Chris Janiak

Regional Operations and Restaurant Openings Leader
Multi-Unit Hospitality, Beverage Programs, Luxury Guest Experience

Download Executive Resume
Profile

How I Show Up

I am a hands-on hospitality leader who thrives in fast-moving, complex environments, particularly during openings, growth phases, and operational transitions.

My career has been built on earning trust from ownership, empowering leadership teams, and creating systems that allow hospitality to scale without losing its identity. I am equally comfortable in boardrooms, kitchens, and on the floor during service.

I am known for being calm under pressure, direct but fair, and deeply invested in developing managers who can confidently run their businesses.

Expertise

Core Expertise

Restaurant Openings

Pre-opening planning, staffing, training, systems, and launch execution.

Multi-Unit Operations

Regional oversight, general manager coaching, and performance improvement.

Beverage Programs

Wine, spirits, cocktails, inventory systems, and distributor partnerships.

Experience

Professional Experience

H2 Collective Restaurant Group

Regional Operations Manager and Restaurant Openings Manager

Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland | 2023 to Present
  • Support and develop area managers and general managers across multiple concepts.
  • Lead full restaurant opening lifecycle from planning through launch.
  • Build operational systems aligned to each concept.
  • Partner with culinary, HR, marketing, and construction teams.

Washington Commanders

Guest Experience Supervisor, Owner Suite

Northwest Stadium | 2025 Season
  • Managed catering and service for ownership suite.
  • Collaborated with ownership and executive chef on custom menus.
  • Recruited and led a luxury service team.

Pendry Hotel, Moonraker

General Manager

Washington DC | 2022 to 2023
  • Played a key role in opening a luxury boutique hotel and three food and beverage outlets.
  • Created beverage programs, SOPs, and inventory systems.
  • Led hiring, training, payroll, and labor management.

Brighton SW1

Beverage Director, Assistant General Manager, General Manager

Washington DC | 2017 to 2022
  • Integral to pre-opening and long-term success of an elevated British pub.
  • Built beverage programs and vendor relationships.
  • Managed scheduling, payroll, P and L, and floor operations.
  • Led teams through Wharf opening and pandemic operations.
Leadership

Leadership Style

Strong operations are built on clear expectations, accountability, and trust.

My leadership style is grounded and supportive while remaining performance focused. I develop managers who understand both the financial and human sides of hospitality.

My goal is to leave teams stronger, more confident, and better structured than when I joined.

Highlights

Career Highlights

  • Led multiple successful restaurant openings across the DMV region.
  • Developed and supported leadership teams across multi-unit portfolios.
  • Trusted operator for ownership-level hospitality environments.
  • Built beverage programs and operational systems from the ground up.
  • Managed teams through growth, high volume, and pandemic conditions.
  • Career progression from bartender to regional operations leader.
Education

Education and Certifications

Ohio Wesleyan University

International Business and Spanish

Certifications and Training

  • Extensive wine and champagne training.
  • US Bartenders Guild competitions and workshops.
  • Aloha POS system proficiency.
  • Inventory and cost control systems.
Contact

Let’s Connect

Email: cljaniak@me.com
Location: Washington DC
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chrisjaniak