Director of Retail Operations
William Horton
Panera Bread
Charlotte,NC
2027
years of professional experience
Dynamic retail operations leader with a proven track record at Panera Bread. Expert in store operations and problem-solving, I drive results through strategic coaching and standardized execution, achieving significant improvements in service consistency and team accountability.
Awarded Upper Crust 2024-Celebrating the Top 20 Directors Company wide.
Worked in Multiple Markets to Motivate and cultivate into a Market of High Performance Cafe’s
Work History
Director of Retail Operations
11 Years 10 Months- Directed multi-unit retail operations to improve guest experience, labor efficiency, and service consistency.
- Standardized restaurant execution across locations, reinforcing food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards.
- Analyzed sales, labor, and inventory reports to guide operational decisions and controllable cost management.
- Coached Cafe leaders on scheduling, staffing, and performance expectations to strengthen team accountability.
General Manager
5 Years- Directed restaurant operations, aligning staffing, service standards, and guest experience with brand expectations.
- Managed P&L performance, controlling labor, food, and supply costs to support profitability.
- Implemented scheduling strategies to balance coverage, sales trends, and operational efficiency.
- Recruited, trained, and coached managers and team members to strengthen performance and retention.
Owner
- Directed daily restaurant operations, aligning service standards with business goals.
- Managed hiring, training, and scheduling to maintain reliable front- and back-of-house coverage.
- Oversaw menu planning, pricing, and recipe consistency to support guest satisfaction.
- Controlled inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships to reduce waste and maintain supply flow.
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Store operations
Merchandising strategies
Problem-solving
Senior Director Mentor to New Directors
Timeline
Director of Retail Operations
Panera Bread
01.2015 - CurrentRead More
General Manager
Appplebees
01.2010 - 01.2015Read More
Owner
Cockade City Grille
2003 - 2010Read More
Richmond High School
High School Diploma
Read More