James Inghram

About James Inghram

Dynamic Food & Beverage Director with 5+ years of leadership experience in the hotel and casino industry. I specialize in transforming operations through strong leadership, disciplined cost control, and process improvements that drive both profitability and guest satisfaction.My background includes rebuilding leadership teams, streamlining workflows, and implementing cost-efficient strategies across multi-outlet operations. I’m passionate about developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and service excellence, and ensuring that financial discipline aligns with an elevated guest experience.With expertise in strategic budgeting, financial oversight, and operational management, I bring both the business acumen and the leadership vision needed to succeed in today’s competitive hospitality environment. I thrive on challenges, embrace change, and am committed to continuous improvement at every level of the organization.

Experience

1. Director of Food and Beverage

   Caesars Entertainment

   May 2025 — Present · Ione, CA, US

   Rebuilt leadership infrastructure by hiring, training, and realigning management to a unified vision—fostering collaboration, accountability, and consistent service standards.• Developed high-performing teams through mentorship, succession planning, and internal promotions, creating a culture of productivity, engagement, and professional growth• Streamlined operations by revamping outdated processes, standardizing procedures, and improving communication channels across multiple outlets to enhance efficiency and consistency.• Increased cost efficiency by redesigning departmental budgets, optimizing scheduling, and implementing value-driven menu strategies that reduced expenses while maintaining quality.• Elevated guest experiences by revitalizing the flagship restaurant and launching a new Asian-inspired fast casual concept that aligned with market demand and broadened culinary offerings.• Enhanced employee dining program by restructuring an $85K monthly budget with a reduction in monthly expenses by $15K average, introducing fresher, seasonal menus, and creating variety-driven meal options that improved team satisfaction and morale.• Strengthened labor relations by building rapport with Union stewards, fostering open communication, and resolving challenges collaboratively.• Expanded leadership capacity with the creation of new roles, including Beverage Manager and Food & Beverage Operations Manager, to support business growth and strengthen oversight.

Education

• Youngstown State University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Organizational Leadership

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate’s Degree, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services

  2008 — 2014

• Kent State University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration and Management, General

  2006 — 2008

• DeVry University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Business Administration and Management, General

  2015

• Boardman High School

  High School

  2003 — 2006

Skills

• Dod
• Food Quality
• Food & Beverage
• F&B Management
• Manage Inventory
• Customer Service
• Catering
• Air Force
• F&B Operations
• Hospitality
• Servsafe
• Military Experience
• Time Management
• Hospitality Management
• Food
• Customer Satisfaction
• Training
• Management
• Leadership
• Microsoft Office