Ernesto Orovio Jr

Passionate restaurant and hospitality leader with extensive multi-unit operational experience across high-volume casual dining, entertainment, and fast casual concepts. Proven track record of driving sales growth, improving operational efficiency, developing high-performing teams, and building strong service standards that enhance the guest experience. Skilled in financial management, cost control, training and development, vendor negotiations, menu engineering, and operational strategy.

Recognized for developing strong leadership cultures, improving profitability, and delivering consistent execution across multi-million-dollar operations.

Training / Multi Unit General Manager - Grimaldi's Pizzeria - Texas

(2024-03 - 2026-05)

• Directly oversee operations for 5 locations across Texas generating $15.4M in annual revenue while achieving 4% year-over-year market sales growth in FY2025
• Lead financial forecasting, labor management, and food cost controls across multiple locations, improving operational efficiency and profitability
• Develop and mentor 20 managers and more than 250 team members while reinforcing strong service standards and leadership accountability
• Implement operational systems and vendor partnerships that reduced repair, maintenance, and smallware costs across the market
• Manage menu pricing, inventory controls, payroll reconciliation, budgeting, and P&L reviews to support sustained financial performance

Senior General Manager - Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant - San Antonio, TX

(2021-10 - 2024-03)

• Directed operations for 3 locations producing $9.3M in annual revenue while maintaining strong guest satisfaction and operational consistency
• Managed labor, food cost, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory controls across all locations to support profitability goals
• Recruited, trained, and developed 14 managers and more than 80 employees, building a culture focused on hospitality and accountability
• Led menu development initiatives, promotions, and operational improvements that strengthened brand performance and team execution
• Negotiated vendor pricing and implemented cost-saving strategies that lowered operational expenses without sacrificing quality standards

Corporate Manager - La Familia Cortez Restaurants - San Antonio, TX

(2019-06 - 2021-10)

• Oversaw bar operations, menu development, and operational execution for 5 restaurant locations including Mi Tierra Café with annual revenue exceeding $27.9M
• Played a key role in developing the Zapatas Artisan Mexican Pizza and Wings concept, contributing to menu innovation and sales growth
• Helped create and execute high-volume Fiesta and Cinco de Mayo drive-through operations at Mi Tierra and Mi Familia during critical business periods
• Managed forecasting, labor controls, inventory, menu pricing, and budgeting to maintain operational and financial performance
• Developed operational systems and vendor relationships that improved efficiency, lowered costs, and strengthened overall restaurant performance

Area / Training General Manager - Wing Daddy's Sauce House - Texas

(2018-03 - 2019-07)

• Managed operations for 3 locations with combined annual revenue of $6.25M including a home store producing $2.65M annually
• Oversaw labor management, food cost controls, inventory, budgeting, and P&L performance across the area
• Led hiring, training, and development initiatives while coaching Manager-in-Training candidates through successful leadership programs
• Improved operational consistency and guest experience by implementing systems focused on execution, product quality, and service standards
• Reduced operational expenses through vendor sourcing and strategic negotiations for maintenance and smallware purchasing