Mandeep S.

About Mandeep S.

I build restaurant operating systems that hold up under peak volume—not just on a calm Tuesday.As COO at Secret Burger Kitchen (SBK), my job is simple to say and hard to do:turn a high-demand brand into a repeatable, scalable machine—without losing the hospitality heartbeat.What I focus on1) Throughput & Speed (“Velocity 5”)We engineer for consistent execution during the real test windows (lunch + dinner peaks). Speed is not a slogan—it’s a designed workflow: station roles, prep rhythm, handoff logic, and “red zone” controls.2) Prime Cost DisciplineGreat food without control is a fragile business. I build systems that protect margin through labor design, prep planning, waste prevention, and enforceable standards.3) Training Architecture (Not “tribal knowledge”)If the only way to run the store is “ask the veteran,” you don’t have a system—you have a dependency. I convert best practices into certifications, checklists, and daily audits so performance doesn’t drift.4) Tech that returns hospitalityWe’re kiosk-first. The point isn’t to replace people—it’s to remove transactional drag so the team can deliver hospitality, accuracy, and vibe.My operating beliefA brand doesn’t scale because it’s popular.It scales because it’s codified—and the average performer can execute it on a Friday night.If you’re building a concept that needs to be fast, consistent, and durable at scale, I’m always interested in trading notes with serious operators.

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer (COO)

   Secret Burger Kitchen - Notorious For Flavor

   Nov 2024 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Role SummaryOperating leader responsible for building SBK’s multi-unit readiness: throughput systems, training architecture, cost controls, and field execution standards across dayparts. Leads the conversion of founder-led intensity into repeatable, inspectable operations.Core Responsibilities• Own store-level execution across QSCV: Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Vibe—translating brand intent into daily standards.• Design and implement the Velocity 5 operating system: peak-hour stationing, prep rhythm, handoff procedures, and “red zone” controls.• Build labor architecture aligned to traffic patterns: role-based deployment, lead coverage plans, and shift handoffs.• Create and maintain training + certification pathways for all roles (Leads, FOH/BOH, Expo), including checklists, tests, and recertification cadence.• Establish and enforce prime cost controls: labor productivity, food cost controls, waste prevention, inventory practices, and variance reviews.• Standardize opening/mid/close routines and manager audits; implement inspection-ready documentation.• Integrate kiosk-first operating workflows to reduce customer friction and improve speed/accuracy; ensure tech supports hospitality.• Lead continuous improvement: post-shift debriefs, bottleneck analysis, and SOP updates based on field feedback and performance data.• Partner with leadership across menu engineering, purchasing, and build-outs to ensure ops simplicity and repeatable execution.Key Deliverables / Systems Built• Store operating playbooks (role clarity, station standards, shift handoffs)• Daily/weekly audit cadence and performance scorecards• Training academy structure: onboarding → certification → leadership pipeline• Peak readiness protocols: prep targets, line resets, and escalation triggers• Standardized staffing models for high-volume service windows