Aubrey Koop
Deerwood
Summary
Experienced food and beverage professional with a strong background in restaurant operations, team leadership, and guest experience. Proven in both management and ownership, with a hands-on approach to overseeing daily operations, developing staff, and maintaining high standards in service, food quality, and operational efficiency. Demonstrated ability to manage fast-paced environments, streamline processes, and build strong, positive workplace cultures. Recognized for professionalism, strong organizational skills, and a solutions-oriented mindset, with a consistent focus on delivering memorable guest experiences while supporting team development and overall operational success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Operator
Iron Range Eatery
06.2023 - Current
- Coordinated daily and nightly shift safety and sanitation procedures for bar areas and entire restaurant.
- Responded to customer complaints, addressing concerns, and distress with amicable interactions.
- Enacted progressive disciplinary measures for staff, managed work zones, and oversaw opening and closing duties.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Developed relationships with suppliers and vendors leading to special volume pricing discounts and availability.
- Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and alcohol program.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Executive Director
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce
09.2022 - Current
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
Operations Manager-Food & Beverage
3 Cheers Hospitality
05.2019 - 06.2023
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Increased profit by streamlining operations.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
General Manager
Iron Range Eatery
09.2016 - 05.2019
- Tracked food production levels, meal counts, and supply costs.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
- Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and reordering food stock and dry goods.
- Maintained compliance with company policies and procedures for food safety, sanitation, and quality.
- Controlled labor hours and inventory costs through hands-on management and proactive changes.
- Addressed and resolved customer service issues to establish trust and increase satisfaction.
- Trained and supervised new staff to enhance customer service skills and comply with food safety standards.
- Prepared weekly schedules and assigned tasks to staff to maintain organized shift and smooth operations.
Education
Associate of Science - General
Central Lakes College
Brainerd, MNSkills
- Operations oversight
- Inventory management
- Marketing strategy development
- Strategic planning
- Food and beverage operations
- Cost control
- Table management
- Ordering supplies
- Labor management
- Kitchen staff coordination
- Scheduling staff
- Food safety management
- ServSafe food manager
- Customer service
- Operations management
Timeline
Owner/Operator
Iron Range Eatery
06.2023 - Current
Executive Director
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce
09.2022 - Current
Operations Manager-Food & Beverage
3 Cheers Hospitality
05.2019 - 06.2023
General Manager
Iron Range Eatery
09.2016 - 05.2019
Associate of Science - General
Central Lakes College