Garfield (Garry) Thomas
Brooklyn
Summary
General Manager with 20+ years of leadership experience in high volume entertainment and hospitality environments, overseeing multi-unit operations and large-scale guest services. Proven track record of exceeding financial projections by -20% through strategic labor expenditure adjustments and comprehensive P&L management. Expert in fostering high-performance cultures by hiring, training, and developing teams of up to 150+ associates to deliver premium guest experiences. Skilled in operational oversight, including facility compliance, safety audits, and revenue growth through membership and event sales strategies.
Professional leader with comprehensive experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth. Proven track record of fostering team collaboration and achieving impactful results in dynamic environments. Skilled in navigating complex challenges, optimizing processes, and cultivating positive workplace cultures. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and strong decision-making abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager/Operations Manager
Legends Global
Brooklyn, NY
07.2021 - 01.2026
- Exceeded financial sales projections by 20% by forecasting demand, optimizing labor expenditures and analyzing P&L reports to drive profitability.
- Increased annual revenue and EBITDA while maintaining high Net Promoter Scores through a consistent focus on the guest experience.
- Recruited and developed a high performing management team to execute operational objectives and maintain brand standards across all departments.
- Analyzed daily operational and financial reports to ensure contract compliance and accurate profit splits for the managed service provider.
- Unified Front-of-House and Back-of-house teams through targeted recognition programs to drive optimal performance and a positive work culture.
- Managed facility operations and inventory control to ensure compliance with safety standards and maximize equipment uptime.
- Directed operational strategy to enhance customer experience and drive revenue growth.
- Oversaw cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and performance metrics.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Led initiatives that promoted innovation, enhancing service delivery within the organization.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Spearheaded cross-functional collaboration to drive project success and innovation.
- Directed operational strategies to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Mentored senior staff, fostering professional development and leadership capabilities within the team.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships that expanded service offerings and market reach.
Operations Manager/AGM
Aramark – Maimonides Park
Brooklyn, NY
01.2020 - 07.2021
- Prepared and analyzed comprehensive financial reports to track KPI performance and inform venue operational decisions.
- Led recruitment and training for 5 managers and 150 associates, establishing clear performance expectations to ensure premium guest experience.
- Lowered operating expenses by 1.5% and direct by 1% with immediate results in net profitability.
- Created signature cocktails and suite/catering menu pairing with the executive chef elevating premium service revenue by 25%
- Utilized POS systems to monitor real-time sales data and adjust staffing levels based on guest volume.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Managed budgets effectively, consistently delivering projects on-time and within financial constraints.
- Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
- Directed initiatives to improve work environment, company culture or overall business strategy.
Food & Beverage Manager
Legends Hospitality – Circle Line Cruises
Manhattan, NY
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Implemented F&B concepts and organizational structures for two new vessel launches, ensuring operational readiness and service excellence.
- Reviewed daily operational and financial reporting of the managed service provider to ensure contract compliance and accurate profit split.
- Streamlined workflow designs to improve service output and efficiency for culinary and service teams.
- Collaborated with leadership to set sales and productivity targets, ensuring alignment with broader business revenue goals.
- Ensured all departments adhered to OSHA safety requirements and internal facility compliance protocols.
- Managed, trained and supervised 135+ staff members
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
Supervisor/Operations Supervisor
Yankee Stadium/Ford Amphitheater
Bronx, NY
03.2015 - 01.2018
- Developed training programs for staff and maintained rigorous inventory management and record-keeping for all products.
- Managed staff scheduling and payroll processing to minimize shortages and ensure high accuracy in payroll reporting.
- Cultivated FOH and BOH communication through team building and recognition of each person’s role and the vital contribution they make as One Team to drive optimal performance for the venue.
- Coordinated service delivery and engaged with guests to ensure high-quality experience, resulting in repeat business and top review ratings.
- Responsible for Food & Beverage for 46,537 seat venue.
Office Manager/Loan Supervisor
United Northern Mortgage Bank
Levittown, NY
09.2012 - 07.2015
- Developed and implemented effective training programs for new and existing employees, maintain proper bookkeeping and record keeping.
- Prepare and arrange catering menu for all corporate functions.
- Developed and implemented office procedures to enhance workflow and productivity.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on administrative processes and systems.
- Evaluated vendor contracts, ensuring cost-effective solutions aligned with company needs.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for 15 employees.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Borough of Manhattan Community College
Manhattan, NYSkills
- Operational Leadership
- Facility Operations, staffing Optimization
- Inventory Management, Payroll Management, Conflict Management
- Revenue & Financial Strategy
- P&L Management, Revenue Management
- Membership Sales, KPI Tracking, Financial Analysis
- Guest Experience & Safety:
- Customer Service, Safety Audits, OSHA Compliance, Event Management, Brand Representation
- Technical Proficiency: POS Systems
- MS Office Suite, Microsoft Teams
- Operational Efficiency, Strategic Planning
- Leadership and team building
- Operations management
- Efficient multi-tasker
Certification
- NYC Food Protection Certificate
- Teams Trainer – Techniques For Effective Alcohol Management
- NYC Chaplin
Timeline
General Manager/Operations Manager
Legends Global
07.2021 - 01.2026
Operations Manager/AGM
Aramark – Maimonides Park
01.2020 - 07.2021
Food & Beverage Manager
Legends Hospitality – Circle Line Cruises
01.2017 - 12.2019
Supervisor/Operations Supervisor
Yankee Stadium/Ford Amphitheater
03.2015 - 01.2018
Office Manager/Loan Supervisor
United Northern Mortgage Bank
09.2012 - 07.2015
Some College (No Degree) -
Borough of Manhattan Community College