Antonio Cerra
Westbury,NY
Summary
Highly driven General Manager successful at implementing strategic approaches to drive profitability and sales. Recognized for performance excellence in operations and customer care. Successful at motivating, training and developing team members to drive profitability in highly competitive environment.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Waiter
Sistina Ristorante
New York, NY
2023 - Current
- Demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled service at one of NYC's most elegant restaurants.
- Ensured the highest level of customer satisfaction through personalized recommendations, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for providing a memorable dining experience.
- Consistently surpassed sales goals through expert promotion of high-end specials, cocktails, wines, and desserts.
General Manager
Marco Polo Ristorante
Brooklyn, NY
08.2020 - 02.2023
- Successfully oversaw the seamless operation of the entire dining room, leading a team of waiters and busboys to deliver top-tier service.
- Spearheaded comprehensive training programs to elevate staff performance and maintain exceptional standards of hospitality.
- Managed the procurement and sales of the wine list, utilizing astute negotiation skills to optimize profitability.
- Served as the primary liaison for all parties and functions, ensuring flawless execution and exceeding client expectations.
General Manager
Parkside Ristorante
Corona, NY
08.2019 - 03.2020
- Implemented strategic cost-saving initiatives that significantly lowered both food and beverage expenses, thereby increasing overall profit margins for the establishment.
General Manager
Frankie & Johnnies' Steakhouse
New York
04.2018 - 12.2018
- Oversee employee work in both front and back of house to ensure compliance with all the establishments's policies, regulations, and food safety guidelines
- Perform detailed walk-throughs to ensure cleanliness and preparedness for the beginning and ending of shifts
- Complete all restaurant opening and closing procedures
- Created and solicited new business through innovative means.
General Manager
Fino Wall Street Ristorante
New York
05.2014 - 05.2018
- Works with the Chef and restaurant managers to develop promotions, food and wine pairings, menu items and presentations
- Supervise and assist with all operations, which may include: line set-up and restocking; food preparation, customer service; cleaning and organizing cooking, service and dining area; dishwashing; bartending, menu development,& large party reservations
- Created different menus and coordinated private events to guest satisfaction.
General Manager
Katerina Ristorante
Great Neck
12.2015 - 11.2016
- Responsible for hiring and training of dining room and bar staff and keeping employee turnover low
- Offer guests assistance whenever possible
- Onboard inventory management and meeting the food and alcohol budget
- Process financial transactions and manage the business office
- Works with the Chef and restaurant managers to develop promotions, food and wine pairings, menu items and presentations
- Received excellent reviews through New York Times and Newsday.
Restaurant Owner
Padre Figlio Italian Steakhouse
New York
01.2008 - 04.2014
- Recruited, trained and supervised all restaurant staff
- Ensured compliance with licensing, hygiene and all health and safety guidelines
- Upheld high quality fine dining standards
- Held a 25 Zagat Rating
- Received excellent reviews through New York Magazine and Crains.
Restaurant Owner
Da Antonio Ristorante
New York
11.1997 - 12.2007
- Upheld high quality fine dining standards
- Held a 25 Zagat Rating
- Received excellent review in the New York Times.
Education
High School Regents Honors Diploma -
Herbert H. Lehman
Skills
- Dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction by remaining accessible and friendly
- Exceptional interpersonal and team building skills with an aptitude for building rapport with a diverse range of customers, managers, and colleagues; talent for quickly resolving issues prior to escalation
- Thorough knowledge of menu offerings, including gourmet food, spirits, and wine pairings
- Skilled at anticipating, identifying and fulfilling guest needs and clarifying special orders
- Success multitasking while remaining professional and courteous in fast-paced environments
- Cross-trained in all aspects of the food and beverage industry
- Excellent presentation, interpersonal & communications skills - both written & oral
Timeline
General Manager
Marco Polo Ristorante
08.2020 - 02.2023
General Manager
Parkside Ristorante
08.2019 - 03.2020
General Manager
Frankie & Johnnies' Steakhouse
04.2018 - 12.2018
General Manager
Katerina Ristorante
12.2015 - 11.2016
General Manager
Fino Wall Street Ristorante
05.2014 - 05.2018
Restaurant Owner
Padre Figlio Italian Steakhouse
01.2008 - 04.2014
Restaurant Owner
Da Antonio Ristorante
11.1997 - 12.2007
Head Waiter
Sistina Ristorante
2023 - Current
High School Regents Honors Diploma -
Herbert H. Lehman