Austin Green
Director of Operations · Hospitality & Restaurant Industry
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About
Results-driven hospitality executive with extensive multi-unit leadership experience across full-service, fast-casual, and franchise concepts. Recognized for outstanding leadership, team development, guest relations, and operational execution. Consistent track record of reversing distressed operations, driving profitability, developing high-performing GM teams, and building scalable systems that grow people and grow sales.
Experience
Director of Operations - FREE RANGE CONCEPTS
(2024-08)
Multi-brand hospitality group operating full-service restaurant and entertainment concepts across Texas. Oversee operations across four locations — BBD, LJ, RUD, and RUC — with direct accountability for sales performance, people development, financial results, and FRC brand standards.
- Lead GM team through structured weekly 1:1's, documented coaching conversations, and clear financial accountability frameworks covering labor, COGs, and direct expenses.
- Drove Q1 EBITDA of $175,413 at 9.7% margin at RUD — up $171,715 year over year and $15,278 ahead of budget. Private Event Sales grew 12.5% YOY to $825,216 for the quarter.
- Developed and executed a two-scenario staffing plan across all four locations, establishing par structures and placing the right leadership team ahead of the RUC opening.
- Built accountability infrastructure including commitment trackers, standards documentation, and performance improvement frameworks to hold GMs to a consistent and measurable standard.
- Promoted key internal talent including Dez to AGM, Zach to Manager, and developing Jess and Mia toward Supervisor roles.
Director of Operations → Vice President of Operations - FREE RANGE CONCEPTS / DEFINE GROUP — MUTTS CANINE CANTINA® FRANCHISE LLC
(2018-08 - 2024-06)
Membership-based off-leash dog park with bar and kitchen. Progressed from Director of Operations (reporting to the President of FRC) to Vice President of Operations (reporting to the CEO of the Define Group). Established systems of operations from the ground up — increasing membership sales, profits, and building a scalable, sustainable business model focused on culture and team development.
Progressed to VP of Operations, overseeing all aspects of the MUTTS® brand with focus on building the brand, increasing unit economics, and reducing opening costs.
- Drove double-digit reduction in both operating and development costs through measurable improvements in organization, systems, and processes.
- Collaborated with franchisees through the full construction process, marketing, training, and grand opening execution.
- Developed multi-tiered service offerings that created additional revenue streams and improved value to franchisees and guests.
Operating Partner - APOSTROPHE D / MASH'D RESTAURANT
(2017-07 - 2018-07)
Scratch kitchen with innovative food and beverage, high-energy atmosphere. $3.3M in annual sales — 65% food / 35% LBW.
- Stabilized operations and drove consistent sales growth — increasing sales year over year for 11 consecutive periods.
- Developed and promoted managers from within; trained and elevated hourly team members into leadership roles.
- Partnered with the Area Director on manager development, daily operations, and market-level communication.
Associate Partner - LETTUCE ENTERTAIN YOU — DON AND CHARLIE'S
(2005-06 - 2017-07)
Prime steak and chop house featuring BBQ ribs, fresh seafood, and prime rib. $4.5M projected annual sales · 325 seats · 90 employees · Dinner only.
- Increased contribution by 300% since taking over the GM position through disciplined cost management and culture development.
- Guided the operation through the 2008 recession by strategically reducing COGs and labor while introducing a lower price-point menu option that protected guest counts.
- Developed the wine list, featured cocktail list, and wine/spirit training program for the service team.
- Consistently grew check averages through staff training, one-on-one coaching, and performance incentive programs.
- Recognized as a 2017 OpenTable Top 100 'Hot Spots' in the United States.
Education
University of Texas at Arlington
Conservatory Theatre Arts School of the Southwest
