ERIK VAUGHN WEATHERFORD III.
Los Angeles
Summary
Senior hospitality executive with a proven track record leading multi-venue operations, luxury dining, nightlife, and experiential brands. Expert in driving profitability, optimizing operational performance, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Manager of Operations
GVO HOSPITALITY
2025 - Current
- Lead operations across multiple venues including cafes and restaurant concepts, ensuring brand consistency and profitability.
- Drive strategic initiatives improving efficiency, guest experience, and scalability.
- Oversee budgets, vendor partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Lead operations across multiple venues, including cafes and restaurant concepts, ensuring brand consistency and profitability.
- Developed and implemented culinary strategies to enhance menu offerings and customer satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline kitchen operations, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
General Manager
GVO HOSPITALITY
2024 - 2025
- Directed daily operations of a high-volume flagship concept.
- Implemented cost controls, training programs, and labor strategies.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards.
- Contributed to LA Times Top 101 Restaurants recognition.
- Oversaw recruitment, training, and development of staff to ensure high performance standards.
- Analyzed financial reports to drive profitability and support budgetary planning processes.
Director of Operations
FACE OF JULES
2023 - 2025
- Managed staffing, scheduling, and client experience.
- Led expansion initiatives and vendor negotiations.
- Increased revenue by 20% and developed training systems.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across all departments.
- Improved safety records by instituting strict compliance with health and safety regulations and conducting regular training sessions for staff.
Assistant General Manager of Nightlife
THE h.WOOD GROUP
2022 - 2023
- Oversaw nightlife operations, service teams, and VIP relations.
- Supported events and revenue optimization initiatives.
- Optimized scheduling practices to ensure appropriate coverage during peak hours while minimizing labor costs.
- Mentored staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that enhanced employee performance and retention.
Operations Manager
THE AVRA GROUP
2018 - 2020
- Opening team for Beverly Hills location of NY-based fine dining group.
- Delivered training and established service standards.
- Oversaw FOH staffing and compliance.
- Streamlined operations by implementing process improvements across multiple departments.
Operations Manager / Bar Manager
INSOMNIAC EVENTS
2017 - 2020
- Managed large-scale event budgets, staffing, and logistics.
- Drove operational improvements and profitability.
- Executed VIP service in high-volume environments.
- Oversaw inventory management processes, reducing waste and improving accuracy.
General Manager
VIVA HOLLYWOOD
2016 - 2018
- Managed full FOH & BOH operations, labor, and payroll.
- Led training and maintained compliance standards.
- Directed daily operations to enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to optimize service delivery and reduce operational costs.
Restaurant Manager
PREUX & PROPER
2014 - 2016
- Managed multi-concept operations and service execution.
- Drove revenue through events and activations.
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations to ensure exceptional guest experiences and service quality.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in customer service and operational efficiency.
Executive Beverage Director
BESO HOLLYWOOD
2013 - 2016
- Designed beverage programs and trained staff.
- Maintained compliance and sub-18% liquor cost.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth.
- Interviewed, recruited and trained new onboarding candidates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA2011
Skills
- Multi-Venue Operations
- Onboarding & Training
- P&L Management
- Cost Control
- Team Leadership & Development
- Curating VIP Guest Experiences
- Vendor Relations
- Luxury Dining Standards
- Event Operations
- Process Optimization
- Health Code Compliance
Timeline
Executive Manager of Operations
GVO HOSPITALITY
2025 - Current
General Manager
GVO HOSPITALITY
2024 - 2025
Director of Operations
FACE OF JULES
2023 - 2025
Assistant General Manager of Nightlife
THE h.WOOD GROUP
2022 - 2023
Operations Manager
THE AVRA GROUP
2018 - 2020
Operations Manager / Bar Manager
INSOMNIAC EVENTS
2017 - 2020
General Manager
VIVA HOLLYWOOD
2016 - 2018
Restaurant Manager
PREUX & PROPER
2014 - 2016
Executive Beverage Director
BESO HOLLYWOOD
2013 - 2016
Bachelor of Science - Business
Kennesaw State University