Richard East
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Customer-focused restaurant and sales professional successful in all aspects of the restaurant and people business. Quality-oriented and proactive in resolving issues with exceptional organizational and communication skills. Well versed in all aspects of alcohol, wine and beer. I truly love people and enjoy all aspects of dealing with people daily.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Flying Fish Taphouse
1341 Airport Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32218
07.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Assistant General Manager
Ragtime Tavern
207 Atlantic Beach, FL
07.2014 - 03.2021
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors to acquire competitive prices and quality products.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Lead Bartender
Ragtime Tavern
09.2003 - 06.2014
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
Lead Sales, Production Manager
First Coast Rainguard
01.2002 - 06.2003
- Sales and, Managed the day-to-day tactical and long-term strategic activities within the business.
- Used consultative sales techniques to understand customer needs and recommend relevant products and services.
- Followed up with existing customers to provide additional support and address concerns.
- Evaluated customer purchase requirements and recommended best-fit company offerings.
- Maximized customer retention by resolving issues quickly.
Bartender and Key Employee
Seven Bridges
12.1998 - 11.2001
- Originally opened the restaurant participated in organization of physical space and implementation of corporate procedures
- Promoted to hourly shift supervisor
- All front of the house positions .
Skills
- Team building
- Natural leader
- Consensus building
- Employee engagement
- Leadership mentoring
- Organizational design
- Conflict resolution
- E Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Sales Leadership
Accomplishments
- Promoted to a regional corporate training position upscale casual restaurant chain to instill efficiency and accuracy
- Consulted with numerous focal restaurants on new opening operating procedures as well as design of physical space and menu content
- Developed websites and managed content and operations for an independent web based sales and shipping company.
Timeline
General Manager
Flying Fish Taphouse
07.2022 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Ragtime Tavern
07.2014 - 03.2021
Lead Bartender
Ragtime Tavern
09.2003 - 06.2014
Lead Sales, Production Manager
First Coast Rainguard
01.2002 - 06.2003
Bartender and Key Employee
Seven Bridges
12.1998 - 11.2001