Raven Ellis
Hampton
Summary
Dynamic professional offers background in business management, finance, customer service, and sales. Strong history of leading teams to exceed goals and consistently improve operations. Skillful in developing and implementing innovative strategies that drive growth and profitability. Seasoned General Manager with proven leadership skills. Background includes managing diverse teams, strategic planning and business development in fast-paced environments. Known for improving operational efficiencies, driving revenue growth and fostering customer satisfaction. Committed to building strong team cultures that encourage innovation and openness.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
First Watch Daytime Cafe
Newport News
08.2023 - Current
- Conducted training sessions to elevate service quality and strengthen teamwork.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards in food preparation.
- Collaborated with department heads to enhance operational processes and workflows.
- Fostered a positive work environment through effective communication and team-building initiatives.
- Developed schedules and monitored payroll to maintain budgetary constraints.
- Tracked monthly sales to prepare reports for business development strategies.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to facilitate smooth operations.
- Achieved Certified General Manager status to support training of future leaders.
- Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
- Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
Bartender
Red Robin
Chesapeake
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Ensured compliance with alcohol awareness procedures to prevent intoxication and manage intoxicated guests.
- Greeted patrons promptly, demonstrating exceptional guest service skills.
- Maintained bar cleanliness and organization during peak hours.
- Answered patron inquiries regarding menu items, drinks, and preparation methods.
- Mixed and served beverages according to established recipes and presentation standards.
- Trained new team members in bar operations and best practices.
- Verified customer identification to ensure compliance with age requirements for alcohol purchases.
- Conducted regular bar inventory to facilitate accurate daily requisitions.
General Manager
Olive Garden
Chesapeake
06.2017 - 07.2022
- Led and motivated team of over 100 employees, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Implemented new customer service policies, enhancing satisfaction by 20%.
- Oversaw all store operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
- Recruited, hired, and trained restaurant staff, including servers and hosts.
- Scheduled employees to optimize shift coverage and operational flow.
- Monitored restaurant finances, analyzing sales and expenses for budget compliance.
- Enforced food handling regulations to enhance guest safety.
- Built strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure quality supply chain.
Recruiter/ Hiring Manager
Hospitality Staffing LLC
08.2016 - 05.2017
- Tracked key dates and deadlines while maintaining personnel lists.
- Posted positions through approved recruitment channels to attract qualified candidates.
- Addressed employee harassment allegations and work complaints to ensure a safe environment.
- Screened applicants based on qualifications and backgrounds to support hiring efforts.
Server/ Bartender
Carmine’s
New York
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Managed bar revenues, ensuring that all patrons were billed and all cash properly accounted.
- Enthusiastically and appealingly described food and drink specials to guests.
- Waited on multiple customers at the bar and throughout the bar area.
- Consistently provided professional, friendly and engaging service.
- Skillfully promoted items on beverage lists and restaurant specials.
- Demonstrated genuine hospitality while greeting and establishing rapport with guests.
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with others to reach business goals.
Server/Special Events Assistant/Bartender/Manager
Dave & Buster’s
York
06.2012 - 12.2015
- Organized special events in the restaurant, including receptions, promotions and corporate luncheons.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within the restaurant.
- Promoted the business through participation in and sponsorship of community events.
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
- Quickly recorded transactions in MICROS system to deliver prompt service.
- Routinely cleaned work areas, glassware and silverware throughout each shift.
Server/Manager Paphos Diner
Dave & Buster’s
New York
08.2010 - 06.2013
- Responsible for coordination of up to 10 servers in restaurant with capacity of 200.
- Routinely supported other areas of the restaurant as requested, including answering telephones and completing financial transactions for other staff members.
- Restocked the salad bar and buffet, refilled condiments, organized pantry area, swept mopped floors.
- Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about the restaurant’s menu and products.
- Conducted inventory and restocked items throughout the day.
Education
High School Diploma -
Secondary School for Journalism
Brooklyn, NY01.2009
Skills
- Customer service expertise
- Team collaboration
- Client interaction
- Multitasking proficiency
- Energetic and enthusiastic demeanor
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Food safety knowledge
- Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Google Docs familiarity
- Supply ordering
- Vendor negotiation skills
- Microsoft Office suite proficiency
- Risk management strategies
- Profit and loss analysis
Timeline
General Manager
First Watch Daytime Cafe
08.2023 - Current
Bartender
Red Robin
07.2022 - 08.2023
General Manager
Olive Garden
06.2017 - 07.2022
Recruiter/ Hiring Manager
Hospitality Staffing LLC
08.2016 - 05.2017
Server/ Bartender
Carmine’s
07.2014 - 09.2016
Server/Special Events Assistant/Bartender/Manager
Dave & Buster’s
06.2012 - 12.2015
Server/Manager Paphos Diner
Dave & Buster’s
08.2010 - 06.2013
High School Diploma -
Secondary School for Journalism