Operations Manager Los Angeles

AUG **, **** • AMERICAN • *** SOUTH POINSETTIA PLACE #103, LOS

ANGELES, 90036 • ***********@*****.*** • 619-***-**** • B6409519 CODY DEFRATE

Operations Manager

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Operations Manager with over a decade of extensive expertise in leading and optimizing restaurant operations. Demonstrates strong skills in menu development, team leadership, and strategic growth initiatives, with a proven track record in enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. Passionate about fostering collaborative environments and adept at utilizing innovative strategies to drive business success and expand market presence. EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER / MANAGING DIRECTOR Oct 2021 - Present Kitchen Mouse LLC Los Angeles, CA

INTERIM EXECUTIVE COMMISSARY CHEF Jun 2021 - Oct 2021 Pitfire Pizza / American Gonzo Los Angeles, CA

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Aug 2020 - Jun 2021

Upton’s Naturals “Breakroom” / Liberation Donuts Chicago, IL

• Spearheaded Upton's new concept Liberation Donuts, revolutionizing the brand while optimizing kitchen efficiency and safety in a challenging Covid-19 environment.

Lead operations, aligning with founder's vision for strategic growth and new concept launches. Optimize P&L to enhance sales and cut costs, fostering leadership in chefs and managers. Manage HR, direct marketing, and act as brand ambassador to boost partnerships and visibility. Launch new business concepts, expanding market presence and customer base. Evaluate operations, implement cost-effective strategies, and drive continuous improvements. Oversee HR functions, including hiring, promotions, and performance management, ensuring alignment with company vision and operational goals.

Pioneer new business concepts, including bakery and walk-up window, expanding customer reach and adapting to evolving market demands.

Spearhead strategic growth initiatives, aligning operations with founder's vision and driving new concept launches to expand market presence.

Led kitchen operations, ensuring quality and timely delivery across locations. Developed seasonal specials, enhancing menu appeal and customer satisfaction. Improved communication between kitchen and management, addressing specific needs. Stabilized operations as Interim Executive Chef, maintaining consistent supply. Implemented quality control, ensuring accurate order fulfillment. Stabilized operations as Interim Executive Chef during transition. Implemented quality control measures, ensuring consistent supply to all locations.

Oversaw dough and sauce production, managed overnight deliveries. Ensured timely and accurate order fulfillment, maintaining high product standards.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Jun 2019 - Jun 2020

Donut Friend Los Angeles, CA

REGIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER May 2014 - Jun 2019

Pitfire Pizza / American Gonzo Los Angeles, CA

COURSES

CERTIFIED SERVSAFE INSTRUCTOR & PROCTOR

ServSafe

SKILLS

Management (Experienced), Operations (Experienced), Team Development (Experienced), P&L Management (Experienced), HR (Experienced), Marketing (Skillful), Menu Development (Experienced), Recipe Creation (Skillful), Cost Control (Experienced), Sales Growth (Skillful), Customer Service (Expert), Conflict Management (Experienced), POS Systems (Experienced), Scheduling Tools (Experienced), Excel (Skillful), Word (Skillful), PowerPoint (Skillful). REFERENCES

Scott Winegard, Mathew Kinney's Kitchens 718-***-****); Baruch Ellsworth, Little Saint / Single Thread 415-***-****). Conducted comprehensive dish costing analysis, leading to Upton's first menu price adjustment in 5 years, aligning with Chicago's competitive landscape.

Revitalized Upton's 'accidental' restaurant through strategic P&L management, turning it into a profitable venture despite pandemic challenges.

Partnered with HR to navigate Covid-19 challenges, while collaborating with marketing to build Liberation Donuts brand, fostering cross-functional synergy.

Transformed restaurant operations, implementing cost-effective strategies and brand innovations that positioned Upton's for long-term growth and market leadership.

Revitalized 'accidental' restaurant through strategic P&L management, transforming it into a profitable venture despite pandemic obstacles.

Partnered with HR to navigate Covid-19 challenges, while working with marketing to build Liberation Donuts brand, fostering cross-functional synergy.

Transformed operations, implementing cost-effective strategies and brand innovations that positioned Upton's for long-term growth and market leadership.

Pioneered Liberation Donuts concept, revamping Upton's brand while enhancing kitchen efficiency and safety during Covid-19 challenges.

Led daily operations for three locations, enhancing service and boosting revenue by 34% YoY. Collaborated with founder on new venture, Creamo, ensuring seamless integration and growth. Optimized labor efficiency by 5%, maintaining high service standards across all locations. Re-established key partnerships for comprehensive staff training, improving service quality. Analyzed sales data to identify growth opportunities, significantly increasing beverage sales. Leveraged data analysis to identify growth opportunities, resulting in significant revenue increases and operational improvements across locations.

Rebuilt partnership with Stumptown Coffee, enhancing staff training programs. Worked closely with founder on strategic initiatives and new ventures.

Implemented strategic changes in service approach and role definitions, fostering a culture of hospitality and operational clarity across the organization.

Managed 7 restaurants, achieving 9% annual sales growth and cutting beverage costs to 19%. Created FOH service standards, improving customer experience and operational efficiency. Collaborated on menu innovations, introducing signature recipes that enhanced offerings. Guided General Managers, boosting financial performance and reducing labor costs by 5%. Advanced from General Manager to Regional Operations Manager in 14 months. Partnered with Corporate Chef to enhance culinary offerings, notably creating signature Pitfire's House Cashew Cheese recipe, boosting menu appeal and sales.

Mentored General Managers through unique challenges, fostering financial success and achieving consistent annual reductions in hourly labor costs.

Rapidly ascended from General Manager to Regional Operations Manager in 14 months, showcasing exceptional leadership and operational acumen.

Juan Robles, Nancy Silverton's Triple Beam Pizza 310-***-****); Dan Stackman, Upton's Naturals 847-***-****); Maggie Baird, Support and Feed 323-***-****).

HOBBIES

Outside of work my hobbies consist of running, record collecting, going to punk shows, finding the next best coffee shop, hanging with my kids, and baking.

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