Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Richard Zaro

New York

Summary

Dynamic operations leader with over 10 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence in fast-paced environments. At Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, led transformative initiatives that boosted store-level profitability by 50%. As Founder of Cutlets Sandwich Co., navigated pandemic challenges by launching a ghost kitchen and scaling to two thriving Manhattan retail locations, generating $3.4M in annual revenue. Proven expertise in operational management, revenue growth, and building high-performing teams to deliver exceptional results, complemented by a strong track record of increasing profitability and optimizing processes.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Franchising

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
08.2024 - Current
  • Cultivated strategic client relationships by leveraging extensive industry expertise and professional networks, enhancing long-term partnerships and business growth.
  • Drove a 50%+ increase in store-level profitability by pioneering innovative operational strategies and process optimizations.
  • Mentored and developed high-performing teams, fostering a culture of productivity and accountability to consistently exceed performance metrics.
  • Negotiated favorable pricing and service agreements with customers and vendors, reducing expenses and boosting profit margins.
  • Enhanced inventory accuracy and operational accountability by designing and implementing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and advanced tracking systems.

Founder/CEO

Cutlets Sandwich Co.
04.2020 - Current
  • Transformed business model from a ghost kitchen to two high-performing retail locations in Manhattan, generating $3.4 million in annualized revenue.
  • Spearheaded a successful $1.2 million investment round, securing critical funding to drive company growth and expansion.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive branding and go-to-market PR strategy, earning extensive media coverage in top-tier outlets, including Grubstreet, Forbes, The New York Times, and Crain’s.
  • Evaluated and deployed a tailored tech stack for a digital-first concept, integrating platforms such as GoParrot, Lunchbox, Flipdish, Toast (1st-party ordering), Chowly, Otter, Stream (aggregators), and Bikky, Ovation (marketing tools) to optimize operations and customer engagement.
  • Orchestrated a dynamic collaboration strategy, forging partnerships with high-profile brands such as Rubirosa, Glaze, Campo Grande, Nice Day Chinese, Inday, and Meati, enhancing brand visibility and market reach.

Operations Director

Zaro’s Family Bakery
07.2014 - 01.2020
  • Continuously analyzed and optimized corporate financial strategies, driving sustainable fiscal improvements and operational efficiency.
  • Boosted profitability by 72% at the 37th Street revenue center, encompassing catering, commissary, and retail operations, through strategic process enhancements.
  • Reduced prime purchasing costs by 5% by streamlining vendor relationships and consolidating SKUs, improving cost efficiency.
  • Led catering department from 2017–2019, doubling sales revenue by over 100% through targeted operational and growth initiatives.
  • Managed retail operations at Grand Central from 2016–2017, achieving a 10% sales increase through effective leadership and process improvements.
  • Assessed company culture and collaborated with the executive team to reposition Zaro’s as an associate-driven organization, fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.

Education

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) -

Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business
New York, NY
05.2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Kinesiology

Indiana University
Bloomington, IN
05.2012

Skills

  • Business strategy
  • Strategic planning
  • Logistics management
  • Team building
  • Financial management
  • Time management
  • Business administration

Timeline

Director of Franchising

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
08.2024 - Current

Founder/CEO

Cutlets Sandwich Co.
04.2020 - Current

Operations Director

Zaro’s Family Bakery
07.2014 - 01.2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Kinesiology

Indiana University

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A) -

Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE