Jennifer Lara Email and Phone Number

• Oversee cafe operations at two locations in Del Mar and Torrey Ridge. Initially trained at the UCSDlocation.• Ensure staff adherence to company policies, procedures, and practices while maintaining high moraleand teamwork.• Demonstrate leadership and professionalism, embodying Copa Vida’s core values and competencies.• Communicate clearly to ensure timely sharing of important information and effective implementationof new policies and projects.• Ensure financial success and meet budget targets by optimizing sales and controlling costs.• Maintain high hospitality and quality standards, ensuring clean, organized, and well-stocked facilitiesand equipment.• Support operations by working at various café stations, conducting training, and being present duringpeak periods.• Guide and evaluate cafe team performance, providing constructive feedback, and assist with hiring,training, and disciplinary actions.• Manage catering operations and services for the cafe and affiliated properties, including planning,coordination, and execution to ensure high-quality and timely delivery.• Manage administrative tasks, including maintaining organized files, submitting reports, and developingrelationships with vendors and property management.

• Managed two units: the original coffee cart in Encinitas and a standalone café in a medical complex,serving breakfast and lunch.• Lead a team of baristas in delivering high-quality coffee and lunch service to customers.• Manage daily operations, including inventory management, cash handling, and staff scheduling.• Provide training and mentorship to new employees, ensuring consistency in product quality andcustomer service standards.• Implement efficient workflows and procedures to optimize productivity during peak hours.• Foster a positive work environment by promoting teamwork, communication, and mutual respectamong staff members.

• Managed multi-unit coffee carts at Scripps Hospitals throughout San Diego County, including locationsat Scripps Clinic & Green Hospital in Torrey Pines, Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest, and Scripps Memorial inLa Jolla.• Orchestrated the training program for onboarding new hires.• Cultivated lasting positive relationships with guests in a daily hospital setting, demonstrating excellencein customer relations.• Proficient in both team collaboration and independent work, handling the opening and closing of thecoffee bar.• Applied expertise in coffee drink combinations to craft highly-specific beverages, while also maintainingorganized and sanitary workstations.• Exhibited excellent customer service, strong communication, and exceptional punctuality.• Left the position when the owners sold the company to retire; it is now known as Coastal Coffee.

• Played a key role in managing new cafe openings, collaborating with owners on construction plans,leading teams through opening day, and achieving sales goals.• Conducted interviews, hired, and trained new staff in computer systems, restaurant operations,machine maintenance, and food safety.• Natural leader with strong communication skills, motivating others to deliver superb service.• Represented the company in client presentations, engaging the public about our brand and facilitatedonboarding for new companies in our high volume catering service.• Managed weekly departmental schedules, submitted time cards to payroll, cash control procedures,inventory roles, and front-of-house operations.• Maintained compliance through quarterly audits and earned an "A" standing from the healthdepartment for a safe and clean environment.• Proactively addressed customer inquiries, ensuring efficient and timely resolution.

• Oversaw the opening of a new store under Velvet Yogurt's expanded brand, Active Culture Cafe.• Handled P&L responsibilities, daily drawer counts, banking, and inventory ordering.• Managed daily operations and ensured smooth service flow across multiple units.• Implemented and maintained efficient operational procedures to enhance customer satisfaction andstreamline service.• Contributed to the company's growth, which now includes 5 locations across Southern California,Northern California, and Central Oregon.