Aaron Perko
Palm City
Summary
Experienced Restaurant Manager with over 10 years of expertise in leading high-quality, fast-paced restaurants, including a Forbes Five-Star property. Successfully oversaw restaurant operations at The PGA Golf Club. Proficient in training staff to uphold the highest customer service standards, resulting in enhanced customer satisfaction, reduced staff turnover, and increased sales through effective upselling techniques.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Restaurant Operations Manager
PGA of America
09.2021 - 02.2025
- Established strong communication channels between front-of-house and back-of-house teams for seamless service delivery.
- Built a loyal Member and Guest base by addressing customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with the executive chef to design innovative menus that prioritized seasonal ingredients and catered to diverse dietary needs.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share ideas and implement best practices in their daily tasks.
- Oversaw operations and reviewed performance measures of 3 restaurants and 3 bars.
- Maintained accurate financial records by tracking daily revenues/expenses closely.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations through regular audits, risk assessments, and staff training sessions.
- Supervised, developed and conducted performance evaluations for 3 f&b managers.
Photographer
Perkotography
01.2017 - Current
- Edit high-volume of photographs daily, ensuring top quality of each individual image
- Set up lighting and equipment strategically and efficiently to obtain highest quality images without impeding event
- Edit shots in Photoshop, including airbrushing blemishes, whitening teeth and adjusting contrast
- Skilled in posing and calming distressed clients and models to get the most usable photos
- Maintain active social media and blog presence to promote personal brand and uphold excellent customer service standards
- Artistically arrange props and lighting to create aesthetically pleasing photos
Restaurant Manager
South Fork Kitchen and Bar
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Hired and trained 10 employees
- Supervised a team of 5 servers and 4 kitchen staff
- Performed walk-throughs regularly to gauge timeliness and quality of service
- Documented and quickly resolved all customer satisfaction issues
- Maintained a safe, fun working environment
- Monitored food preparation ensuring high-levels of safety and quality
- Met monthly sales goals for 6 continuous months
- Maintained inventory and reordered supplies as needed
- Completed paperwork and filed reports quickly and efficiently
Restaurant Manager
Crocodile Restaurant and Bar
07.2018 - 07.2021
- Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to maximize productivity
- Determined root cause of performance trends and developed process improvement which targeted assurance in safety, health, quality and customer satisfaction
- Championed 100% guest satisfaction by providing excellent dining experiences
- Developed and maintained exceptional customer service standards
- Trained entire front of the house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to ensure a positive experience
- Counseled and disciplined staff, addressing issues promptly and providing constructive feedback
Food and Beverage Supervisor/Dining Room Captain
Belmond El Encanto
07.2014 - 07.2017
- Oversaw beverage operations, delivered day to day consistency, set and maintained highest food and beverage quality and standards
- Enforced staff performance and service standards to deliver consistent and positive customer experiences
- Sought out and implemented methods to improve service and team performance to boost business sustainability
- Worked with vendors to establish strong relationships and maintain proper inventory supplies
- Held top wine sales position 3 years in a row
- Spearheaded and executed food and beverage marketing and promotional programs, met with potential clients and members and arranged meetings and training
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Hyatt Hotel Corporation
04.2012 - 01.2014
- Managed food and beverage operations including bar and restaurant service with relentless focus on hospitable and gracious guest services
- Interviewed, hired, and supervised front and back of the house staff
- Maintain inventory, reordering and restocking supplies
- Guide customers through all menus, demonstrating advanced knowledge of specifics
- Train new servers on expectations and procedures
- Answer guest inquiries and resolve issues smoothly
- Anticipate and address customer needs
Education
Carpinteria Senior High School -
Carpinteria, CaliforniaLevel 2 Sommelier -
Court of Master Sommeliers
07.2001
Skills
- Adaptability
- Guest Oriented
- Organization and Prioritization
- Supervisory Skills
- Hiring and Training
- Customer Service
- Communications
- Outgoing Personality
- Reliable and Punctual
- Results Oriented
- Problem-solving
Timeline
Restaurant Operations Manager
PGA of America
09.2021 - 02.2025
Restaurant Manager
South Fork Kitchen and Bar
01.2021 - 07.2021
Restaurant Manager
Crocodile Restaurant and Bar
07.2018 - 07.2021
Photographer
Perkotography
01.2017 - Current
Food and Beverage Supervisor/Dining Room Captain
Belmond El Encanto
07.2014 - 07.2017
Food and Beverage Supervisor
Hyatt Hotel Corporation
04.2012 - 01.2014
Level 2 Sommelier -
Court of Master Sommeliers
Carpinteria Senior High School -
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