Robert Blackwood
Bethesda,MD
Summary
Proven leader with extensive experience in restaurant management, where I enhanced team productivity and customer satisfaction. Skilled in inventory control and staff training, my strategic approach led to significant operational improvements. Excel in fostering employee development and ensuring food safety compliance, driving positive outcomes and repeat business through exceptional service and efficient shift management. I was also with Ruth's Chris for over a decade, and was fortunate to be a part of their New Store Opening Team, We opened multiple locations all over the country. To be a part of this team, you had to know every position in the Front of the House.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Restaurant Manager
BCDC, LLC
Washington, DC
03.2019 - 10.2024
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Monitored daily cash transactions, ensuring accuracy in all financial reporting processes.
- Managed staff schedules, ensuring adequate coverage during peak times and reduced labor costs.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly and professionally.
- Kept restaurant compliant with all federal, state, and local hygiene and food safety regulations.
- Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
- Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
- Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
- Improved staff morale through effective communication skills and motivational techniques, resulting in enhanced teamwork and productivity.
- Analyzed daily sales figures and developed strategies to increase sales.
- Oversaw inventory control practices, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Established rapport with guests through personalized interactions that led to repeat business.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of dishes, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
General Manager
Brickside Food & Drink
Bethesda, MD
12.2019 - 03.2022
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
Bartender, Beverage Director
Olazzo Bethesda
Bethesda, MD
- 10.2019
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
- Reduced wait times for drinks by efficiently managing the bar area and prioritizing orders.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
- Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
- Assisted with staff training, sharing expertise in bartending techniques and customer service best practices.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
Education
Bachelor Of Hospitality And Tourism Management - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Virginia Tech
BlacksburgSkills
- Shift Management
- Food Safety Compliance
- Employee Scheduling
- Staff Training and Development
- Restaurant Operations
- Training and mentoring
- POS system knowledge
- Inventory Control
Timeline
General Manager
Brickside Food & Drink
12.2019 - 03.2022
Assistant Restaurant Manager
BCDC, LLC
03.2019 - 10.2024
Bartender, Beverage Director
Olazzo Bethesda
- 10.2019
Bachelor Of Hospitality And Tourism Management - Hotel, Resort And Restaurant Management
Virginia Tech