Andy Simpson

About Andy Simpson

When I entered the hospitality industry at the start of my career, I had no idea how much I would love it. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about tying strategic business planning and leadership development, continual improvement and expansion, with emphasis on quality, guest experience, and a strong employee culture. I am a dedicated and goal-oriented Senior Operations Executive, specializing in the restaurant and hospitality sector, with a strong passion for nonprofit and community. I have global and domestic experience in operations, customer service, brand awareness, restaurant development, and financial oversight in companies such as Outback Steakhouse and TGI Friday’s. I create internal leadership & talent development initiatives to foster greater employee loyalty, trust, and significant performance achievements. I have been successful in assuming a collaborative servant leadership style with compelling communication to foster success across all disciplines. Abilities and accomplishments: Talent, Team & Leadership Development: Spearheaded retention rates above industry averages - 20-25% for hourly employees and 10% for managers. Achieved the promotion of many mid- and senior-level leaders. 1 RVP. 9 Area Directors. Change Management Created sales during Covid pandemic by strategizing and implementing Project \"Phoenix\" to re-energize Outback Steakhouse for future growth. Operational Excellence Created multiple quality initiatives resulting in best food cost and waste performance at -5% better than the company average and highest customer steak satisfaction scores at 85%. Achieved highest customer food safety scores at +90%. Compelling Communication Strong communication style around empathy, understanding and accountability across multiple channels. Selected to facilitate management development programs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Selected as a Board Member for Blooming Brands Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council. Named executive member of BBI women’s interest network. Active member of the Women\'s Food Service Forum.My focus is on delivering on company goals, creating an elevated customer experience that drives the brand and developing strategies that create growth and sustainability for a company and its people.Specialties: Domestic & International Franchise & Brand OperationsTalent DevelopmentGuest ExperienceNew restaurant developmentCommunity involvement Business Acumen

Experience

1. Regional Vice President

   Cracker Barrel

   Apr 2022 — Present · US

Education

• Bournemouth and Poole College

  OND Hotel and Catering Operations, Hospitality Management

Skills

• Food & Beverage
• Customer Satisfaction
• Training
• Strategy
• Succession Planning
• Onboarding
• Human Resources
• Menu Development
• Culinary Skills
• Food Service
• New Restaurant Openings
• Turn Around Management
• Hiring
• Brand Consultancy
• Wine
• Organizational Leadership
• Management
• Leadership
• Restaurants
• Time Management
• Hospitality Management
• International Development
• Profit
• P&L Management
• Catering
• Income Statement
• Franchising
• Change Management
• Leadership Development
• Sales
• Fine Dining
• Customer Experience
• Retail
• Brand Development
• Team Leadership
• Hospitality Industry
• Coaching
• Cost Management
• Franchise Consulting
• P&L