Salvador Santana
Woodridge,IL
Summary
Results-oriented restaurant general manager with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, enhancing customer satisfaction, and maximizing profitability. Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams, implement strategic initiatives, and ensure consistent adherence to quality standards. Strong background working with diverse and multilingual staff. Expertise in P&L management, cost control, and enhancing customer experiences across varied markets.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
RA Sushi Bar And Restaurant
2022.09 - Current
- Increasing efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Implements effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Manages budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Maximizes operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Develops and maintains a strong team of motivated staff.
- Establishes relationships with local businesses and organizations to generate catering opportunities for additional revenue streams.
- Enhances customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality food and service.
- Effectively manages labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
- Ensures compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
Sales Consultant
Westfield Ford
2022.01 - 2022.09
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing tailored solutions and excellent service during the car buying process.
- Conducted comprehensive needs assessments for clients to recommend suitable vehicles based on preferences, budget, and requirements.
- Collaborated with finance department to secure competitive financing options for customers, streamlining the purchasing process.
- Contributed to dealership success through participation in promotional events and marketing initiatives.
- Maintained detailed knowledge of vehicle inventory, enabling efficient matching of client needs with available options.
- Closed sales by overcoming objections, asking for sales, negotiating price, and completing purchase contracts,
General Manager
Portillo's
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Managed all aspects of operations in a fast casual restaurant with high volume carry-out ($13+ million in sales).
- Ensured delivery of the highest quality food and guest experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Led, coached and inspired team members to represent our values of family, greatness, energy and fun.
- Developed a strategy to run a strong business, hire and train great talent to help drive the company forward.
- Positive track record of controlling food and labor costs.
Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
2019.01 - 2020.01
- Managed all aspects of the front of the house operations in a high-volume location (11+ million in sales).
- Led, coached and inspired team members to represent Cooper's Hawk visions and values.
- Focused on strategy and driving standards of excellence and consistent business growth.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through consistent delivery of high-quality food and service.
- Implemented efficient scheduling practices to ensure optimal staffing levels during peak business hours.
- Effectively managed labor costs by monitoring productivity levels among staff members and making strategic scheduling decisions.
General Manager
Velvet Taco (Taco Libre, III)
2015.01 - 2019.01
- Designated training restaurant for all new managers within the market.
- Substantially increased sales (3.5 million to 5 million) and consistently exceeds sales budget for 4 consecutive years.
- Developed and promoted 2 managers to GM.
- Under budget in food cost and labor for 8+ fiscal quarters.
- Manages all aspects of the front of house and kitchen operations.
- Assisted in building the training systems and food cost analysis systems for the company.
- Manages all marketing and social media platforms for the market.
General Manager
Pei Wei Asian Diner
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Responsible for the operations and training of all new managers of this fast-casual dining restaurant to a new market.
- Developed and promoted 2 managers to GM's.
- Consistently exceeded sales budget for three consecutive years.
- Boosted restaurant revenue by implementing innovative marketing strategies and promotions.
- Managed all aspects of daily operations, including managing budgets, inventory control, and vendor relations.
- Managed multiple restaurants within the market/region during transition of GM.
General Manager
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.
2004.01 - 2010.01
- Responsible for managing the operations of this full service, upscale casual dining restaurant with 370 seats with an annual sales volume of $11 million
- Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business including selection of staff, team development, inventory, budgeting and financials.
- Increased guest counts by 2% in a challenging economy.
- Mentored and developed a 10-person management team.
- Increased staff retention by an average of 17%.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term growth.
- Implemented hospitality programs resulting in positive guest satisfaction metrics.
- Reduced food and beverage cost by executing staff development programs.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel and Restaurant Management
Florida Atlantic University
North Miami Beach, FLAssociates Degree - Business Administration and Computer Science
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Health Code Compliance
- Strategic Planning
- Customer Engagement
- Inventory Management
- Financial Management
- Sanitation Standards
- Quality Assurance
- Operational Excellence
- Leadership
- Problem-Solving
Awards
- Commitment to Excellence and Achievement Recognition, 2006
- Restaurant of the Year in Lincolnshire, IL, 2008
- Sales Award for Velvet Taco, 2018
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
General Manager
RA Sushi Bar And Restaurant
2022.09 - Current
Sales Consultant
Westfield Ford
2022.01 - 2022.09
General Manager
Portillo's
2020.01 - 2022.01
Restaurant Manager
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
2019.01 - 2020.01
General Manager
Velvet Taco (Taco Libre, III)
2015.01 - 2019.01
General Manager
Pei Wei Asian Diner
2010.01 - 2015.01
General Manager
The Cheesecake Factory, Inc.
2004.01 - 2010.01
Bachelor's Degree - Hotel and Restaurant Management
Florida Atlantic University
Associates Degree - Business Administration and Computer Science
Florida State University
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