AARON CASTRO
77845 California Dr. Apt D12 Palm Desert,CA
Summary
Motivated hospitality leader with 7+ years of experience in restaurant management, staffing, and large-scale event execution, as well as 15+ years in food & beverage industry. Proven ability to manage fast-paced , high-volume environments while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Skilled in scheduling, onboarding, steps-of-service, safety compliance, and incident reporting. Strong background in operational accuracy, cash handling, ServSafe Manager certified for food & safety, and multi-department coordination. Excels in adapting to evolving procedures, solving escalated issues and supporting company goals through initiative, accountability and teamwork. Experienced with operations and multi-property support across festivals, banquets, and restaurant outlets.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager/Loss Prevention Coordinator
Levy Restaurant FoodService
09.2024 - Current
- Support staffing, onboarding and training for 70+ employees across multiple outlets.
- Serve as the Loss Prevention Coordinator: oversee incident reports, maintain safety standards, and ensure compliance with the company procedures.
- Assist with scheduling multiple events, restaurants, payroll support, and employee communications to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Travel to support major festivals and large-scale events, including setup, execution, production timeline, guest service, and team coordination.
- Utilize ServSafe Manager certification to uphold food safety practices and coach staff in proper procedures.
- Contribute to management of the Cantina at the Eldorado Polo Club, maintaining high service standards and polished guest experiences.
- Managed daily operations to ensure efficient service delivery and guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with culinary team to develop innovative menu offerings based on customer feedback.
- Streamlined inventory management processes, reducing waste and enhancing cost control measures.
Assistant Manager/Supervisor
Tack Room Tavern At Empire Polo Grounds
02.2018 - 09.2024
- Key holder; Open and/or Close the restaurant in a routinely manner.
- Excel; Input Server & Bartender's Tip outs for payroll.
- Excel; Daily Sales Report.
- Oversee and fill in when needed as a host, server, bartender.
- Handled discounts, voids & Aloha support when needed.
- Assure all opening & closing side work is done correctly.
- Responsible with the Restaurant Bank and distribute cash change to bartenders for cash drawers.
- Update the menu and cover menu changes and 86 items.
- Walk through and make sure restaurant is running smoothly with food and drinks coming out at a perfectly timed fashion.
- Bilingual in English & Spanish - ability to bridge cultural divides and facilitate communication in multicultural environments.
- Help organize, set up, serve and supervise special Events, Weddings, etc.
Server
BBC/ Tack Room Tavern At Empire Polo Grounds
09.2012 - 11.2018
- Setup tables before & after guests arrive. Politely assisted customers in person and via telephone. Built long-term customer relationships. Provide excellent customer service always with an upbeat personality.
- Trained new hires and mentored upcoming servers.
- Bartending/Serving Festival History ex. (Coachella Music Festival, Stagecoach, Desert Trip )
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Maximized table turnover rate by efficiently managing reservations and seating arrangements.
Lead Barback
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
07.2015 - 04.2017
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently preparing and stocking bar with necessary supplies.
- Supported bartenders in providing exceptional service through timely glassware cleaning and restocking.
- Ensured smooth operations by assisting with inventory management and promptly replenishing low stock items.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, leading to increased efficiency and productivity among staff.
- Maximized sales by recommending popular drinks and upselling premium liquors when appropriate.
Personal Assistant
Carl R. V. Brown
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Liaised with key accounts to deliver targeted administrative support, including estate, household and property management.
- Handled all incoming information requests for several busy executives.
- Handled incoming mail, bills and invoices and completed appropriate actions.
- Promoted team productivity by keeping supplies organized and well-stocked.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Managed large range of services including pet care, phone screening, shopping and bill paying.
- Arranged domestic and international travel plans and itineraries, including flight, car service and restaurant reservations.
Education
ServSafe Manager Certification
Renewal Date: 12/8/2029Completed Manager/Supervisor Sexual Harassment Course
Completed On 2019Penn Foster College/Online Studies
Scranton, PA2012
High School Diploma -
Palm Desert High School
Palm Desert, CA06.2011
Skills
- Staff Leadership & Scheduling
- Onboarding & Training
- Daily Sales Report
- Loss Prevention & Incident Reporting
- Bilingual
- Quick and Driven Learner
- Restaurant Operations Management
- ServSafe Manager Certified
- Computer Proficiency
- Superb Uplifting Attitude
- Menu Design / Canva Knowledge
- Cash Handling & Financial Accuracy
- Guest Experience & Hospitality Standards
- Multi-Property Support (Banquets, Restaurants, Events)
- Inventory Management
- Golf Cart / Forklift Certified
- Microsoft Office & Excel Proficiency
- Proficiency in Social Media Platforms & Analytics
Timeline
Assistant General Manager/Loss Prevention Coordinator
Levy Restaurant FoodService
09.2024 - Current
Assistant Manager/Supervisor
Tack Room Tavern At Empire Polo Grounds
02.2018 - 09.2024
Lead Barback
Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge
07.2015 - 04.2017
Personal Assistant
Carl R. V. Brown
08.2013 - 06.2015
Server
BBC/ Tack Room Tavern At Empire Polo Grounds
09.2012 - 11.2018
ServSafe Manager Certification
Completed Manager/Supervisor Sexual Harassment Course
Penn Foster College/Online Studies
High School Diploma -
Palm Desert High School
References
- Julie Dixon (General Manager at Tack Room Tavern) 760-831-0629 email: julie@empirepolo.com
- Stephany Robayo (Dog Grooming Business Owner) 760-898-8586 email: stephany@pawfecttime.com
- Carl Brown (Stanford University Retired Dean & Prof.) 760-902-3437 email: crvbrown@alumni.stanford.edu