Desmond Z. Bush
Bluffton
Summary
Results-driven and passionate restaurateur with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, launching successful food and beverage concepts, and optimizing operations for profitability. Known for integrity, accountability, and a competitive nature that inspires teams to deliver exceptional service. Adept in full-scope restaurant operations—from concept development, financial oversight, to staff leadership and guest experience.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Culinary Development Manager
Watterson Brands
Bluffton
03.2025 - 06.2025
- . Helped lead the renovation of a new space at Burnt Church Distillery into a full-scale commercial kitchen and sports bar, working closely with the team on design, infrastructure, and functionality.
. Conducted in-depth market research to support brand growth strategies, providing insights that informed the CFO and Owner's decisions.
Developed strategic slide decks outlining menu and operational recommendations to enhance brand efficiency and performance
Owner / Operator
Benjamins Southern Fried Pies LLC
Hilton Head Island
03.2023 - 03.2025
- Co-founded and operated two food trucks and a cigar & whiskey lounge located at The Bank.
- Developed original menus and recipes, managing food and labor costs to ensure profitability.
- Built systems and SOPs to maintain high service standards in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.
- Oversaw daily operations, including scheduling, inventory, staff training, and hands-on leadership.
- Tracked and analyzed P&L performance via PowerBI to drive informed decision-making.
- Managed vendor relationships and weekly ordering to maintain stock for all menu offerings.
- Collaborated with fellow business owners at The Bank to streamline campus operations and enhance guest experience.
- Achieved over $1M in gross revenue.
General Manager
Killen's
Houston
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Led day-to-day operations, managing FOH staffing, training, and scheduling.
- Implemented and enforced operational standards and cultural consistency.
- Oversaw all beverage inventory and ordering (beer, wine, spirits).
- Spearheaded migration to Toast POS and optimized reporting workflows.
- Conducted pre-shift lineups focused on features, policy changes, and morale.
- Regularly expedited food and maintained a presence on the floor to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Launched updated cocktail and wine programs.
- Handled daily cash management and bank deposits.
Pub Manager
Merus Grill (J. Alexander's Concept)
Houston
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Helped launch new restaurant concept, managing bar operations and team development.
- Scheduled and trained bartenders to uphold company standards.
- Maintained weekly beverage inventory and ordering based on sales volume.
- Supported both FOH and BOH operations to ensure seamless service.
- Created and implemented new cocktail and wine lists.
- Conducted quarterly audits for national wine programs.
- Oversaw restaurant-wide operational duties: daily taste plate reviews, cash balancing, and sales/labor/tip-share reporting sent to regional managers.
- Created and distributed shift-specific feature cards in collaboration with the kitchen manager.
Manager
J. Alexander’s
01.2018 - 10.2019
- Managed inventory of smallware, glassware, and kitchen equipment.
- Tracked FOH and BOH labor using Excel-based tools.
- Co-led implementation of the Elite Guest program, partnering with local hotels for revenue growth.
- Performed kitchen manager duties including prep list creation, feature item planning, and butchery.
- Oversaw hostess team and enforced brand standards.
- Provided management support at multiple restaurant locations within the company network.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC01.2015
Skills
- Toast
- Micros
- Square
- Aloha
- Toast Tables
- Resy
- OpenTable
- 7shifts
- Sling
- CrunchTime!
- ChowNow
- Microsoft 365
- Excel
- Word
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Strategic planning
- Menu development
- Cost management
- Market research
- Operational optimization
- Customer relationship management
- Vendor management
- Inventory control
- Team leadership
- Staff training
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Commercial leasing structures
- Cross-functional team development
- Team development strategies
- Staff presentations
- New employee training
- Budget administration
Skills And Tools
POS & Tech: Toast, Micros, Square, Aloha, Toast Tables, Resy, OpenTable
Team Scheduling: 7shifts, Sling
Restaurant Ops Tools: CrunchTime!, ChowNow
Productivity: Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint
Timeline
Culinary Development Manager
Watterson Brands
03.2025 - 06.2025
Owner / Operator
Benjamins Southern Fried Pies LLC
03.2023 - 03.2025
General Manager
Killen's
05.2021 - 02.2023
Pub Manager
Merus Grill (J. Alexander's Concept)
11.2019 - 04.2021
Manager
J. Alexander’s
01.2018 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina
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