Wesley Hughes
Richmond,KY
Summary
Restaurant operations leader with over 12 years of management experience across quick-service, full-service dining, and large event facilities. Demonstrated expertise in driving profitability, enhancing customer satisfaction, and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in compliance, audit readiness, and multi-unit coordination. Seeking to leverage leadership and operational experience in multi-restaurant management or third-party inspection and compliance roles.
Operations professional with strong grasp of process optimization, strategic planning, and project management. Known for effective team collaboration and delivering consistent results in dynamic environments. Adept at improving operational efficiency, managing cross-functional teams, and adapting to evolving business needs. Recognized for leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Lead
Chick-fil-A
09.2024 - Current
- Lead daily restaurant operations ensuring food safety, quality, and service excellence.
- Support and develop leaders across departments to maintain operational consistency.
- Oversee labor deployment, scheduling, and cost management.
- Partner with executive leadership on process improvements and customer experience initiatives.
- Managed and allocated staff and material resources to meet production goals.
General Manager
Arby's
12.2022 - 09.2024
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume restaurant, achieving consistent improvements in profitability and customer satisfaction.
- Oversaw staff hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance development.
- Maintained strict adherence to food safety and operational standards, achieving top audit scores.
- Optimized labor and food costs while sustaining high service speed and quality.
- Led community engagement initiatives to build brand awareness and guest loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Director of Culinary Operations
Chick-fil-A
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Delivered consistent 20% increase in sales while overseeing culinary production.
- Directed safety, quality, and efficiency of food production for 80+ employees.
- Managed food cost to maintain 25% and labor cost at or below 21% of gross sales.
- Oversaw scheduling, hiring, and onboarding of staff.
- Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and production.
- Reduced food waste by implementing inventory control measures and optimizing ingredient usage in recipes.
Catering Director
Chick-fil-A
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Established multi-store catering position overseeing a $1.2M operation.
- Launched 'beyond the restaurant' sales channel.
- Managed event staff of 20-50 and performed financial settlements for special events.
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
11.2018 - 08.2019
- Implemented new working processes for continuous improvement.
- Built strong professional relationships with team members to resolve issues quickly.
Supervisor
Chick-fil-A
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Ensured strict adherence to corporate guidelines and metrics.
- Trained and led teams to surpass objectives.
- Monitored kitchen stations for accuracy, quality, and compliance.
Manager Trainee
Chick-fil-A
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Learned back-of-house operations from team perspective to strengthen relationships and understanding of roles.
Line and Prep Cook
Ramsey's Diner
06.2017 - 05.2018
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes, portioning, and waste control guidelines.
- Consistently maintained high food quality standards.
Assistant Facility Manager
CFSB Center / Lovett Auditorium, Murray State University
01.2011 - 01.2017
- Oversaw ticketing, concessions, and auditorium operations serving up to 8,000 patrons.
- Managed financial statements, audit reports, and inventory for concessions operations.
- Directed staff operations for day-to-day and special events, ensuring smooth execution.
- Supervised and trained student employees across multiple departments.
Education
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Sullivan University
Lexington, KY01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Murray State University
Murray, KY01.2012
Skills
- Leadership & Staff Development
- Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
- Cost Control & Profit Optimization
- Food Safety & Quality Assurance
- Multi-Unit & Catering Operations
- Labor Management & Scheduling
- Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Customer Engagement & Retention
- Third-Party Audit & Inspection Preparation
- Workforce management
Timeline
Operations Lead
Chick-fil-A
09.2024 - Current
General Manager
Arby's
12.2022 - 09.2024
Director of Culinary Operations
Chick-fil-A
01.2021 - 12.2022
Catering Director
Chick-fil-A
08.2019 - 12.2020
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
11.2018 - 08.2019
Supervisor
Chick-fil-A
08.2018 - 11.2018
Manager Trainee
Chick-fil-A
05.2018 - 08.2018
Line and Prep Cook
Ramsey's Diner
06.2017 - 05.2018
Assistant Facility Manager
CFSB Center / Lovett Auditorium, Murray State University
01.2011 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Murray State University
Associate of Arts - Culinary Arts
Sullivan University
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