Tracey Cotton
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Accomplished professional and leader with extensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Demonstrated success in fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Recognized for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
GM/Food & Beverage Director
Cambria Hotel - Downtown Phoenix Convention Center
08.2023 - Current
- Oversaw all aspects of food and beverage operations, including menu planning, inventory management, and staff supervision
- Developed and implemented strategies to maximize revenue and profitability in the food and beverage department
- Managed a team of 75 employees, providing training, coaching, and performance evaluations
- Collaborated with executive chef to create innovative menus that met customer preferences while maintaining cost efficiency
- Implemented cost control measures resulting in a 12% reduction in food and beverage expenses
- Established strong relationships with vendors to negotiate favorable pricing terms for ingredients and supplies
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations by conducting regular inspections and implementing corrective actions as needed
- Led the successful execution of high-profile events such as weddings, banquets, conferences, etc.
- Implemented quality assurance programs to maintain consistent standards for food preparation and presentation
- Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for various food service areas to ensure efficient workflow
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and opportunities for revenue growth; implemented targeted marketing strategies based on findings
- Managed budgeting process for the food and beverage department; achieved financial targets through effective cost management practices
- Implemented employee incentive programs to improve morale, productivity, and customer satisfaction levels within the department
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate goals, provide updates on performance metrics, address concerns or suggestions from team members
- Collaborated with other departments such as marketing or sales teams to develop promotional campaigns or special offers related to food & beverages
- Maintained positive relationships with customers by addressing their feedback promptly; resolved any issues or complaints effectively
- Stayed up to date with industry trends related to culinary techniques, new ingredients/products launches etc.
- Introduced sustainable practices within the kitchen/restaurant operations such as waste reduction initiatives or sourcing local/organic products
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with local suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality ingredients
- Managed the implementation of new technologies or software systems to streamline food and beverage operations
Director of Food & Beverage
Granite Hospitality Group
01.2020 - 04.2023
- Oversaw and led all operations for four outlets totaling 375 seats, plus banquet and catering operations throughout 15,000 square feet of meeting space, grossing $4.5MM per year
- Participated in monthly budget and P&L review meetings, executing operations to ensure positive financial results of food and beverage operations
- Menu development for three restaurant concepts including Teppanyaki, Sushi and American style in addition to banquets, LBW beverage, and catering menus
- Oversaw setup, event design and execution for 25+ events on a monthly basis
General Manager
Romano's Macaroni Grill
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Oversaw and led all operations for 300 seat restaurant, grossing over $1.2MM per year
- Became corporate training ground for all culinary and front of house operations for Colorado and Arizona markets through roll out, execution and sustainment of brand and sanitation standards
- Recognized as third in company (out of 90 restaurants) for best actual vs theoretical cost percent and first in the company for highest Eco Sure and Health Department scores
- Onboarded, developed and evaluated 70 Associates quarterly as well as modeled and delivered on company culture, mission and vision in all actions
Culinary Manager
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Partnered with and cultivated relationships with all vendors to ensure open communication, on time product ordering and delivery, leading to the execution a smooth operation
- Event Management of private events for 125 individuals including vendors, Guests and Associates on a quarterly basis
- Recognized by Corporate Events Team for execution of Macaroni Grill’s 35th birthday party resulting in promotion to Trainer for room setup, design and execution of future corporate events
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ11.2013
Skills
- Payroll (10 years) Profit & loss (5 years)
- Purchasing management
- Restaurant experience (40 years)
- Operations Management (20 years)
- Events management (15 years)
- Problem resolution
- Team player
- Time management
- Training, leadership, development, coaching
- Cultivating customer & vendor relations
- Inventory control
- Menu development
Accomplishments
- Business Development: - Spearheaded acquisition of two competitor companies. Established and managed partner relationships on a daily basis. Developed new marketing strategy which increased customer base by 23%.
- Supervision - Supervised sales team to monitor sales activity and goal achievement.
- Supervised team of 75 staff members.
- Achieved selling $60,000 catering in one month.
Certification
- TABC Certified
- Food Handler Certification
- ServSafe August 2022 to August 2027
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
GM/Food & Beverage Director
Cambria Hotel - Downtown Phoenix Convention Center
08.2023 - Current
Director of Food & Beverage
Granite Hospitality Group
01.2020 - 04.2023
General Manager
Romano's Macaroni Grill
01.2016 - 12.2020
Culinary Manager
01.2013 - 12.2016
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
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