Valeria Torres Blair
Austin
Summary
Former restauranteur with 15 years of experience. Now seeking to leverage strong leadership, communication project management, analytical thinking, client relations, Human Resources role. Known for strong leadership and relationships and an analytical approach , and eager to bring a fresh perspective to new industry. Successful in leading every facet of new and ongoing business operations. Strategic thinker and tactical decision-maker with passion for serving customers and exceeding expectations. Creative problem solver skilled at de-escalating situations and driving positive change.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2014
2014
years of post-secondary education
Work History
District Manager
Taco Deli
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Supervised various locations, enforcing high-quality standards of operation.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Demonstrated products to show potential customers benefits and advantages and encourage purchases.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
General Manager
Snooze An Am Eatery
01.2016 - 11.2024
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
General Manager, Assistant General Manager
Shake Shack
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Opening Training Team: Shake Shack New York Midtown East, Shake Shack Chicago, Shake Shack Vegas
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
Team Leader Specialty Department, Team Leader Beer and Wine Team
Whole Foods Market
01.2011 - 01.2014
Consultant
Qui Restaurant
01.2012 - 01.2013
Assistant General Manager, Hospitality Director, Private Dining Room Coordinator, Reservations Manager
Craft and Craftbar
01.2008 - 01.2011
General Manager, Service Director
Craft restaurant
New York
01.2004 - 04.2008
Main Dining Room Captain, Front Waiter, Bartender, Reservationist, Maitre D', Hostess
Gramercy Tavern
01.2000 - 01.2003
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business
Universidad Anahuac
México City, Mexico 08.1998 - 08.2012
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts, Baking And Pastry
Culinary Institute of America
Hyde Park, NYSkills
- Tactical business planning
- Multi-unit management
- Customer service
- Profitability optimization
- Leadership skills
- Operations management
- Staff development
- Budget management
- Human resource management
- Product training
- Operational management
- Team leadership
- Business development
- Staff mentoring
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Team building
- Leadership development
- Operations improvements
- Recruiting and hiring
- System design
- Client relationship building
- Goal setting and performance metrics
- Business planning
- Training and coaching
- Business and operations analysis
- Revenue generation
- Productivity improvements
- Staff recruiting
- Strategic planning
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
District Manager
Taco Deli
11.2024 - 04.2025
General Manager
Snooze An Am Eatery
01.2016 - 11.2024
General Manager, Assistant General Manager
Shake Shack
01.2014 - 01.2015
Consultant
Qui Restaurant
01.2012 - 01.2013
Team Leader Specialty Department, Team Leader Beer and Wine Team
Whole Foods Market
01.2011 - 01.2014
Assistant General Manager, Hospitality Director, Private Dining Room Coordinator, Reservations Manager
Craft and Craftbar
01.2008 - 01.2011
General Manager, Service Director
Craft restaurant
01.2004 - 04.2008
Main Dining Room Captain, Front Waiter, Bartender, Reservationist, Maitre D', Hostess
Gramercy Tavern
01.2000 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Business
Universidad Anahuac
08.1998 - 08.2012
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts, Baking And Pastry
Culinary Institute of America