Open to opportunities

Jason Smith

@jasonsmith2

Message

Operations and finance leader specializing in brewery and multi-unit hospitality operations.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior operations or finance roles in hospitality/brewing where I can lead multi-unit operations, elevate financial controls, and develop teams.

I am an operations and finance leader with a strong hospitality and brewing background, currently directing operations and finance for a production brewery and multiple retail locations. I oversee accounting, tax filings, payroll, HR, IT systems administration, and operational strategy for a team of 75+ employees.

Previously I served as Senior General Manager and Regional Training Manager, opening new restaurants, driving multi-million dollar sales, and managing brewing and restaurant operations with a focus on forecasting, budgeting, and compliance. Earlier roles as Corporate Executive Chef and General Manager developed my operational, culinary, and procurement expertise across multiple concepts and locations.

I am active in industry and community organizations, having led the Kentucky Guild of Brewers and founded the HOP Foundation, while also serving on the Parkinson's Support Center of Kentuckiana board—demonstrating leadership beyond day-to-day operations and a commitment to industry and community impact.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director of Operations

Current

Against the Grain Brewery

Sep 2020 - Present (5 years 1 month)

Oversee daily operations for a production brewery and multiple retail locations, lead accounting and tax filings, and manage HR and IT for a 75+ employee organization to ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Operations Management Accounting Quickbooks Online Payroll Tax Compliance HR Management Office 365 Restaurant365 Systems Administration

Senior General Manager

Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant

Mar 2012 - Mar 2020 (8 years)

Directed brewing and restaurant operations achieving $5.1M annual sales, opened a new restaurant, managed financial reporting and forecasting, and led regional training initiatives for new managers.

Restaurant Operations P&L management Sales Forecasting Staff Training POS Implementation Budgeting TTB Reporting Team Leadership

Corporate Executive Chef

Phoenix Restaurant Group

Jan 2009 - Mar 2012 (3 years 2 months)

Oversaw culinary operations across three concepts generating $10M annual sales, managed multi-site chef teams, led menu development and cost analysis, and negotiated purchasing contracts to control expenses.

Menu Development Cost Control Team Leadership Procurement

General Manager

J. Alexander's Restaurant Corporation

May 2006 - Mar 2009 (2 years 10 months)

Directed all operations for an upscale casual restaurant with $4.9M annual sales, led a 90-person hourly team, implemented leadership development programs, and achieved high retention and internal promotions.

Operations Leadership Employee Retention Customer Service Revenue Growth Training Programs Team Management

Executive Chef

J. Alexander's Restaurant Corporation

Jan 1999 - Jan 2004 (5 years)

Led kitchen operations and culinary teams to maintain high-quality standards and consistency across service, contributing to restaurant performance and guest satisfaction.

Culinary Management Food Safety Team Leadership Cost Control