Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Mark Jackson

Restaurateur/ Business Owner
Somerset West

Summary

Dynamic business owner with extensive experience in operations management and customer service, successfully leading Fortunes Cafe for over 25 years. Proven track record in financial performance analysis and market expansion strategies, achieving significant cost reductions while enhancing customer satisfaction. Skilled in team coordination and conflict resolution, driving operational efficiency in challenging environments.

Hard-driving business leader offering skill in strategic business planning and team development. Skillfully recruit and train employees at all levels to meet customer and business demands. Articulate, forward-thinking and resourceful in meeting unique needs.

Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Hospitality and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Owner - Fortunes Cafe

Own Business
01.1994 - 02.2025
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
  • Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation (daily, weekly and monthly management accounts ).
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
  • Successfully navigated challenging economic conditions by making informed decisions that protected the business's financial stability, traded through COVID, Durban looting, and flood damage.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Expanded product offerings by researching market trends and identifying potential growth opportunities.


Fortunes Cafe was a family-owned business started by my mum in 1985 and ran successfully for 40 years. I was the chief bottle washer from the age of 16 (school holidays) and was officially employed from 1994, first as a manager and then as a part shareholder until I became the full owner. We were a 25-seater restaurant/coffee shop, which grew to a 70-seater.

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.1999 - 02.2022

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)


Towards the end of my time there I was involved in the daily management of the store ( ordering stock,kitchen management,daily turnover reconcilliations,staff management ).


Sold the store in 2022.

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.2009 - 02.2016

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)


Towards the end of my time there I was involved in the daily management of the store ( ordering stock,kitchen management,daily turnover reconcilliations,staff management ).


Sold the store in 2016.

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.2003 - 02.2008

Delicious was a sandwich, coffee, deli, wrap, and smoothie bar that was based on the Starbucks, Pret a Manger, and Seattle coffee concept.

Predominantly health-conscious meals, with delicious coffees and smoothie drinks. It was a sit-down coffee bar, but also offered a take-away option for the person who wanted a healthy, tasty breakfast or lunch but had no time in the day to sit down.

This was our own concept, which evolved over the years, taking into account market trends, consumer wants, and expectations.

My initial role was in the back-of-house management.

Accounts (daily, weekly, monthly management accounts).

Costings (new and existing product lines)

Staff (wages, PAYE, and UIF, contracts)


Sold the store in 2008

Articled Audit Assistant

Boulle Saad & Levin
01.1990 - 12.1993
  • Completed accurate bank reconciliations, identifying errors and rectifying any discrepancies promptly.
  • Set up and updated Excel spreadsheets to track financial data.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to both internal departments and external clients while resolving billing inquiries efficiently.
  • Assessed data and information to verify entry, calculation, and billing code accuracy.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information, adhering to professional standards and ethical practices.
  • Assisted in the preparation of detailed financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
  • Supported senior auditors with research, data analysis, and documentation during complex audits.
  • Managed deadlines effectively while working on multiple engagements simultaneously to deliver high-quality work within established timeframes.
  • Prepared year-end journal entries to prepare for annual audit.
  • Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
  • Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.

Corporal

SANDF
01.1987 - 12.1988

Conscripted for two years of National Service.

Attained the rank of Full Corporal.

Education

International Intermediate Chef Diploma - Hospitality

Capsicum Culinary School (affiliated To London City & Guild)
KZN
04.2001 -

CIS - 3/4 Part Completed - Account - CIS

DUT / Part Time Study
KZN
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Westville Boys High School
Westville - KZN
04.2001 -

Skills

Business operations management

Timeline

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.2009 - 02.2016

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.2003 - 02.2008

International Intermediate Chef Diploma - Hospitality

Capsicum Culinary School (affiliated To London City & Guild)
04.2001 -

CIS - 3/4 Part Completed - Account - CIS

DUT / Part Time Study
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Westville Boys High School
04.2001 -

Part Owner - Delicious ( Coffee/sandwich/deli )

Self Employed
01.1999 - 02.2022

Owner - Fortunes Cafe

Own Business
01.1994 - 02.2025

Articled Audit Assistant

Boulle Saad & Levin
01.1990 - 12.1993

Corporal

SANDF
01.1987 - 12.1988
Mark JacksonRestaurateur/ Business Owner