AJ Sieve
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Restaurant and brewery manager who has led daily operations, hiring, training, scheduling, budgeting, and compliance. Advanced quickly through hospitality roles by combining team leadership with strong guest relations, helping create loyal customer bases, dependable service coverage, and high-performing shift operations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Nolo's Kitchen
Minneapolis, Minnesota
06.2026 - Current
- Managed day-to-day operations of the restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
- Managed daily restaurant operations, staff schedules, and service standards.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling and evaluation of employees.
- Reviewed labor needs and adjusted staffing for service coverage.
- Prepared employee schedules to maintain appropriate staffing levels during peak periods.
- Monitored inventory, ordering, and supply levels for restaurant operations.
- Coordinated food safety, cleanliness, and health code compliance.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner to maintain positive relationships with guests.
- Resolved guest concerns and handled service recovery with staff.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
General Manager
Bauhaus Brew Labs
Minneapolis, MN
04.2017 - 04.2026
- Directed brewery operations and taproom service for Bauhaus Brew Labs.
- Managed staff schedules, hiring processes, and daily team oversight, ensuring operational efficiency.
- Cultivated guest connections, enhancing repeat business and strengthening community reputation.
- Supported brewery operations during COVID-19 by coordinating outdoor service and implementing safety procedures.
- Advanced from bartender to general manager within the first year, showing strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
General Manager
Isabel's Cantina
San Diego, CA
09.2012 - 06.2015
- Co-managed restaurant operations with family, enhancing teamwork and communication,, focusing on customer experience and team leadership.
- Managed daily restaurant operations, staff schedules, and service standards.
- - Maintained quality service in a competitive market and supported daily restaurant operations.
- Supervised front-of-house and back-of-house teams during busy shifts.
- Trained employees on menus, service procedures, and guest expectations.
- Resolved guest concerns and handled service recovery with staff.
- Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner to maintain positive relationships with guests.
Bartender
Old Chicago
Minneapolis, MN
03.2008 - 09.2012
- - Oversaw busy Friday/Saturday bar shifts, efficiently serving 200+ guests per night.
- - Surpassed upsell targets and secured repeat business through tailored service.
- - Elevated from host to bartender in 6 months, showcasing adaptability and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Manager
Traveler's Inn Restaurant
Alexandria, MN
06.1997 - 02.2017
- - Began as a dishwasher and progressed to management through hands-on experience.
- Managed dining room operations at Traveler's Inn Restaurant
- Scheduled staff shifts and balanced daily labor coverage
- Supervised cash handling and closing register procedures
- - Gained 20 years of experience in high-volume food service and team collaboration.
- - Assisted with family-owned operations, supporting all aspects of restaurant functions.
- Resolved guest concerns with calm, professional communication
Education
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
St. Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN04-2008
Skills
- Customer Service & Guest Relations
- Bartending & Mixology
- Restaurant Operations
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Sales Growth & Upselling
- Conflict Resolution
- Event Management
- Labor scheduling
- Inventory control
- Budget management
- Staff training
- Payroll administration
- Decision making
- Clear communication
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
General Manager
Nolo's Kitchen
06.2026 - Current
General Manager
Bauhaus Brew Labs
04.2017 - 04.2026
General Manager
Isabel's Cantina
09.2012 - 06.2015
Bartender
Old Chicago
03.2008 - 09.2012
Manager
Traveler's Inn Restaurant
06.1997 - 02.2017
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
St. Cloud State University