Eric Lokken

Dynamic hospitality expert with multiple years of experience in full-service restaurants and bar management. Proven track record in guest services, team leadership, and innovative staff training including bartending. Adept at managing high-volume environments and proficient in craft beer protocols, ensuring exceptional service and operational excellence in fast-paced settings.

Service Manager at Parry's Pizza

Managed full-service restaurant with $1.75 million in annual sales, overseeing operations and bar management

• Led and motivated a team of 15-25 staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment
• Developed and executed 15 in-house events enhancing customer engagement and brand presence
• Established and maintained partnerships with 40-45 breweries and cideries to support craft beer offerings
• Designed and implemented a bartender training program emphasizing craft beer knowledge and service excellence
• Delivered exceptional customer service to up to 225 guests per shift, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business
• Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone training program, enhancing product knowledge and staff training capabilities

District Manager / Training Manager at Moe's Southwest Grill

Directed operations and standards for 13 restaurant locations, ensuring consistent quality and service

• Coached and developed 13 general managers to achieve and maintain a minimum 94% assessment score
• Delivered semi-annual P&L training courses to enhance financial literacy and operational efficiency
• Served as company liaison for chamber of commerce, organizing 45 business-to-business events to foster community relations
• Advised on local restaurant marketing programs, identifying collaboration opportunities with local businesses
• Managed openings for 6 new restaurants, overseeing staffing, training, and operational setup

General Manager at Noodles & Co.

Managed quick casual restaurant with $1.75 million in annual sales, overseeing daily operations and staff

• Developed and executed quarterly business plans targeting 8% same-store sales growth
• Created and implemented local restaurant marketing strategies to support business objectives
• Maintained labor costs at 13.0% and cost of goods sold at 28.0%, ensuring budget adherence
• Directed testing and rollout of new menu items as a beta testing location
• Achieved a 4-year same-store sales growth rate of 52.6% through effective management and marketing

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration / Entrepreneurship – Frostburg State University

Leadership Frederick County Program – Frederick County Chamber of Commerce (2015)

Advanced Individual Training in Food Service – United States Army