Ben Kirchner
Santa Rosa
Summary
Results-driven hospitality manager specializing in operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Leads teams to achieve objectives while adapting to dynamic environments. Expertise in inventory management, staff training, customer service, and financial oversight.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Tasting Room Manager
Francis Ford Coppola
01.2024 - Current
- Managed operations in tasting room, overseeing sales strategies, promotions, and guest relations while supporting hospitality team leadership.
- Managed daily operations of tasting room, enhancing customer experience and service quality.
- Trained and mentored staff on wine knowledge, customer engagement, and sales techniques.
- Developed and implemented promotional events to increase foot traffic and brand awareness.
Restaurant Manager
Graton Resort & Casino
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Created employee schedules for efficient staffing in the restaurant, handled customer and employee relations, and orchestrated events in the casino within our restaurant. Supported the Expo team during peak hours to improve service delivery during peak hours. Oversaw cost of goods sold to maintain budgetary goals and revenue goals.
- Led operations for high-volume restaurant, optimizing workflow and enhancing guest experience.
- Developed training programs, mentoring staff to improve service quality and team performance.
- Implemented inventory control systems, reducing waste and ensuring stock availability.
Kitchen Manager/General Manager
Johnny Garlic’s
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Managed FOH and BOH operations, created staff schedules, and coordinated Monitored KPIs, labor and food costs, and achieved revenue goals while analyzing average check goals, and average check.
- Managed daily kitchen operations, ensuring adherence to food safety standards and quality control measures.
- Developed and implemented training programs for kitchen staff, enhancing overall team performance and efficiency.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage across all menu items.
Head Chef
Russian River Brewing
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed ordering, scheduling, and prep lists to ensure innovative menu items and specials to enhance customer experience.g menu items and spCollaborated with suppliers and local businesses in north bay to strengthen community ties and support local sourcing. suppliers and local businesses from around the north bay.
- Led kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
- Developed seasonal menus, incorporating local ingredients to enhance customer experience.
- Trained and mentored kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Lead / Maintenance / Trainer
Dutch Bros Coffee
01.2017 - 06.2020
- Led crews under high stress, maintaining and repairing espresso machines and coffee grinders to ensure operational efficiency.
- Developed and delivered training programs for new team members to enhance operational efficiency.
- Mentored staff in customer service techniques, resulting in improved customer satisfaction ratings.
- Implemented onboarding processes that streamlined training timelines for new hires.
Line Cook / Shift Lead
High Tech Burrito
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Managed the restaurant and crew, created schedules, and placed food orders.
- Prepared ingredients and assembled burritos according to high standards of quality and presentation.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen workspace, adhering to food safety regulations.
- Operated kitchen equipment efficiently, ensuring proper use and maintenance for optimal performance.
Marketing Manager
Nieco
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Strategized, created, & implemented marketing directives to expand reach in global marProduced, edited, & published photoshoots, video shoots, & advertisements to enhance bDesigned & maintained company website and social media to ensure consistent online presence.site and social media.
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive customer engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to launch successful product campaigns, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer data to inform decision-making and optimize marketing efforts.
Marketing Coordinator
LaserVue Eye Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Obtained, tracked, and communicated with web leads for the company. Created, produced, and managed social media accounts. Optimized website SEO & developed ad campaigns to drive online traffic.
- Coordinated marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and patient engagement.
- Managed social media accounts, creating content to drive audience interaction and awareness.
- Developed promotional materials, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and messaging.
Marketing Specialist
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Developed marketing materials for the Resort. Established and curated social media platforms for engagement. Organized and facilitated special events at the Resort. Executed marketing strategies provided by the Director of Sales & Marketing.
- Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns to enhance brand visibility and guest engagement.
- Analyzed market trends and consumer behavior to inform strategic marketing decisions and initiatives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to create cohesive promotional materials and digital content.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA06-2022
Skills
- Hospitality Management
- Wine Marketing
- Event Coordination
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Marketing
- Google Ads
- Google Analytics
- Meta Business Suite
- Salesforce
- Hubspot
- Microsoft 365
- Customer service
Certification
- BA in Business Administration - Marketing
- Google Ads Certified
- Google Analytics Certified
Timeline
Assistant Tasting Room Manager
Francis Ford Coppola
01.2024 - Current
Marketing Manager
Nieco
01.2023 - 01.2024
Marketing Coordinator
LaserVue Eye Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
Marketing Specialist
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
01.2020 - 01.2022
Restaurant Manager
Graton Resort & Casino
01.2019 - 01.2020
Head Chef
Russian River Brewing
01.2018 - 01.2019
Lead / Maintenance / Trainer
Dutch Bros Coffee
01.2017 - 06.2020
Kitchen Manager/General Manager
Johnny Garlic’s
01.2014 - 01.2017
Line Cook / Shift Lead
High Tech Burrito
01.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Sonoma State University