general manager        managing partner      operations director                                                         financial optimization business development operational leadership

executive bio

Michael McNamara
"If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him.  An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." -Ben Franklin & Warren Buffet
I began my business career at the age of 15 working as a janitor in the local Big Boy casual restaurant. I saw firsthand how much fun the food and beverage industry could be and quickly climbed up the ladder to a server and eventually manager.

It is rewarding to work in a business that creates so many great memories for our Guests and provides numerous opportunities for our team. I realized the hospitality gene was in my DNA and have been thoroughly enjoying my chosen career ever since.

I am results driven & have become a proven leader in the restaurant and hospitality business. Throughout my career, I have run casual, polished casual, and fine dining high volume establishments in the Midwest, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic markets, and in all of them I have delivered world-class results.

I am currently open to new opportunities in the NJ and NY areas and would welcome the opportunity to talk about how I can make an impact for your organization.

You can reach me via the "CONTACT ME" link above or on my cell at 201-218-1781. I look forward to connecting with you soon.

professional Timeline - click on "+" in right corner to expand details

  1. -
    Managing Partner, The Capital Grille ~ Parsippany, NJ

    Grand Opening April 12, 2021

    Now Hiring!

    It’d be a pleasure to welcome you to our team—we’re hiring for all positions in Parsippany, NJ. If you or someone you know is interested, please apply at https://srgjobs.darden.com. #TeamCapitalGrille #Hiring #Careers

  2. -
    Manager, The Capital Grille ~ Paramus, NJ

    The Capital Grille is a fine dining restaurant specializing in dry-aged beef, the freshest seafood, and an award-winning wine list.  Paramus has been selected multiple times as a Diamond Club location within Darden.  This award is reserved for the highest performing restaurants within the organization.

  3. -
    Director of Dining Services, FLIK Hospitality Group & Compass Group USA

    Becton, Dickinson & Company World HQ:  Franklin Lakes, NJ:  (Contractor / Consultant):

    Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP Elite Law Firm:  New York, NY (Contractor / Consultant):

     Ensured optimal executive dining, special events, catering, client service and guest satisfaction in a business / industry corporate dining environment.


     Supervised operations and execution of food service in order to maximize quality, safety, and consistency.


     Managed associates and implemented FLIK culture and standards into daily operations.

  4. -
    Banquet Sales & Ops Manager, Maggiano's / Brinker International, Inc.

    Tysons Corner, VA:

     Delivered a $3M increase in annual sales revenue (from $1M to $4M). Booked & oversaw all banquets.


     Optimized event and banquet marketing platforms through media utilization and grassroots marketing.

  5. -
    Assistant GM, Maggiano's / Brinker International, Inc.

    Tysons Corner, VA:

     Promoted into the role of Assistant General Manager to drive growth, increase profits, and reduce costs.


     Awarded recognition for managing ‘Most Profitable Business’ within entire Brinker International portfolio.

  6. -
    GM & Managing Partner, Maggiano's / Brinker International, Inc.

    Hackensack, NJ:

     Promoted to senior management level and selected to manage the opening of a flagship property in the highly competitive NY, NJ & NYC area market; oversaw entire building construction and daily operations.


     Managed all FOH & BOH functions within a 500 seat restaurant operation with four banquet rooms, carryout, delivery, bar, and large dining room; directed all P&L processes with annual revenues of $8M.

Proudest Accomplishment

Opening a new restaurant from the ground up was a huge undertaking & a tremendous dream to realize.

Experience Highlights

  • THE CAPITAL GRILLE & DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC
    MANAGING PARTNER:  PARSIPPANY, NJ
  • THE CAPITAL GRILLE & DARDEN RESTAURANTS INC
    MANAGER:  PARAMUS, NJ
  • CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE LLP ELITE LAW FIRM
    CONTRACTOR / CONSULTANT:  DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES:  NEW YORK, NY
  • BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY (BD) MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    CONTRACTOR / CONSULTANT:  DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES:  FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ
  • FLIK HOSPITALITY GROUP & COMPASS GROUP USA
    DIRECTOR OF DINING SERVICES:  GREATER NEW YORK CITY AREA
  • MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY & BRINKER INTERNATIONAL
    BANQUET SALES & OPERATIONS MANAGER:  TYSONS CORNER, VA
  • MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY & BRINKER INTERNATIONAL
    GENERAL MANAGER & MANAGING PARTNER: HACKENSACK, NJ
  • LEGAL SHIELD INC.
    aREA DIRECTOR, GROUP BENEFITS SPECIALIST, LICENSED legal INSURANCE AGENT:  ASHBURN, VA
  • BRIAR CREST AT CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT
    trustee & MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  HAMBURG, NJ
  • MOUNTAIN JACK'S STEAKHOUSE
    ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER:  LANSING, MI & Fairfax, VA
  • MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY & BRINKER INTERNATIONAL
    ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER:  TYSONS CORNER, VA

Education & professional development Highlights

  • Court of Master Sommeliers Americas
    introductory course examination certification
  • John C. Maxwell
    advanced leadership strategies
  • David Allen Companies
    getting things done methodology
  • Blanchard Training & Development
    situational leadership ii & raving fans
  • Franklin Covey
    leadership foundations & time management
  • Brian Tracy International
    Advanced selling skills
  • Partners in Leadership
    Oz Principle accountability training
  • National Restaurant Association
    Servsafe food manager & servsafe alcohol manager certifications
  • Tony Robbins Mastery University:  Aspen, CO | Maui, HI | San Diego, CA | Chicago, IL | Atlanta, GA
    CeRTIFICATION:  FINANCIAL MASTERY, LIFE MASTERY, DATE WITH DESTINY, UNLEASH THE POWER WITHIn
  • Michigan State University, The Eli Broad College of Business, East Lansing, MI:
    bachelor of arts (ba):  business administration

Causes & CHARITIES

  • Children's Miracle Network
  • St. Jude Medical
  • March of Dimes
  • Feeding America
  • Table to Table
  • Girl Scouts of America
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation

Interests

  • Consulting
  • Mentoring
  • Joining a corporate board of directors
  • Employment in NJ & NY

Results that i have DELIVERED FOR MY STAKEHOLDERS

  • 300K
    guests served per year
  • 15
    years of fundraising for make-a-wish foundation
  • 25+
    years of hands-on leadership experience
  • 4.8
    opentable rating (5 point scale)
  • 160+
    DIRECT REPORTS LED
  • $14M
    record sales yeAR

transferable skills in my wheelhouse

  • results accountability
  • culture building & development
  • p & l optimization
  • labor analysis & improvement
  • marketing strategy & execution
  • guest recovery & relations
  • quality assurance & safety
  • forecasting & budgeting
  • strategic planning
  • public relations & marketing
  • brand standards & compliance
  • team leadership & coaching

Questions & Answers

If you weren't in the restaurant business what else would you be doing?
I have a passion for technology, food, cruising and travel so if I wasn't running restaurants I would likely be working at a technology company, food retailer, on a cruise ship, or in a luxury hotel.
What is one of the biggest challenges in your business right now?
There are always brand new restaurants opening up so you have to stay on your toes in order to remain competitive and on the cutting edge. Social media has added an entirely new dimension to how restaurants operate.

As a marketer I enjoy this challenge because as McDonald's founder Ray Kroc said "when you're green you're growing, when you're ripe you rot!"
What do you like best about your work?
It has been said that the restaurant business is like show business. We put on 14 shows a week (lunch and dinner) and have the opportunity to get better at our performance each time.

It is a fast paced industry with great food, incredible people, and a lively atmosphere. That is why I love walking through the front door each morning!

photos &  favorite quotes

  • I LOVE LEADERSHIP!
    I LOVE LEADERSHIP!
  • MAKE IT HAPPEN!
    MAKE IT HAPPEN!
  • GOLF ANYONE?
    GOLF ANYONE?
  • CRUISING IS ONE OF MY PASSIONS.
    CRUISING IS ONE OF MY PASSIONS.
  • I NEVER GIVE UP.
    I NEVER GIVE UP.
  • I AM GOAL DRIVEN.
    I AM GOAL DRIVEN.

hospitality Videos

helpful Links

Résumé & recommendations

my Blog

Now Hiring 4

Excited to share that we are hiring for all positions at our Parsippany, NJ location. I invite you to apply today at srgjobs.darden.com. #TeamCapitalGrille #hiring #careers

Read Post Visit the Blog

Location

Sussex County, NJ ~ Greater New York City

Interested In