Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
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Matthew Decancq

Mount Prospect

Summary

Accomplished professional with 20 years of leadership in food and beverage operations. Proven track record in team management and enhancing operational efficiency. Strong communication skills and strategic mindset contribute to building positive work environments and client relationships.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Food & Beverage

Levy Restaurants - Northwestern University
EVANSTON
06.2021 - Current
  • Successfully operate the Food & Beverage of six sports stadiums and the athlete dining facility.
  • Exceeded partner sales projections and operational expectations consistently. Led and managed a team of 11 Managers, 15 Supervisors, and 250 hourly team members.
  • Collaborated with 17 different head coaches and sport programs on meal planning.
  • Oversaw forecasting, end-of-month inventory, and financial close.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with Purchasing, Concessions, Restaurants, Accounting, and Chefs to ensure timely completion of daily tasks. Accountable for inputting users, cost outs, and recipe builds into Square and Birchstreet operating systems.
  • Developed strategic menus to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue.
  • Successfully implemented a declining balance, par levels, and matrix theoretical for the property.
  • Expanded the Beer and Wine selection resulting in a substantial 30% increase in overall beverage sales.
  • Executed the buildout and operations of a 15,000-person temporary football stadium on Lake Michigan. Producing over 1.3M in sales in 5 NCAA football games.
  • Actively participated as a member of the design committee for the new football stadium, collaborating with university leaders, donors, and multiple design firms to execute a comprehensive stadium redesign that embraces the future of sports.

Senior Director of Operations

Churchill Downs - Arlington Park
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
01.2019 - 06.2021
  • Served as Senior Director overseeing operational functions of 4 property sectors: Operations, Food & Beverage, Information Technologies, and Marketing.
  • Led a team of 21 managers, 24 supervisors, and 550 hourly team members, ensuring smooth operations across all properties.
  • Directed 9 Off Track betting facilities throughout the state of Illinois, ensuring efficient and profitable operations.
  • Demonstrated strong financial acumen by owning the budgeting process and maintaining a P&L of 25M across all sectors.
  • Successfully devised and executed a comprehensive 250K season marketing plan, targeting special events, promotions, and Group sales.
  • Focused on fostering collaboration and unity among functional areas, leading teams towards a shared vision.
  • Ensured operational efficiency by refining and implementing standardized operating procedures across all departments.
  • Led the recruitment, performance management, and training of staff members, enabling professional growth and enhancing team performance. Achieved a 20% reduction in payroll and benefits administration costs through strategic negotiations while maintaining service quality.
  • Cultivated a corporate culture centered around employee retention and a healthy work environment.
  • Provided key input and participated in strategic development and planning activities for the market.
  • Skillfully negotiated contracts with main level vendors, third-party operators, and nonprofit organizations.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of activities and programs as directed by the Property President.
  • Developed and managed property website using the Wordpress hosting engine.
  • Provided leadership and strategic planning for the IT department, ensuring optimal performance of information systems.

Director of food & beverages

Levy Restaurants - Arlington Park
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS
04.2011 - 01.2019
  • Managed and supervised F&B sales totaling $14 million over a 5-month seasonal period, consistently surpassing budgeted sales expectations and achieving company financial goals.
  • Directed a team of 17 Managers, 20 Supervisors, and 400 hourly team members.
  • Led forecasting, end-of-month inventory, and financial close processes.
  • Conducted weekly meetings with Purchasing, Concessions, Restaurants, Accounting, and Chefs to ensure project attention and timely completion of daily tasks.
  • Collaborated closely with company accountants to finalize time-sensitive projects.
  • Responsible for inputting users, cost outs, and recipe builds into Micros and Tangent operating systems.
  • Oversaw Arlington Apparel, a merchandise store, generating sales of over $500k per year.
  • Developed strategic menus to reduce wait times, lower costs, and increase revenue.
  • Created and implemented a declining balance system, par levels, and matrix theoretical for the property.
  • Successfully implemented the "We Proudly Serve" Starbucks program, resulting in a 45% increase in property coffee sales.
  • Provided additional training to enhance industry knowledge and staff development.

Multi-Unit General Manager

Big Onion Tavern Group
CHICAGO
05.2003 - 04.2011
  • Successfully managed a financial statement of $3.5 million in sales
  • Promoted to Multi-Unit General Manager after initially being hired as a General Manager for The Spread in 07/07
  • Implemented highly effective advertising and LSM promotions, resulting in a significant boost in sales
  • Conducted weekly analysis of P&L for ownership group, ensuring financial stability and growth
  • Oversaw the hiring, training, and scheduling of all staff based on sales projections
  • Expanded customer base through active community involvement and relationship-building, including organizing charity events

Education

Bachelors - Fine Arts and Marketing

University of Iowa
IOWA CITY, IOWA
06.2003

Timeline

Director of Food & Beverage

Levy Restaurants - Northwestern University
06.2021 - Current

Senior Director of Operations

Churchill Downs - Arlington Park
01.2019 - 06.2021

Director of food & beverages

Levy Restaurants - Arlington Park
04.2011 - 01.2019

Multi-Unit General Manager

Big Onion Tavern Group
05.2003 - 04.2011

Bachelors - Fine Arts and Marketing

University of Iowa

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Matthew Decancq