General Manager Inventory Management

Russell Robardey

Restaurateur & Chef

Mesa, AZ **204 480-***-**** **********@***.***

Professional Summary

I am Russell Robardey, an accomplished culinary expert and astute business strategist, known for my ability to thrive in the dynamic restaurant industry. As a proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, I have carved out a niche for myself as a trusted Restaurant Leader and Advisor, with a proven track record of turning underperforming venues into thriving hotspots.

My approach to food is simple yet effective – I focus on delivering top-notch quality coupled with unmatched customer satisfaction. But my expertise isn't limited to the kitchen. I bring financial acumen to my roles, having significantly reduced operating costs through strategic inventory management and labor efficiencies.

Wherever I go, I bring along my passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. I believe in transforming restaurants into successful businesses and creating memorable dining experiences for patrons. My journey in the hospitality industry continues, and I am excited about the opportunities ahead.

Work Experience

General Manager

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill –Scottsdale, AZ 10/2023 – Present

Key player in financial management, including cost control, payroll, invoicing, pricing, and inventory.

Innovativly developed menu options by keeping abreast of restaurant trends.

Fostered a supportive environment through talent development and lead-by-example approach.

Reengineered food menu to meet community and business needs, standardized kitchen procedures.

Developed Menus for daily specials.

Established community outreach through schools programs and targeted menus for office lunches to build repeat clientele.

Optimized operating costs through efficient inventory management and labor use.

Leveraged networking abilities to source products and staff.

Enhanced business reputation, maintaining a 4.8 Star Review average on Google Reviews.

Assistant General Manager

Duelies Sports Bar & Dueling Pianos –Scottsdale, AZ 9/2022 – 9/2023

Key player in financial management, including cost control, payroll, invoicing, pricing, and inventory.

Innovatively developed menu options by keeping abreast of restaurant trends.

Fostered a supportive environment through talent development and lead-by-example approach.

Executive Chef

12 West Downtown Mesa – Mesa, AZ 01/2022 – 9/2022

Reengineered food menu to meet community and business needs, standardized kitchen procedures.

Optimized operating costs through efficient inventory management and labor use.

Leveraged networking abilities to source products and staff.

Enhanced business reputation, maintaining a 4.5 Star Review average on Google Reviews.

Owner / Executive Chef

Relish Company - Mesa, Arizona 12/2015 – 12/2021

Managed business operations, inventory control, and customer service.

Cultivated kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.

Estimated food consumption, developed recipes, standardized production for consistent quality, established presentation technique.

Planned seasonally, considering ingredient availability and key area events for optimal promotions.

Mortgage Underwriter

Home Point Financial - Mesa, Arizona 08/2020 - 12/2021

Assessed loan applications based on established criteria to minimize institutional risk.

Evaluated credit risks by reviewing files and data against internal checklists and guidelines.

Balanced risk against profitability for optimal business decisions, mentored junior team members in making similar critical decisions.

Ensured mortgage program compliance with federal agencies such as VA, HUD, and FNMA.

Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator

Mortgage SAFE Certification - DiTech 07/2016 - 10/2018

Consistently met 24-hour timeline, provided firm approval or denial decisions.

Made careful determinations based on analyses of submitted documentation covering credit histories, employment records, and current financial status.

Collaborated with processing team members to communicate errors and obtain missing information for current applications.

Licensed Sales Agent

Health Plan One LLC - Gilbert, AZ. 08/2015 – 01/2016 (Seasonal)

General Manager

Americas Taco Shop & Smashburger, Sky Harbor Airport - Phoenix, AZ 07/2014 - 08/2015

Hire, train and develop Management and hourly staff.

Successfully cross-trained multiple staff to enable labor efficiency for both locations, while maintaining quality of product and execution in ticket times.

Performed administrative duties such as payroll, managing labor, cash handling, hiring paperwork, interviewing process, and food cost control.

Supported all culinary operations and ensured successful daily shift operations.

Analyzed and maintained store inventory and ordering.

Have developed and established COGS Spreadsheets for the menu of America’s Taco Shop, implemented menu changes for the purposes of sales growth and customer retention.

Established guidelines for HR procedures for our satellite location in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Have successfully managed and executed food preparation and execution from both SmashBurger and America’s Taco Shop.

Kahala Corporation - Scottsdale, AZ

Americas Taco Shop

General Manager 10/2013-8/2014

Hire, train and develop Management and hourly staff.

Performed administrative duties such as payroll, managing labor, cash handling, and food cost control.

Successfully managed and executed food preparation at multiple locations, with a focus on cross-training staff for labor efficiency without compromising product quality or execution times.

Supported all culinary operations and ensured successful daily shift operations.

Tour the store with potential Franchisees.

Plan, coordinate, and assist in the execution of food preparation for trade shows and corporate events.

Assist in the implementation and execution of new products and the training of new owners.

General Manager

PF Chang’s Corporation: Pei Wei Asian Diner 3/2004 – 12/2007

Education

Associate of Science: Culinary Arts

Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Scottsdale, AZ 10/2002

Licenses AZGFD License – RES COMBO License # HH140814 Valid Through 6/5/2024

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