Ray Schmidt Email & Phone Number

Bentonville, Arkansas, US

Bentonville, Arkansas, US

Seattle, WA, US

• Aramark/University of Kentucky DiningSenior Food Service Director, 2014 – PresentIntegral part of transitioning a large self-operated university dining operation into a partnership with Aramark. Named Senior Food.
• Successfully opened 9 new operations within eight weeks of the contract signing, including 3 national and 1 regional franchise. Responsible for selecting and scheduling the training of the management teams, also.
• Coordinated suite and concession food services at Commonwealth Stadium during inaugural season.
• As part of the transition, quickly learned and implemented procedures and systems into operations.

Lexington, KY, US

• Responsible for all Catering and Dining Service operations, including 5 national brands, 4 residential units, 7 retail units and 3 convenience stores. Direct a diverse staff of over 500 full-time, part-time and student.
• Responsible for growing our Student Center food operations to daily guest counts of over 5000 by successfully negotiating and implementing four national franchises into the Food Court, including Panda Express, Subway.
• Built and repaired many relationships with different departments on campus. This has led to a 350% increase in catering revenue.
• Worked to build a sound relationship with UK Athletics. We now provide training table services to all of Athletics, and pregame meals for several sports teams, including the National Champion Men’s Basketball Team as.
• Worked with local farms and businesses to incorporate their products and services into our catering events and university menus, growing our Kentucky Proud purchases over 500% in seven years.
• Responsible for growing and creating several full time positions as well as promoting several team members into a management or supervisory position. Developed a General Manager for our Catering Department, Residential.

Pasadena, California, US

• Started career with Applebee’s as an Assistant General Manager and was quickly promoted to General Manager. Responsible for directing a $3,000,000 a year facility with a diverse staff of 80+ employees, including four.
• Promoted to Training General Manager, responsible for teaching and developing new managers for the company. Became the only manager in the 17 year history of Thomas and King to hold the position of General Manager in.
• Responsible for promoting three Assistant Managers to General Manager as well as four hourly team members into management. Also developed several corporate trainers for the company.
• Increased employee retention in three different units by reducing turnover below 80% in an industry with an average rate of 150%-200%. Reduced turnover to 58% in 2003, third out of 85 locations.
• Certified instructor at Thomas and King University, a week of culture driven seminars that are an integral part of the training program.
• Led the Cincinnati and Lexington markets in responsible profit in 2004 (28 locations).

Dallas, Texas, US

Rapidly promoted through the organization, managing units in Columbus, Ohio and Nashville, Tennessee. Responsibilities included managing new menu roll-outs and drink promotions, purchasing, catering, as well as coordinating staff training programs to ensure their knowledge and performance met with the company standards. Traveled with the Food and Beverage.