Darren Brandt

Experience

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  McDonald's Corporation

  Jan 1989 - Jan 1999

  Progressive Management Positions

  Started my career with Twin Arches, LTD (local franchise of McDonald's corporation) in 1988 and worked my way through McDonald's corporate management training programs with Dean's List Honors at each class. Associate Manager, Assistant Mgr, General Manager during my tenure.- Opened new location in Mechanicsburg PA 1996

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  Friendly's Restaurants

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2000

  General Manager

  I had oversight of one of the nation's highest volume Friendly's restaurants, located in Hershey PA. I managed the locations sales growth, hiring, training, cost controls, profit and loss accountability. In charge of area wide training of new restaurant managers for the region. Participated in new store openings of the Friendly's chain, including opening 2 locations in Harrisburg and Carlisle, PA. Oversight of the new store opening process from construction to grand opening day. Hired, trained and coordinated start up staff of up to 120 hourly associates. Show less

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  Hershey Entertainment & Resorts

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2006

  Food Service Area Director

  Multi-unit oversight for Hershey's Chocolate Town Cafe full service restaurant in Chocolate World, Tudor Grill, full service restaurant in Hersheypark, and had oversight of several other food and beverage areas including catering areas, and Coaster Cafeteria, a full service employee cafeteria. Implemented training and development programs for all properties.

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  Chili's

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2013

  Multi-Unit Managing Partner

  General Manager / Managing Partner for Chili's Bar and Grill. Selected to open a new location at Harrisburg PA. Was the winner of the Brinker 5 star challenge and Chairman's Club in 2010 and 2011. Designated as a training manager, and accountable for the training program for new salaried managers.

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  Arby's

  Jan 2013 - May 2019

  Certified Training Manager / GM - VA Beach Market

  Certified restaurant training manager, for both York PA and Virginia Beach Markets. Responsible for full training program for new salaried managers in the region. Was on the corporate team that oversaw the acquisition of 16 Arby's franchised restaurants. Directly Involved with the turnaround and certification efforts of three of those restaurants in Virginia Beach area. Conducted field training to new managers and was an instructor of professional development classes.

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  Old Dominion University

  May 2019 - Jun 2022

  Director of Food Service

  Old Dominion University is one of Virginia's largest universities with over 24,000 students. Oversight of the food service program, which is over 22 food service locations, including residential and national brands such as Starbucks, Panda Express, Raising Caines, Subway, Chic-Fil-A, Pizza Hut, and Einstein Bagels. We also operate Panera Bread, Qdoba Mexican grill, and Steak and Shake. My role as food service director was complete oversite of the university dining program including sales, cost control, human resource functions, marketing, and managing a staff of restaurant general managers and a workforce of 900 employees. Show less

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  Starbucks

  Oct 2022 - now

  District Manager