Jelani Bryant

Results-driven District Manager and Multi-Unit Operations Leader with 10+ years of experience leading high-volume retail, hospitality, food service, and customer-focused operations across 10–30 locations generating $8M–$25M+ in annual revenue. Proven record of delivering sustainable revenue growth, operational excellence, profitability improvement, workforce development, and exceptional customer experiences. Recognized for driving business performance through strategic leadership, P&L management, KPI execution, labor optimization, cost control, operational audits, and continuous process improvement.

Demonstrated success leading new market expansions, store openings, turnaround initiatives, and district-wide performance improvement programs while maintaining high standards of operational compliance and brand execution. Experienced in developing high-performing leadership teams, succession planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and change management initiatives that improve retention, productivity, and organizational effectiveness. Adept at leveraging data analytics, performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration to execute business strategies and exceed financial and operational objectives.

Head Chef at The Listening Room Café (2025-09 – Present)

Lead operations in a high-volume venue generating ~$2M–$4M annually, aligning culinary execution with guest experience and brand identity.

• Improved kitchen throughput and service speed by 18%, increasing capacity and guest satisfaction.
• Reduced food cost variance by 8–12% through inventory control and waste reduction.
• Increased average transaction value (ATV) by 10–15% through menu optimization and upsell strategy.
• Built a performance-driven culture improving consistency, accountability, and execution across all shifts.

Culinary Innovation Specialist | Regional Training & Performance Coach | Regional Training Partner at Maple Street Biscuit Company / Cracker Barrel (2021-03 – 2025-09)

Directed operational performance across 10–16 locations averaging $1.5M–$3M per unit annually.

• Led 10+ new store openings (NSOs), achieving 85–95% of projected revenue within first 90 days.
• Increased same-store sales (SSS) by 8–14% year-over-year (YoY) through execution and coaching.
• Improved profitability by 12–20% through labor optimization and COGS reduction strategies.
• Turned 3+ underperforming locations into top 10% performers within 6 months.
• Maintained 90–95%+ customer satisfaction (CSAT) across all locations.
• Developed 50+ managers and 200+ employees, reducing turnover 15–25%.
• Reduced onboarding ramp time 20–30% through structured training systems.
• Supported local store marketing (LSM) initiatives, increasing traffic and opening performance.
• Successfully rolled out new menu items and operational systems with high adoption and minimal disruption.

Retail & Food & Beverage (F&B) Department Manager at Legoland Discovery Center (2020-03 – 2021-01)

Directed retail and F&B operations in a high-traffic environment serving thousands weekly.

• Increased average guest spend 10–18% through upselling and team coaching.
• Reduced labor and operational waste by 10–12% via SOP implementation.
• Improved consistency, team performance, and customer experience.

Project Manager / Assistant General Manager (AGM) at Stablegold Hospitality (2017-06 – 2019-01)

• Managed full P&L operations, improving margins and operational efficiency.
• Increased customer satisfaction by 25%+, driving repeat business.
• Led acquisition transition, achieving 90%+ revenue targets within 6 months.
• Built structured training programs that improved retention and team performance.

Multi-Unit Training & Sales Manager at Verizon Wireless (2016-12 – 2017-05)

• Managed performance across multiple locations, driving double-digit sales growth.
• Oversaw $250K+ monthly inventory operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Improved conversion rates and upselling performance through structured coaching.

Corporate Multi-Unit General Manager (GM) at Burger King Corporation (2012-11 – 2016-12)

Led operations across 16–30 locations generating $10M+ annual revenue.

• Delivered 10–18% sustained profit growth through labor and cost control.
• Managed teams of 50+ employees per location, building leadership pipelines.
• Conducted operational audits, remodel evaluations, and turnaround strategies.
• Improved retention and customer satisfaction through leadership development.

Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality, Sales & Marketing – Johnson & Wales University