Scott Hamilton
Palm Harbor, FL
402-***-**** *******@*****.***
Director of Operations / General Manager
Revenue Management Sales Forecasting Business Development Team Leadership Budgeting P&L Management Strategic Planning Training Guest Experience
Professional Summary
Accomplished Hospitality Leader with 20+ years of experience in multi-unit restaurant and venue management. Proven track record in delivering exceptional guest experiences while driving operational success through strategic leadership, cost management, and staff development. Adept at building high-performing teams, boosting revenue, and fostering a collaborative, service-driven environment. Passionate about creating unique, elevated experiences for guests in high-energy, vibrant settings like Soho House, and committed to achieving excellence in every aspect of operations.
Professional Experience
Eastlake LLC — Director of Operations
Tarpon Springs, FL June 2023 – Present
Oversee operations for Capt’n Jack’s Waterfront Grill, Catches Waterfront Grille, and Rum River Tiki Bar with a combined $9M annual sales. Lead a team of 10 managers and 100+ staff members in maintaining operational excellence.
Spearheaded cost controls to maintain food costs at 30%, labor at 18.2%, and liquor at 21%.
Implemented cutting-edge technologies (Jolt, 7shifts, Yellow Dog) to streamline operations and improve profitability.
Developed and executed sales strategies, including forecasting and manager training to achieve financial goals and drive performance.
Built and nurtured a culture of high engagement through targeted recruitment, training, and one-on-one coaching.
Enhanced the guest experience by addressing feedback promptly and implementing improvements, ensuring a seamless, welcoming atmosphere.
Capt’n Jack’s — General Manager
Tarpon Springs, FL September 2016 – June 2023
Managed day-to-day operations of a high-volume waterfront restaurant, overseeing a $5M sales portfolio, a team of 5 managers, and 60 staff members.
Achieved consistent food cost, labor, and liquor cost targets, leading to sustained profitability.
Executed effective sales forecasting and managed strategic initiatives, which resulted in record sales in 2022.
Fostered strong relationships with guests through exceptional service and proactive issue resolution, contributing to high customer retention.
Led the recruitment and development of a top-tier team, resulting in improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
HMS Host — General Operations Manager / Area Manager
Tampa, FL August 2014 – August 2016
Led operations across 8 restaurants within the Tampa International Airport, managing a team of 10 managers and 100+ staff while overseeing a budget of $18M.
Successfully managed large-scale operations, ensuring financial goals were met and exceeded while maintaining operational efficiency.
Collaborated with airport officials and stakeholders to align service offerings with customer needs, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience.
Championed sales and marketing initiatives that improved revenue generation across multiple locations.
Fourteen Foods — General Manager
Omaha, NE 2013 – 2014
Led operations at Fan Food, driving sales growth and managing P&L for new locations. Increased sales by over 10% across multiple sites.
Oversaw hiring, training, and development of staff, ensuring alignment with company values and operational excellence.
Implemented quality control processes to maintain high standards in food quality and customer service.
Collaborated with regional managers to optimize sales and operational efficiency.
Treat America — Food Service Director
Omaha, NE 2012 – 2013
Directed food service and catering for a corporate office building with 800 employees, delivering high-quality service and improving profitability.
Enhanced customer experience by creating engaging food offerings and effective event planning.
Recruited, trained, and managed staff to ensure exceptional performance and client satisfaction.
Education
A.S., Restaurant Management
Iowa Western Community College
Skills & Certifications
ServSafe Certification (2029)
Manager Development & Leadership Training
Computer System Administration
P&L Management
Staff Engagement & Retention
Awards
“Most Improved Operation” – Ted’s Nebraska Grill
“Best New Small Business” – Samuel Mancino’s, La Vista Chamber of Commerce
“Best New Food and Beverage Manager of the Year” – Knolls Golf Course
Previous Roles:
Director of Food & Beverage, Magnolia Hotels (2011-2012)
Manager, Bourbon’s and Star Club, Ameristar Casino (2010-2011)
General Manager, Ted’s Nebraska Grill (2007-2010)
Front House Manager, Outback Steakhouse (2006-2007)