Jen Shannon

Dynamic and results-driven hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in restaurant management/ownership, event coordination, and food & beverage operations. Proven track record in increasing revenue, reducing costs, building effective teams, and elevating customer satisfaction. Expertise in special event planning, designing & managing large festivals, system creation, and operational efficiency for high-volume venues.

Server at Giuseppe's Pizza (2024-08 – Present)

Hired as GM of new location but stayed on as server during 6-month build phase. Seeking to return to restaurant management.

• Hired on to be the GM of the new place originally but the build took six months
• Ended up staying on as a server and the money was great
• Now would like to get back to what I love, managing

Hotel General Manager / Food & Beverage Manager at Desert Hot Springs Hotel & Resort - Sunshine Cafe (2022-04 – 2024-08)

Oversaw operations for a fine dining Italian restaurant and 4 banquet rooms accommodating over 1,500 guests.

• Oversaw operations for a fine dining Italian restaurant and 4 banquet rooms accommodating over 1,500 guests
• Increased annual revenue from $1.4 million to $2.3 million in two years
• Reduced food costs by implementing a portioning program
• Improved customer reviews from 1.8 to 4.2 stars within eight months
• Organized community charity events to enhance brand reputation
• Initiated and managed hotel remodel, increasing hotel revenue by 20% in six months
• Designed and executed comprehensive staff training programs, including safety and workplace violence protocols

Project Manager / General Manager/Partner at Wonderland Entertainment Venue (2019-12 – 2022-04)

Directed the start-up and design of a 70,000 sq. ft. indoor entertainment facility with annual F&B sales of $3.6 million.

• Directed the start-up and design of a 70,000 sq. ft. indoor entertainment facility
• Managed food and beverage sales totaling $3.6 million annually
• Led a team of 94 employees, including artists, electricians, plumbers, security, and operations staff
• Oversaw large-scale events, weddings, and festivals, ensuring smooth execution
• Secured city licensing and managed all opening processes

General Manager at Headquarters Beercade Chicago (2015-07 – 2018-06)

Supervised a high-volume nightclub, bar, restaurant, and arcade generating significant annual revenue.

• Supervised a high-volume nightclub, bar, restaurant, and arcade, generating significant annual revenue
• Created and implemented training templates for kitchen and bar operations
• Developed and executed marketing strategies, including email campaigns and social media promotions
• Organized high-profile events such as wine samplings and participated in industry festivals (e.g., Bacon Fest, Garden in Bloom)
• Managed a team of 87 employees, fostering teamwork and productivity

General Manager at Trattoria Isabella Restaurant (2007-01 – 2015-03)

Increased annual sales from $2.8 million to $6.5 million while maintaining strict cost controls.

• Increased annual sales from $2.8 million to $6.5 million
• Maintained a food cost of 28.5% and a beverage cost of 15.5%
• Designed and implemented all training guides, dining menus, and reporting templates
• Planned and executed special events, including charity drives and wine tastings
• Launched the 'Shop for a Cop' initiative, supporting local police officers through guest donations

Owner/Operator at The Courthouse Grill (2002-01 – 2007-12)

Oversaw daily operations including scheduling, training, and inventory management.

• Oversaw daily operations, including scheduling, training, and inventory management
• Maintained adherence to corporate standards while driving revenue growth