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Ata Rodgers

@atarodgers

Multi-unit hospitality operations executive with 24 years leading restaurant, franchise, and food-service operations across owned and corporate

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking a fully remote VP or Regional Director of Operations role where I can lead multi-unit hospitality operations, turn around underperforming markets, strengthen cost controls, and build high-performing leadership teams.

Multi-unit hospitality operations executive with 24 years leading restaurant, franchise, and food-service operations across owned and corporate portfolios. Track record of turning around underperforming markets: reversed seven consecutive years of declining sales, cut food cost variance from 3.5% above target to 0.03% below goal, and grew off-premise revenue 151%. Has carried P&L responsibility to $6M, led teams of up to 100 and management benches of 8, and founded and operated a 200-seat restaurant from site selection to profitability. Currently directs regulated dining operations for a senior living community, and independently designs and ships operations software using Swift and AI-augmented development. Seeking a remote VP or Regional Director of Operations role.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Program Director - Dietary & Food Svcs

Current

Specialty Food Services

Jan 2026 - Present (8 months)

Directs dining operations community-wide for a senior living campus (Chapters Living of Council Bluffs, IA) - menu planning, therapeutic and diet-specific meal programs, and catering for 120+ guest events under state dietary and regulatory requirements. Stepped into interim executive leadership during a live ownership and management transition.

Menu Planning Regulatory Compliance Vendor Risk Assessment Due Diligence Staffing WOTC PointClickCare DiningRD ADP Gordon Food Service

Current

Founder / Sole Developer

Current

Independent Software Portfolio

Jan 2026 - Present (8 months)

Built and shipped Panntrie, an AI recipe application for iOS/iPadOS, and specified internal operations apps for meal delivery and CRM. Authored PRDs and technical build specifications.

iOS Swift AI Integration OpenAI Anthropic StoreKit 2 Product Specification

Current

Program Manager / Owner

Current

WineStyles Tasting Station and Restaurant

Nov 2019 - Present (6 years 10 months)

Built and manages a 500+ member wine club generating $30,000+ in monthly recurring revenue. Grew paid memberships 300%+ through events programming and social media marketing.

Membership Management Recurring Revenue Event Planning Social Media Marketing Menu Design Catering

Managing Partner / Multi-Unit Ops Mgr

Outback Steakhouse

Jun 2014 - Sep 2017 (3 years 3 months)

Directed operations for multiple locations with combined annual sales of $3.5M–$6M and teams of 50–100 employees. Reversed seven consecutive years of declining sales and reduced food and labor costs through disciplined operational controls.

Multi Unit Operations P&L management Food Cost Control Cost Control Leadership Development Catering

Acting Multi-Unit Director of Operations

California Pizza Kitchen

Oct 2011 - Apr 2014 (2 years 6 months)

Oversaw two flagship locations generating $4.5M–$5M annually, managing 8 managers and up to 90 employees. Drove operational turnaround by reducing food cost variance from 3.5% above target to 0.03% below goal and increased takeout and delivery revenue 151%.

Multi Unit Operations Food Cost Control Labor Management Takeout and Delivery (Foodservice)Marketing

Owner / Project Manager

Americana Bistro / The Landing Strip

Feb 2007 - Oct 2011 (4 years 8 months)

Founded and operated a 200-seat casual dining restaurant with a 50-seat lounge concept. Led every stage of development from site planning and construction to menu design and staffing.

Restaurant Development Site Planning Construction Menu Design Staffing Marketing

Assistant General Manager

California Pizza Kitchen

Mar 2006 - Feb 2007 (11 months)

Increased store sales 15% through strategic local partnerships and targeted marketing. Managed daily operations including staffing, financial controls, and guest experience.

Sales Growth Local Partnerships Marketing Staffing Financial Control Guest Experience

Regional Training Manager

Ruby Tuesday

Jan 2002 - Mar 2006 (4 years 2 months)

Supported multi-unit operations across multiple markets through leadership training, new store openings, and performance audits. Standardized operating procedures to improve consistency and guest satisfaction.

Training Leadership Development New Store Openings Performance Audits Standard Operating Procedures