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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Conscripted for two years of National Service.
Attained the rank of Full Corporal.
Business operations management