DAMIEN JOHNSON
Costa Mesa
Summary
Accomplished Restaurant and Country Club Manager with over 10 years of progressive hospitality leadership experience. Highly skilled in operations management, sales growth, vendor relations, and staff development within luxury and high-volume environments. Recognized for driving guest satisfaction, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining the highest service and quality standards.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Food & Beverage Director
Mesa Verde Country Club
07.2023 - 11.2025
- Oversaw daily Food & Beverage operations across multiple outlets, ensuring premium service standards and smooth execution of club events.
- Managed, trained, and evaluated staff to enhance performance and maintain operational excellence.
- Directed financial management processes, including budgeting, cost controls, and P&L; review.
- Handled guest relations, issue resolution, and vendor coordination for large-scale events and daily operations.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and company policies.
Food & Beverage Manager
Big Canyon Country Club
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Trained and supervised front-of-house staff, ensuring product knowledge and refined service standards.
- Resolved guest concerns promptly to maintain the highest satisfaction scores.
- Verified compliance with food and beverage safety regulations, initiating remedial training when necessary.
- Fostered strong vendor relationships to secure volume pricing and consistent product availability.
- Managed hiring, scheduling, and development of bar and service teams.
Food & Beverage Manager
The Resort at Pelican Hill
02.2022 - 10.2022
- Directed day-to-day operations for luxury resort dining outlets, ensuring exceptional guest experiences.
- Led and motivated service teams, balancing coverage and performance for optimal results.
- Coordinated private events and business functions, generating significant increases in overall sales.
- Maintained timekeeping, staffing, and payroll accuracy while enforcing resort standards.
Beverage Manager
Red O Restaurant
12.2020 - 02.2022
- Managed a $7M annual beverage program, overseeing procurement, vendor negotiations, and inventory controls.
- Directed a 50+ person bar and floor team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
- Increased per-guest beverage spend through strategic menu curation, upselling programs, and staff education.
- Implemented systems for precise ordering and cost control, boosting profitability.
Restaurant Manager
Greenleaf Chopshop
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Managed all aspects of daily restaurant operations including staffing, inventory, and guest relations.
- Controlled inventory levels and purchasing to reduce waste and maintain profitability.
- Provided leadership that increased sales and enhanced guest satisfaction metrics.
General Manager
602 Coffee House
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Spearheaded the successful opening of the company’s flagship downtown location.
- Directed all operational areas including HR, scheduling, vendor sourcing, and cost management.
- Developed standardized operating procedures and par levels to streamline operations.
Catering Manager
Sancho’s Tacos
06.2015 - 03.2018
- Established and grew the catering division from inception, expanding brand visibility and revenue.
- Planned and executed catered events for up to 200 guests, maintaining exceptional service standards.
- Managed staffing, vendor coordination, and event logistics for private and corporate clients.
Education
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration & Management
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA06.2013
Skills
- Operations Management & Leadership
- Sales Growth & Profit Optimization
- Customer Relations & Issue Resolution
- Staff Recruitment, Training & Scheduling
- Vendor Negotiation & Purchasing
- Inventory Control & Cost Management
- Event Coordination & Execution
- Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Financial management
- Budgeting and forecasting
Timeline
Assistant Food & Beverage Director
Mesa Verde Country Club
07.2023 - 11.2025
Food & Beverage Manager
Big Canyon Country Club
10.2022 - 05.2023
Food & Beverage Manager
The Resort at Pelican Hill
02.2022 - 10.2022
Beverage Manager
Red O Restaurant
12.2020 - 02.2022
Restaurant Manager
Greenleaf Chopshop
02.2019 - 12.2020
General Manager
602 Coffee House
01.2018 - 03.2019
Catering Manager
Sancho’s Tacos
06.2015 - 03.2018
Associate of Business Administration - Business Administration & Management
Riverside City College