Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Timeline
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Stephen Gopaul

Marlborough,MA

Summary

Dynamic and accomplished professional with a diverse background in restaurant management and cannabis dispensary operations. Proven expertise in optimizing operations, driving sales growth, and fostering a culture of excellence across multiple industries. Skilled in team leadership, training, and employee development, with a track record of revitalizing underperforming locations and driving profitability. Experienced in overseeing diverse teams, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and maintaining regulatory compliance in highly regulated environments. Proficient in financial management, including cash handling, deposit management, and Profit and Loss reporting. Committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business success through strategic planning and operational excellence.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

Kosa Cannabis
05.2023 - Current
  • As the General Manager of Kosa, I lead all aspects of operations within the dynamic and fast-paced Massachusetts cannabis industry. Leveraging my extensive experience, I oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the dispensary, ensuring compliance with state regulations while driving sustainable growth and profitability.
  • My responsibilities encompass a wide range of functions, including schedule optimization, consistent sales growth, meticulous inventory control, efficient payroll management, and strategic human resources initiatives. By implementing effective scheduling practices, I optimize staff productivity and ensure exceptional customer service levels, contributing to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • A key aspect of my role involves driving consistent sales growth through targeted marketing strategies, product assortment optimization, and proactive customer engagement initiatives. I closely monitor sales trends, identify opportunities for expansion, and execute strategic plans to capitalize on emerging market demands.
  • Furthermore, I am adept at managing inventory levels to minimize stockouts and reduce waste, while maintaining strict compliance with state-mandated inventory regulations. I also oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness while adhering to labor laws and dispensary policies.
  • In addition to operational duties, I play a pivotal role in human resources management, overseeing recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and strategic staffing decisions. By cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment, I foster employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, ultimately driving overall business success.
  • Through my comprehensive skill set and dedication to excellence, I am committed to positioning Kosa as a leader in the Massachusetts cannabis industry, delivering unparalleled products and services to our valued customers while upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance.

Chef Manager

Boston Medical Center
03.2018 - 05.2023

As Chef Manager at Boston Medical Center, I led culinary operations at the Yawkey Cafeteria, overseeing a team of 20+ chefs, cashiers, and custodial staff across 8 diverse food stations. Specializing in American, Asian, Hispanic, Vietnamese, and Italian cuisines, I ensured high-quality standards and efficiency at each station, including a rotisserie/barbecue area.

Collaborating closely with the Executive Chef, I played a pivotal role in menu development, crafting bi-weekly menus that catered to diverse tastes and dietary needs. Additionally, I spearheaded community outreach initiatives such as a free cooking class program and the management of an organic roof garden, aligning with Boston Medical Center's commitment to promoting healthy eating and sustainability.

Through effective leadership and culinary expertise, I maintained exceptional standards of food quality, service, and cleanliness, contributing to a positive dining experience for patients, visitors, and staff alike. My tenure at Boston Medical Center allowed me to hone my skills in team management, menu planning, and community engagement, furthering my passion for culinary excellence and innovation.

General Manager

Wings Over Boston
12.2014 - 03.2018

As General Manager at Wings Over Boston, I transformed the restaurant into the most profitable within the Savin Brands company. A key achievement was integrating UberEats, Doordash, Postmates, and GrubHub into our operations, significantly expanding our sales area and driving weekly sales to over $60,000 from approximately $32,000 before implementing these programs. I successfully maintained sales between $55,000 and $60,000 per week throughout my tenure.

My strategic approach to business development and operations optimization played a pivotal role in achieving and sustaining this growth. By leveraging delivery platforms, I effectively widened our customer reach and enhanced convenience, resulting in a substantial increase in revenue. Additionally, I implemented rigorous sales and marketing strategies to maximize profitability while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction.

My tenure at Wings Over Boston honed my skills in revenue management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, further solidifying my expertise in driving business success in the restaurant industry. Through innovative initiatives and meticulous execution, I consistently delivered outstanding results and contributed to the restaurant's reputation as a top performer within the company.

Apprentice General Manager

Chipotle Mexican Grill
02.2012 - 12.2014

As an Apprentice General Manager at Chipotle, I was dedicated to upholding the company's standards of consistency and quality in cuisine. With oversight of a team of 25+, I ensured that all operations adhered to Chipotle's high standards, focusing on training, team morale, quality standards, and cleanliness.

A key aspect of my role was managing multiple restaurants within the company where sales goals were not being met. Through strategic planning and effective leadership, I successfully brought these stores back to standard, restoring profitability and returning control to the in-store management teams.

In addition to operational responsibilities, I also managed cash handling, deposits, and Profit and Loss reporting, demonstrating proficiency in financial management and accountability.

My tenure at Chipotle honed my skills in team leadership, problem-solving, and operational management, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining Chipotle's reputation for excellence in cuisine and service

Skills

  • Leadership and team building
  • Problem Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Time Management
  • Training and coaching
  • Inventory Control
  • Administrative Skills
  • P&L Management
  • Labor Cost Controls
  • Consistently meet goals
  • Performance Analysis
  • Advertising and marketing

Timeline

General Manager

Kosa Cannabis
05.2023 - Current

Chef Manager

Boston Medical Center
03.2018 - 05.2023

General Manager

Wings Over Boston
12.2014 - 03.2018

Apprentice General Manager

Chipotle Mexican Grill
02.2012 - 12.2014
Stephen Gopaul