Jacob Leithner

About Jacob Leithner

I am an accomplished Hospitality and Food/Beverage Strategist and Leader with a proven track record of driving success in concessions, premium services, hospitality, and infrastructure development. My strategic leadership combined with a deep understanding of operational intricacies has consistently delivered exceptional results, including multi-million-dollar project achievements and revenue growth. I excel in crafting and executing general business strategies while leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions across areas such as project finance, procurement, payroll, and administration.As a passionate and solutions-driven leader, I am dedicated to fostering an environment that not only delivers unparalleled guest experiences but also promotes the growth and development of high-performance teams. With a relentless commitment to excellence, I have navigated complex scenarios, achieving outstanding results even with limited resources. My ability to cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders has allowed me to forge strategic partnerships at all levels within organizations to realize a shared vision.My extensive skill set encompasses strategic planning and implementation, hospitality management, financial management, procurement, vendor management, operational efficiency, team leadership, project management, food and beverage operational and service space design oversight, food and beverage operations, sustainable practices, stakeholder relationship management, data analysis, event management, contract negotiation, customer relationship management, point of sale (POS) systems, inventory management, employee training and development, payroll systems, scheduling software, health and safety compliance, change management, quality control and assurance, menu development, pricing strategy, multichannel marketing and promotions, business continuity planning, and revenue generation strategies.

Experience

1. General Manager

   MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM

   Nov 2024 — Present · Boston, MA, US

   Since launching Boston’s Museum of Ice Cream in December 2024, I’ve led the successful opening and daily operations of a high-volume, experience-driven attraction that welcomes up to 1,800 guests per day. Overseeing a dynamic team of 5 managers and approximately 120 employees, I’ve built a culture rooted in joy, inclusivity, and playful discovery—anchored by ice cream as a universal connector across all ages, backgrounds, and languages.Key accomplishments:Leads a seamless opening and operational scale-up, establishing strong systems that consistently deliver excellent guest experiences.Maintains consistently high guest satisfaction scores and glowing reviews across platforms.Developed a cohesive leadership team and empowered frontline staff, fostering a vibrant and inclusive team culture aligned with our brand’s mission.Oversees daily logistics and guest flow to ensure smooth, safe, and engaging experiences for thousands weekly.Champions a values-driven approach that turns each visit into a moment of connection, joy, and wonder—core to Museum of Ice Cream\'s identity.

Education

• University of Washington

  Politics, Philosophy, and Economics

  2009 — 2011

Skills

• Cooking
• Food & Beverage
• Food Preparation
• Event Planning
• Inventory Management
• Inventory Control
• Menu Costing
• Construction
• Concessions
• Event Management
• Bartending
• Banquets
• Culinary Skills
• Food
• Fine Dining
• Carpentry
• Labor Control
• Drywall
• Restaurants
• New Restaurant Openings
• Pos Data Analysis
• Cuisine
• Framing
• Servsafe
• Menu Development
• Sanitation
• Restaurant Management