James W. Skeen
Riverside
Summary
Restaurant management professional with 35 years of experience in customer service, specializing in staff training and development. Proven track record in enhancing guest experiences through effective coaching and operational management. Expertise in wine knowledge and commitment to exceptional service, seeking opportunities in wineries or customer service roles.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager/Kitchen Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
03.2007 - Current
- I’ve been at CPK for over 17 years as a Kitchen Manager and Assistant General Manager
- I’ve been responsible for hiring, teaching and coaching staff for front and back of house.
- I am responsible for food ordering and Liquor for our unit to ensure we had correct pars to maintain product levels and to avoid waste and ensure freshness of product.
- I work with managers to develop their skills to be promoted to AGM and Kitchen Managers
- I would conduct wine classes for Servers and Bartenders to help increase their knowledge of wines
General Manager
Johnny Carino’s Restaurant
Temecula
05.2001 - 03.2007
- Opened the first location in Temecula California, also opened 12 other stores in California
- Facilitated hiring, training, and development of staff for successful store openings.
- Managed operations of one test store for the company.
- While at my home store I was responsible for Profit & Loss accountability for my location.
- Was given “MVP General Manager award for 2005-200six at our GM conference.””
- Development & Training of new Managers & AGMs to get them ready for GM position.
- Oversaw hiring and training of new team members.
- Enhanced sales by training service staff to prioritize guest experience and act as knowledgeable salespeople.
- Conducted wine classes for servers and bartenders to elevate their product knowledge and improve customer service.
Sales Rep
Wine Warehouse
01.1985 - 01.1989
- Increased sales of wine and liquor to restaurant accounts and retail locations through targeted outreach.
- Trained staff at retail locations and restaurants to enhance sales performance and product knowledge.
- Conducted wine dinners at restaurants to engage guests and promote understanding of wines and wineries.
Education
Hotel Restaurant management, Culinary Art’s
Orange Coast College
Costa Mesa, CA01-1987
Skills
- Menu development
- Operations management
- Inventory management
- Inventory control
- Cost control
- Cost analysis
- Budget control
- Operational budgeting
- Financial management
- Sales strategy
- Staff recruitment
- Staff training
- Training background
- Employee relations
- Staff management
- Process improvements
- CRM management
- Customer service
- Development skills
Timeline
Assistant General Manager/Kitchen Manager
California Pizza Kitchen
03.2007 - Current
General Manager
Johnny Carino’s Restaurant
05.2001 - 03.2007
Sales Rep
Wine Warehouse
01.1985 - 01.1989
Hotel Restaurant management, Culinary Art’s
Orange Coast College