Dallas Thomas
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Dynamic Culinary Manager and Restaurant Manager with a proven track record at Red Lobster, enhancing kitchen operations and achieving a 20% reduction in food costs through effective inventory management. Skilled in team leadership and sanitation standards, I foster a collaborative environment that drives productivity and elevates customer satisfaction. Skilled in handling administrative tasks and highly dependable.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Manager
Red Lobster
Raleigh, NC
05.2016 - Current
- Oversaw daily kitchen operations to ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for culinary staff to enhance skills and performance.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving cost efficiency.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients while negotiating favorable terms.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of kitchen staff, providing feedback and guidance for improvement.
- Led initiatives to increase kitchen productivity through process optimization and equipment upgrades.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations by conducting routine inspections and addressing issues proactively.
- Implemented detailed recipe documentation procedures, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation across all dishes served.
- Attracted new clientele with creative marketing initiatives such as themed events or special promotions highlighting unique culinary experiences.
- Motivated team of 30 plus employees to maintain high standards of food preparation and efficiency for 6 to 10 hours per shift.
- Maintained consistently high food safety standards by enforcing strict adherence to sanitation guidelines and conducting regular inspections of kitchen facilities.
- Optimized kitchen staffing levels to maintain a balance between efficient service delivery and cost management, reducing labor costs without compromising quality or guest satisfaction.
- Maintained kitchen hardware and repaired tools or ordered equipment.
- Continuously refined culinary skills through ongoing professional development initiatives such as workshops, seminars, or industry conferences, staying current on best practices and emerging trends to drive continuous improvement within the restaurant operation.
- Developed strong relationships with local suppliers to ensure access to the freshest ingredients at competitive prices, enhancing overall dish quality while positively impacting the bottom line.
- Increased employee retention by offering competitive compensation packages and fostering a supportive work environment that prioritized professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Lowered restaurant costs by 14% through creative ingredient sourcing and food waste efficiency.
- Established a positive work environment by fostering teamwork among kitchen staff members, resulting in improved productivity and morale.
- Reduced food waste and costs with careful menu planning, ingredient sourcing, and portion control.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating and implementing innovative menus, ensuring diverse and delicious culinary offerings.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Verified prepared food met standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Implemented effective inventory control systems to reduce food spoilage and waste.
- Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
Sales Associate
Fred Anderson Nissan Of Fayetteville
Fayetteville, NC
05.2013 - 10.2016
- Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries, enhancing overall shopping experience.
- Demonstrated vehicle features and benefits, fostering informed purchase decisions among clients.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability for customer needs.
- Processed sales transactions accurately, maintaining cash register integrity and efficiency.
- Trained new associates on sales techniques and dealership policies, supporting team development.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets, promoting a cohesive work environment.
- Conducted follow-up communications with customers post-purchase, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Built strong customer relationships through effective communication and personalized service.
- Assisted customers in product selection, demonstrating extensive knowledge of vehicle features and benefits.
Assistant Manager
Burger King
Fayetteville, NC
06.2013 - 05.2014
- Assisted in managing daily operations, ensuring efficient service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and customer service best practices.
- Monitored inventory levels, coordinated stock replenishment, and minimized waste.
- Implemented workflow improvements that enhanced team productivity and service speed.
- Addressed customer inquiries and resolved complaints to maintain positive dining experiences.
- Collaborated with management to develop promotional strategies and marketing initiatives.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work areas in compliance with health standards.
- Supported financial processes including cash handling, deposits, and sales reporting.
- Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
- Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
- Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
- Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
- Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various project tasks.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
- Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
- Facilitated clear communication between employees and upper management through regular meetings and updates.
- Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performance and celebrating team accomplishments.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
- Implemented staff training programs, enhancing product knowledge and improving customer service skills.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of products and resolve any supply chain issues.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations by conducting regular inspections of equipment/operations within the store.
- Coached new employees, ensuring smooth onboarding process and quicker adaptation to their roles.
- Led weekly team meetings to discuss goals and review performance, fostering culture of continuous improvement.
- Assisted in budget preparation, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust inventory orders accordingly.
- Conducted performance evaluations, identifying areas for development and rewarding strong performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological And Physical Sciences
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC05.2016
High School Diploma -
Pine Forest High School
Fayetteville, NC06.2012
Skills
- Leadership trained
- Sanitation standards
- Kitchen operations
- Food presentation
- Allergen awareness
- Food pairing
- ServSafe manager
- Foodservice management professional
- Sanitation expertise
- Certified culinary administrator
- Team collaboration
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Money handling
Timeline
Culinary Manager
Red Lobster
05.2016 - Current
Assistant Manager
Burger King
06.2013 - 05.2014
Sales Associate
Fred Anderson Nissan Of Fayetteville
05.2013 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biological And Physical Sciences
Winston-Salem State University
High School Diploma -
Pine Forest High School