Tamala Fowler

Fort Worth, Texas 404-***-****

adf4jx@r.postjobfree.com

linkedin.com/in/tamala-fowler-2588ab16

President / COO

20+ years’ success sparking domestic and international growth for restaurant and retail brands

Customer-centric C-level executive with proven expertise reviving stagnant brands and breaking into new territories with emerging industry leaders. Energized by opportunities to build and mentor leadership teams central to national and international franchisee success.

Highlights of Expertise

Strategic Business Planning

Cost Reduction and Avoidance

Continuous Improvement

Restaurant Franchise Management

Vendor Management & Negotiation

International Market Expansion

P & L Accountability

Process Redesign / Change Management

Public Speaking / Public Relations

Team Building and Leadership

Career Experience

Belief Brands

Developing a sophisticated franchise system – that will enable an iconic local brand to expand nationally.

CEO (2019 to Present)

Adding state of the art systems and tools to a very successful restaurant concept developed over 45 years by the founder and his family. Updated POS system, added world class training program hosted on a digital platform, improving supply chain management, altering service model to alleviate bottlenecks and improve customer wait times, and working with creative experts to polish the image and branding elements for broader, national appeal.

Oversee franchise development. In less than one year of beginning franchise sales in earnest, we have signed deals with 6 franchise developers, with agreements in place for 14 stores.

Gigi’s Cupcakes

Recruited by PE firm to stabilize national company growth and brand reputation.

PRESIDENT (2017 to 2019)

Architected an aggressive growth plan including hiring a talented executive leadership team that positioned the business for improved franchisee relationships and national profitability.

Refreshed the company brand to attract new and established markets with better products.

Strengthened business profitability by reducing food and labor expenses.

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit

Developed International business program, while leading two important domestic functional teams.

SVP – SUPPLY CHAIN/RETAIL SALES/INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (2015 to 2017)

Streamlined supply management, franchise site selection/approval, contract negotiation, vendor management, and other operations to position the business for more scalable international growth. Founded and chaired the company sustainability and responsible business practices committee.

Saved $9M in 12 months by re-engineering the formulation of 5 key products.

Expanded into retail stores including Walmart and Kroger generating $1.75M in 2016 and $4.6M in 2017.

TGI Fridays

Turned around operations in a challenging international market in the far east.

Updated new store opening program in place over 35 years, and developed a brand reimage process, used by every single franchisee in the system to update the look and feel of Fridays.

MANAGING DIRECTOR, APAC (2007 to 2014)

Led business operations in 9 countries with 73 stores with an annual revenue contribution of $300M+. Managed a team of five directors in Operations, Marketing, Development, Human Resources, and Quality Assurance.

Attained a consistent 10% year-over-year growth rate during tenure.

Introduced more in-depth business reviews to determine how to improve P&L performance and operational efficiency. Achieved a 13% improvement in new store opening week sales, and a 16% sales increase following remodels.

In 2014, achieved a 17% reduction in International FF&E package by conducting RFP for new strategic sourcing partners in Taiwan and South Korea that had worldwide distribution capabilities.

DIRECTOR OF FRANCHISE OPERATIONS (2003 to 2007)

Oversaw franchise owner relationships and operations in the Eastern US ensuring adherence to corporate standards of excellence. Improved unit level revenue and EBITDA within every group I worked with.

Additional Experience

Olive Garden Director of Operations (1995 to 2003)

Held every unit level managerial position prior to promotion to Director of Operations- service manager, bar manager, kitchen manager, and general manager.

As Director of Operations, led 10-13 units with AUV’s of +$2.5MM across large geographic territory.

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