Open to opportunities

John Tran

@johntran

Message

I am a hospitality leader driving profitable growth as founder, GM, and executive chef

United States

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What I'm looking for

I'm seeking a senior hospitality operations or general management role where I can lead teams, own P&L, optimize operations, and grow revenue in a collaborative, quality-focused company.

I am an entrepreneurial hospitality leader with deep experience in restaurant operations, culinary development, and financial management. I founded and led a scratch bakery-restaurant, building the business plan, securing funding, and managing construction and permitting to open the concept.

I deliver measurable financial and operational results—driving an average 15% annual top-line sales increase, 10% net income growth, and sustained EBITDA improvement—while managing P&L, forecasting, and KPIs. I led a team of 20+ and reduced turnover to 6.25% through coaching and career development. Guest satisfaction remained high, with a 4.8/5 Yelp rating and 4.6/5 on Google.

Earlier roles in revenue analysis and financial consulting sharpened my skills in revenue management, forecasting, STR/OTA analysis, financial modeling, and valuation methodologies (NPV, APV, IRR). I hold an MBA and an M.S. in Hospitality Management and seek roles where I can scale operations, optimize profitability, and mentor teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Founder & Executive Chef

Daily Grinds

Nov 2019 - Jun 2025 (5 years 7 months)

Founded and opened Daily Grinds bakery-restaurant, building the business plan, menu, and securing funding; drove average top-line sales growth of 15% year-over-year while achieving 10% annual net income growth. Managed 20+ staff, optimized P&L and operations to improve margins and maintain a 4.8/5 Yelp and 4.6/5 Google rating.

Restaurant Operations P&L management Menu Development Team Leadership Inventory Management Cost Control Financial Forecasting

Revenue Analyst

American Liberty Hospitality

Apr 2017 - Dec 2017 (8 months)

Managed revenue performance for a 10+ hotel portfolio, conducting daily ADR/RevPAR and occupancy analysis to optimize pricing and inventory strategies. Produced weekly forecasts and competitive rate analyses to inform regional directors and property GMs.

Revenue Management RevPAR ADR Analysis Forecasting Excel Pricing Strategy BI Reporting

Financial Consultant

Plus Core Business Solutions

Feb 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 10 months)

Developed 15 comprehensive business and feasibility plans and built financial models that helped clients secure investment and increase profitability by 10–40%. Prepared P&L, balance sheet and cash flow forecasts and performed valuation analyses (NPV, APV, IRR) for startups and mid-size firms.

Financial Modeling Business Planning Forecasting P&L management Cash Flow Analysis

Sous Chef

Churrascos Restaurant Group

Dec 2013 - Jan 2015 (1 year 1 month)

Led kitchen operations and supported executive chefs across five high-volume units, supervising line cooks and pastry staff to ensure consistency and quality. Contributed to menu rollouts, vendor sourcing, and inventory controls to improve kitchen profit margins.

Menu Development Team Leadership Inventory Control Vendor Relations Quality Control

Kitchen Manager

Churrascos Restaurant Group

Feb 2013 - Dec 2013 (10 months)

Managed day-to-day kitchen operations across locations, leading teams of 30–35 and implementing SOPs that reduced food waste by 15%. Monitored monthly P&Ls and enforced safety protocols (ServSafe) to improve consistency and operational efficiency.

Team Management Cost Control Inventory Management Staff Training

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Houston Bauer College of Business

Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Houston Bauer College of Business, conferred in 2018.

University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College

Master of Science, Hospitality Management

Completed a Master of Science in Hospitality Management at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College, conferred in 2015.

University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College

Bachelor of Science, Hotel & Restaurant Management

Grade: Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors)

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management from the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College in 2013, graduating Summa Cum Laude.