VALENCIA FRANKLIN
Los Angeles
Summary
Results-driven professional with over a decade of experience in the food service industry, specializing in operational excellence. Expertise includes optimizing operations procedures at a brand level and ensuring high adoption across enterprise-level initiatives. Proven track record in executing successful brand rollouts for campaigns, limited-time offers (LTOs), market tests, system transitions, and retail IT updates. Committed to empowering restaurant operators through innovative solutions and support while fostering a culture of excellence and efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Loan Specialist
The Savings Group
04.2024 - Current
- Surpass sales goals by directing customers through the auto refinance process and implementing consultative upselling strategies to finalize deals.
- Manage high-volume loans from approval to lender funded while ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal policies and regulations.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external lenders to resolve discrepancies, verify customer eligibility, and expedite funding timelines.
- Negotiated loan terms to provide favorable outcomes for both customers and lenders.
Manager, Operations Services
GoTo Foods
03.2022 - 02.2024
- Created brand implementation guides and standard operating procedures for in-bakery application by restaurant operators and owners.
- Managed operational components of LTO's, brand campaigns, market tests, retail IT enhancements, and system transitions while partnering cross-functionally with key stakeholders.
- Collaborated with R&D to optimize recipe procedures, conduct equipment tests, and facilitate smallware upgrades.
- Conducted frequent brand webinars attracting participation from over 150 franchisees and operators.
- Oversaw "Ops Services Inbox" facilitating direct support requests from franchisees, ensuring 24-hour response time.
District Manager
Sterling Restaurants
08.2020 - 03.2022
- Coordinated recruitment, training, and development of high-performing general managers and assistant managers for market.
- Supervise individual unit and district P&L to guarantee adherence to budgets and organizational financial goals.
- Guide team in managing food and labor costs, optimizing inventory management and controllable expenses to align with brand standards.
- Evaluated sales data to uncover trends and modify strategies accordingly.
District Manager
Chicken Salad Chick
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Implemented effective management tools like the Daily Activity Tracker & new inventory system to improve day-to-day efficiencies.
- Assisted in the openings of new company stores outside of the district to support the growth of the brand in other markets.
- Increased area sales from -5% to +11% in six months.
- Directed annual offsite vending event for "the mart" generating over $100k in sales.
General Manager
Shane’s Rib Shack
02.2016 - 02.2019
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading store operations and prioritizing strategic planning.
- Awarded General Manager of the Year for excellence in leadership & sales growth.
- Increased sales 6% in 2017 and 4% in 2018 through community engagement, team building, & growing in-store catering.
- Maintained the highest employee retention across all locations for two consecutive years.
Area Catering & Marketing Coordinator
Shane’s Rib Shack
06.2013 - 01.2016
- Elevated weekly catering sales from $3k to $8k+ by cultivating client relationships and maintaining key accounts.
- Implemented community pop-ups and established local partnership programs to enhance catering sales and attract in-store traffic to restaurants.
- Performed trade area analysis for each location to enhance brand exposure and marketing tactics.
Education
General Studies -
Georgia State University
01-2017
Skills
- Experienced with SaaS restaurant software including Toast, Revel, and NCR
- Enterprise-level client support
- Creating scalable guides and implementation resources
- CRM systems management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- ServSafe Certified
- Independent & collaborative project management
Timeline
Loan Specialist
The Savings Group
04.2024 - Current
Manager, Operations Services
GoTo Foods
03.2022 - 02.2024
District Manager
Sterling Restaurants
08.2020 - 03.2022
District Manager
Chicken Salad Chick
02.2019 - 08.2020
General Manager
Shane’s Rib Shack
02.2016 - 02.2019
Area Catering & Marketing Coordinator
Shane’s Rib Shack
06.2013 - 01.2016
General Studies -
Georgia State University