the Franchisees to evaluate staff and determine needs for future development.
District Manager
Houchens Industries dba Sonic Drive-in
Bowling Green, KY
07.2007 - 06.2008
- Direct P&L and daily operational responsibility for Sonic Drive-ins in South Central Kentucky.
- My stores met or exceeded all performance goals set by our company, leading our division in profits and sales increases.
- I was responsible for the recruitment, hiring and training for additional stores in development.
- Developed, with other members of the senior Sonic staff, the standard operating procedures for our newly purchased franchise.
Director of Food Innovation/SubWorks
Thornton’s Inc.
Louisville, KY
11.2005 - 08.2006
- Responsible for concept/recipe development and testing of new food service related products.
- Developed and implemented new food safety procedures (HACCP Plan) and foodservice training program for the entire convenient store chain.
- Had the direct P&L and daily operational responsibility for SubWorks Sandwich shops.
Senior Manager, Food Innovation
A&W/LJS (YUM Brands)
Louisville, KY
04.2004 - 11.2005
- Responsible for concept/recipe development and testing of all new menus items and improve existing items.
- I worked directly with members of NAWFA (National Franchise Group) to successfully facilitate the needs of the brand.
Product Development Manager
Sonic Industries
Oklahoma City, OK
04.2000 - 03.2004
- Directed the Product Development Group with concept/recipe development and testing of all new items and improved existing items.
Field Services Consultant
Sonic Industries
Jackson, MS
09.1998 - 04.2000
- Worked directly with Franchisees in MS, LA, AL, and FL developing business plans to improve their operations.
- Developed and taught seminars for multi-unit supervisors and managing partners based on the needs of the market and Franchise group.
- Worked with Franchisee’s to maintain operating standards and fulfill growth requirements per their Franchisee Agreement.
General Manager
The Fifth Quarter Steakhouse
Louisville, KY
06.1997 - 08.1998
Franchisee (Owner/Operator)
Domino’s Pizza
Frankfort, KY
08.1985 - 06.1997
- Received Regional 'Franchisee of the Year' award in 1996 and 'Turn Around Franchise of the Year' 1994.
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths.
Timeline
General Manager - The Cafe
06.2024 - Current
General Manager - Selena’s at Willow Lake Tavern
06.2011 - 06.2024
Independent Restaurant Consultant - Independent Restaurant Consultant
10.2008 - 04.2012
District Manager - Houchens Industries dba Sonic Drive-in
07.2007 - 06.2008
Director of Food Innovation/SubWorks - Thornton’s Inc.
11.2005 - 08.2006
Senior Manager, Food Innovation - A&W/LJS (YUM Brands)
04.2004 - 11.2005
Product Development Manager - Sonic Industries
04.2000 - 03.2004
Field Services Consultant - Sonic Industries
09.1998 - 04.2000
General Manager - The Fifth Quarter Steakhouse
06.1997 - 08.1998
Franchisee (Owner/Operator) - Domino’s Pizza
08.1985 - 06.1997