MARIO AGUILAR
Phoenix
Summary
Training-focused Restaurant Leader with 10+ years of progressive experience developing managers, building certified training restaurants, and driving operational excellence across multi-unit brands. Proven ability to design structured training roadmaps, standardize systems, coach high-potential talent, and elevate restaurants into certified training environments. Passionate about cultivating strong leaders and building scalable training programs that protect brand standards and guest experience.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operating Manager
Whataburger
09.2025 - Current
- Completed 8-week management training program two weeks ahead of schedule
- Conducted 5-Star guest service reviews and leadership NSF walks to reinforce brand standards
- Partnered with Market Leader to align store performance with regional training goals
- Participated in three new store openings, supporting operational consistency and onboarding
- Currently working toward developing store into a Certified Training Restaurant by strengthening leadership accountability, systems execution, and service standards
General Manager
Sweetgreen
05.2024 - 08.2025
- Led a Certified Training Restaurant environment focused on leadership development and operational excellence
- Developed structured roadmaps for high-potential team members to prepare them for advancement
- Conducted weekly audits and ecosure readiness reviews to maintain compliance standards
- Updated training trackers and coached managers through performance improvement
- Reinforced prep accuracy, food quality, and ambiance standards through consistent figure-8 leadership walks
Restaurant Manager
Mendocino Farms
07.2022 - 05.2024
- Completed 6-week MIT (Manager-in-Training) program
- Helped lead a Certified Training Restaurant, developing certified team members and kitchen specialists
- Conducted preshifts focused on coaching, daily priorities, and performance alignment
- Onboarded and trained new hires using structured development tools (Ceridian Dayforce)
- Supported $15,000–$20,000 daily sales volume while maintaining training consistency and standards
General Manager
Panini Kabob Grill
02.2015 - 05.2022
- Promoted from busser to General Manager, demonstrating long-term leadership growth
- Played key role in cultivating and strengthening the restaurant’s training program
- Developed assistant managers and kitchen managers through structured coaching and accountability systems
- Created daily leadership checklists and par systems to ensure consistency and reduce waste
- Conducted figure-8s and upheld food safety standards to maintain brand excellence
- Developed quarterly financial plans aligned with company metrics
Education
High School Diploma -
Fairfax Senior High School
Skills
- Certified Training Restaurant Leadership
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Training Program Implementation
- Operational Standardization
- Food Safety & Audit Readiness
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- New Store Openings
- Performance Management
- Scheduling & Labor Optimization
- P&L Management
Certification
ServSafe Manager Certified (Exp. November 2030)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Operating Manager
Whataburger
09.2025 - Current
General Manager
Sweetgreen
05.2024 - 08.2025
Restaurant Manager
Mendocino Farms
07.2022 - 05.2024
General Manager
Panini Kabob Grill
02.2015 - 05.2022
High School Diploma -
Fairfax Senior High School