Tony Hartmann

Entrepreneur & accomplished Hospitality Operations Leader with over 18 years of experience managing high-volume restaurants, multi-site operations, and franchise networks for leading hospitality brands. Proven expertise in driving operational excellence, revenue growth, guest satisfaction, and profitability through strong leadership, financial management, and the development of high-performing teams. Successfully lead restaurant openings, regional operations, and teams across multiple locations, consistently delivering exceptional service standards, controlling costs, and exceeding commercial objectives, including achieving 30% year-on-year sales growth in a flagship restaurant and managing up to 15 corporate and franchise locations at ne of SA’s leading QSR brands.

Leveraging a strong commercial background gained through senior leadership roles in the removals and relocation industry, I bring additional expertise in business development, strategic sales management, customer relationship management, contract negotiation, and executive leadership. My experience of achieving 75% year-on-year sales growth, leading national sales teams, and improving customer satisfaction has strengthened my ability to drive business performance while maintaining a customer-centric approach. I am passionate about developing people, optimizing operations, and delivering sustainable business growth through operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences.

Managing Director - The Move Co-Ordinator (Pty) Ltd

(2025)

Embarked on my journey as an entrepreneur, starting The Move Co-Ordinator (Pty) Ltd. I operate as a removals broker for household goods and personal effects as well as vehicle transport. I handle and coordinate local, long-distance, and international relocations

• Negotiated supplier agreements to improve service quality while reducing operational costs.
• Developed strategic partnerships that expanded the company's service network nationwide.
• Improved customer satisfaction and increased the company’s Sirelo review score to 9.3/10 and achieved a rating as a top 10 trusted mover on the platform.
• Led operational planning, logistics coordination, and customer service delivery while maintaining high service standards.
• Implemented process improvements that increased efficiency and enhanced customer experience.
• Directed business operations including budgeting, forecasting, KPI reporting, and profitability management.

Sales Manager & Sales Consultant - South African Relocations (Pty) Ltd

(2021-02 - 2023-05)

• Started my journey in removals as an internal sales consultant and was promoted to external consultant within 6 months and National Sales Manager within a year.
• Achieved the highest sales in the company's history of R2.2M in my second month as an External Sales Consultant.
• Achieved sales growth of 75% year-on-year in my first year as National Sales Manager.
• Managed the company's online reputation and improved Hello Peter Trust Index Rating by 227% within 6 months of my appointment as National Sales Manager.
• Managed a portfolio of residential, corporate, and international relocation clients from initial enquiry through successful move completion.
• Developed strong referral networks resulting in increased repeat business and client retention.
• Collaborated with operations teams to ensure seamless coordination of customer relocations.
• Consistently exceeded monthly and annual sales targets.
• Improved customer satisfaction through proactive communication and effective problem resolution.
• Generated new business through networking, referrals, and relationship management.

General Manager - Seabreeze Fish & Shell

(2017 - 2020)

• Directed all Front of House and Back of House operations for a high-volume restaurant, overseeing financial performance, guest experience, inventory, HR, compliance, and supplier management.
• Managed restaurant budgets, P&L, food costs, labor costs, and inventory controls to maximize profitability while maintaining brand standards.
• Recruited, trained, coached, and led a high-performing hospitality team, fostering a culture of accountability, exceptional customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Maintained outstanding guest satisfaction and online reputation through operational excellence, effective complaint resolution, and consistent delivery of high-quality dining experiences.
• Increased year-on-year restaurant sales by 30% during the first year of management through strategic marketing initiatives, exceptional guest service, and effective team leadership.
• Consistently achieved revenue, profitability, and operational performance targets while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Was the top-rated Seafood Restaurant on Cape Town Etc. and Insider's Guide during my management, as well as the number 1 Seafood Restaurant in Cape Town on TripAdvisor

General Manager - Harbour House Group

(2017 - 2017)

I was hired to assume management at the still-to-be-opened Tigers Milk in Century City. Due to delays in construction, I assumed the role of Restaurant GM at Live Bait, where I successfully oversaw the opening and management of this 250-seater seafood restaurant for 3 months before moving to Tigers Milk, Century City

General Manager - Live Bait Muizenberg

General Manager - Tigers Milk, Century City

• Successfully led all pre-opening activities for a new 350-seat restaurant, including procurement of equipment and stock, supplier and contractor coordination, licensing, health and safety compliance, recruitment, onboarding, and training of Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH) teams.
• Ensured operational excellence, exceptional guest experiences, and achievement of financial and operational objectives through effective training and accountability.
• Managed all restaurant operations, including Front of House and Back of House functions, ensuring efficient service delivery and adherence to brand standards.
• Oversaw inventory management, stock control, purchasing, and supplier negotiations to optimize costs, maintain product availability, and improve profitability.
• Managed recruitment, performance management, staff scheduling, training, coaching, and disciplinary processes, fostering a high-performing and customer-focused team culture.
• Maintained compliance with all Health & Safety, food safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements, ensuring a safe environment for guests and employees.
• Managed restaurant budgets, labour costs, food costs, and Profit & Loss (P&L) performance, implementing cost-control initiatives to maximize profitability.
• Developed employee rosters and workforce plans to ensure optimal staffing levels while controlling labour costs.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favourable commercial terms and ensuring consistent product quality and service delivery.
• Monitored key performance indicators (KPIs), implemented continuous process improvements, and consistently achieved sales, profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational performance targets.

Area Manager (Western & Eastern Cape Regions) - Kauai (Pty) Ltd

(2011 - 2016)

• Directed the operational performance of up to 15 corporate and franchise-owned stores, ensuring consistent achievement of sales, profitability, operational, and customer service objectives across the region.
• Prepared food cost reports by gathering required information from each store, analyzing, spot checking and confirming all information before submitting to the National Operations Manager and implementing corrective action plans in line with any discrepancies
• Successfully planned, opened, and launched new stores, while managing the transfer, handover, and integration of existing stores between corporate ownership and franchise partners.
• Analyzed food cost reports across all stores, identifying trends, auditing data accuracy, and implementing corrective action plans to improve cost control, operational efficiency, and profitability.
• Managed regional operating budgets, monitored expenditure, and implemented cost-control initiatives to ensure all stores operated within approved financial targets.
• Established and maintained exceptional service standards by conducting regular operational reviews, coaching management teams, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Led health and safety compliance across the region by appointing health and safety and first aid representatives, ensuring full compliance with company policies and statutory regulations.
• Conducted daily, weekly, and monthly operational audits, evaluating brand standards, food safety, operational compliance, and financial performance while driving corrective actions as required.
• Oversaw preventative maintenance programs and coordinated contractors to ensure all facilities, equipment, and infrastructure were maintained to operational and brand standards.
• Managed all HR functions across the region, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, coaching, disciplinary procedures, succession planning, and talent development.
• Implemented national, regional, and local marketing campaigns, collaborating with operations teams and franchise partners to drive customer engagement, sales growth, and brand consistency.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with franchisees, corporate stakeholders, Virgin Active management, event organizers, suppliers, and brand ambassadors to support business growth and operational excellence.
• Consistently achieved regional sales targets, maintained food cost and labor cost objectives, exceeded brand standard audit requirements, and minimized employee turnover through strong leadership, coaching, and performance management.

Head Regional Manager (Western Cape) - Vida e Café (Pty) Ltd

(2008 - 2011)

• Directed the operational performance of up to 12 corporate and franchise stores while leading and mentoring 4 Regional Managers to achieve sales, profitability, customer service, and operational excellence targets.
• Planned and executed new store openings, managed franchise transfers and handovers, and ensured seamless operational integration across the region.
• Managed regional budgets, analyzed food cost reports, controlled operating expenses, and implemented corrective action plans to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Conducted regular operational, financial, and brand standard audits, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety regulations, company policies, and service excellence standards.
• Led all regional HR functions, including recruitment, performance management, coaching, disciplinary processes, succession planning, and employee development.
• Implemented national, regional, and local marketing initiatives while building strong relationships with franchisees, suppliers, event organizers, and key business partners.
• Managed Vida e Caffe’s operations at major national events, including Rocking the Daisies, Synergy Music Festival, and the J&B Met, ensuring exceptional operational execution and brand representation.
• Contributed to product development and the enhancement of operational and training manuals while consistently achieving sales targets, maintaining food cost controls, exceeding brand audit standards, and minimizing staff turnover.