TIARA FORD
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Reno,NV
Summary
General Manager with a strong history at Cracker Barrel, achieving a 26% increase in operational foot traffic. Proficient in P&L management and team leadership, creating high-performance work environments. Expertise in inventory management and employee development, consistently attaining top health and safety audit scores and improving guest satisfaction.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Reno, NV
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Directed all aspects of restaurant operations, including strategic planning and P&L management.
- Boosted operational foot traffic by 26% and off-premise traffic by 90% within nine months through workflow restructuring.
- Transformed store ranking from #209 to #25 nationally in less than one year by implementing process improvements.
- Recruited and mentored over 100 team members, fostering a high-performance environment with low turnover.
- Developed 'The Brain,' a toolkit for process optimization adopted for manager onboarding and operational consistency.
- Achieved five consecutive NSF health and safety audit scores above 90%, demonstrating commitment to compliance.
- Optimized inventory management using Crunchtime/Net-Chef, improving food cost controls and ordering accuracy.
- Championed guest satisfaction initiatives, resulting in increased check averages and enhanced team morale.
Assistant General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Tampa, FL
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Provided mentorship for employees to generate sales, promote effective upselling and cross-sell to improve retail productivity.
- Interviewed and vetted job applicants to make effective hiring decisions and fill vacancies with strong team members.
- Oversaw aspects of maintenance, inventory, and daily activity management.
- Coached and developed store associates through formal and informal interactions.
- Handled complaints from customers by empathetically listening, recording details and offering solutions.
Career Services Advisor
Ultimate Medical Academy
Tampa, FL
03.2020 - 07.2021
- Advised and coached 150+ graduates in job search strategy, resume writing, and interview preparation within the allied healthcare field.
- Consistently exceeded placement and performance KPIs, receiving multiple awards for surpassing monthly hiring and placement metrics.
- Developed employer partnerships and conducted hiring initiatives in coordination with national healthcare organizations.
- Delivered workshops and individual coaching focused on career readiness, soft skills, and industry alignment.
Manager / Shift Lead / Bartender / Trainer / Server
Darden Restaurants
Multiple Locations
09.2006 - 03.2020
- Promoted through multiple roles over 14 years, ultimately managing front-of-house operations, team leadership, and shift oversight.
- Trained and onboarded new staff, facilitated daily service execution, and ensured alignment with brand and safety standards.
- Resolved customer issues efficiently, leading to improved guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Education
MBA - Business
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL08-2017
Associate of Arts - Business Administration (Human Resources)
American InterContinental University
Schaumburg, IL07-2011
Skills
- Serve Safe certification
- Labor management
- Budgeting and forecasting
- P&L oversight
- Training and development
- Inventory management and control
- Crunchtime and Net-Chef proficiency
- Strategic scheduling
- Workforce planning
- Event planning
- Guest experience optimization
- Labor cost control
- Organizational development
- Vendor relationship management
- Leadership skills
- Multi-unit operations management
- Schedule management
- Team leadership and performance improvement
- Employee development strategies
- Staff management and training
Locations
- Reno, NV
- Kansas City, MO
- Tampa, FL
- Dallas, TX
Certifications And Skills
- Serve Safe Certified (Valid through 2026)
- Labor Management & Forecasting
- Budgeting & P&L Oversight
- Training & Development Programs
- Inventory Management (Crunchtime, Net-Chef)
- Strategic Scheduling & Workforce Planning
- Event Planning & Guest Experience Optimization
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
01.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant General Manager
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
01.2021 - 01.2024
Career Services Advisor
Ultimate Medical Academy
03.2020 - 07.2021
Manager / Shift Lead / Bartender / Trainer / Server
Darden Restaurants
09.2006 - 03.2020
MBA - Business
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
American InterContinental University
Associate of Arts - Business Administration (Human Resources)
American InterContinental University