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
Los Angeles, USA
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
Los Angeles, USA
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
Beverly Hills, USA
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
West Hollywood, USA
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
Beverly Hills, USA
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
Los Angeles, USA
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
Hollywood, USA
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
Los Angeles, USA
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
Hollywood, USA
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