Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Emily Hughes

Knoxville,TN

Summary

Result-driven business leader with proven track record in strategic planning, operational excellence, and financial management. Skilled in fostering team collaboration, driving growth initiatives, and adapting to evolving business needs. Known for strong leadership, effective communication, and focus on achieving measurable results. Proficient in decision-making, conflict resolution, and leveraging market opportunities to maximize profitability.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Managing Partner

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
04.2024 - 06.2025
  • Established and implemented business procedures and process improvements.
  • Mentored staff members, resulting in a more cohesive team and increased overall performance.
  • Spearheaded successful client engagements resulting in repeat business and positive referrals from satisfied clients.
  • Oversaw financial management of the Knoxville location, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and profitability.
  • Optimized resource allocation, reducing operational costs while maintaining service quality standards.
  • Led recruitment efforts to attract top talent, contributing to a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting client demands effectively.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive organizational improvements and meet strategic objectives.
  • Established clear communication channels within the organization, fostering collaboration among team members towards shared goals.
  • Evaluated market trends to identify new business opportunities and develop targeted growth strategies accordingly.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for staff members to ensure alignment with company goals and foster professional development.
  • Aligned business objectives with industry best practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintained its reputation for excellence.
  • Analyzed and presented financial standings and cost effectiveness to other partners and directors.
  • Managed restaurant scheduling, foodservice and customer service.
  • Audited kitchen and front of house to guarantee cost-effectiveness of restaurant.
  • Optimized supply chain operations, ensuring timely delivery of products and minimizing costs through effective vendor negotiations.
  • Cultivated high-performance team environment, recruiting top talent and implementing development programs for leadership and skill advancement.
  • Strengthened client relationships through personalized service and attention to detail, resulting in high retention rates and positive referrals.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
  • Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
  • Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
  • Collaborated with HR, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Represented organization at industry conferences and events.

General Manager

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
11.2022 - 04.2024
  • Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
  • Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
  • Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
  • Provided thoughtful guidance to personnel in navigating and resolving snags in productivity.
  • Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.

Assistant General Manager

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
06.2021 - 11.2022
  • Accomplishments: streamlined staffing daily procedures, completed LBW product optimization, and updated training guides. Developed a culture that focuses on unwavering commitment to our standards and service with a dedication to our guests and the brand.
  • Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
  • Motivated, trained, and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns in a timely manner.
  • Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain proper stock levels and minimize spoilage or waste.
  • Ensured compliance with all health department regulations by implementing strict sanitation guidelines throughout the establishment.
  • Monitored facility maintenance needs, coordinating repairs and upgrades as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Analyzed customer feedback data to identify areas of improvement and develop solutions.
  • Enhanced communication among team members through regular meetings, promoting an open dialogue about challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Team Lead

Dollywood Theme Park
09.2020 - 04.2021
  • Duties: Managed multiple locations across the park, Red's Burgers, Blue Ribbon Pavilion, & Front Porch, developed menus, calculated food and labor cost, ordering, scheduling, and training for each location.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
  • Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
  • Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
  • Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
  • Managed schedules, accepted time off requests and found coverage for short shifts.
  • Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.

Catering Director - University of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2017 - 08.2019
  • Collaborated closely with clients to develop exciting catering menus for memorable events.
  • Streamlined operations with meticulous planning and organization of logistics for large-scale events and corporate functions.
  • Maintained close working relationships with food and beverage director, head chef, and banquet manager.
  • Managed a diverse team of over 150 culinary professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration, continuous learning, and excellence in execution.
  • Coordinated with event planners, decorators, and other vendors to ensure seamless execution of client vision from start to finish.

Catering Manager - University of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2016 - 08.2017
  • Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
  • Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
  • Handled catering scheduling, ordered food and planned events.
  • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.

Multi-Unit General Manager - U of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
07.2012 - 08.2017
  • Over the five year span in this role I operated two to three units at a time, in different locations, with mainly college student staffing.
  • Brands that I operated were Subway, Twisted Taco (based in Atlanta), Einstein's Bagels, Starbucks (highest volume store in the state of Tennessee), I opened two locations of Panda Express, and the first Raising Canes in Tennessee.
  • Improved brands reputation by addressing customer concerns promptly, resulting in an increased number of positive reviews online.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes to minimize waste and maintain optimal stock levels at each location.
  • Optimized scheduling practices to maximize labor efficiency while maintaining high-quality customer service standards at each location.
  • Ensured consistent implementation of company policies and procedures through regular communication with all unit managers.
  • Reduced expenses and increased profits by optimizing resource allocation across multiple units.
  • Facilitated inter-unit collaboration on projects that required joint resources or expertise sharing between locations within the organization.
  • Increased overall unit performance by implementing effective management strategies and streamlining operations.

Education

No Degree - Cognitive Psychology

University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN

Skills

  • Customer-focused service
  • Skilled in prioritizing concurrent responsibilities
  • Analytical
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Effective time management
  • Commitment to integrity
  • Strategic planning
  • Financial forecasting & analysis

Certification

  • Serve Safe Manager - Expires in 2026

Timeline

Managing Partner

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
04.2024 - 06.2025

General Manager

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
11.2022 - 04.2024

Assistant General Manager

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro
06.2021 - 11.2022

Team Lead

Dollywood Theme Park
09.2020 - 04.2021

Catering Director - University of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2017 - 08.2019

Catering Manager - University of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
08.2016 - 08.2017

Multi-Unit General Manager - U of Tennessee

ARAMARK, Higher Education
07.2012 - 08.2017

No Degree - Cognitive Psychology

University of Tennessee

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Emily Hughes