Antonio Banaga
Hamden,CT
Summary
Strategic hospitality and culinary operations leader with 20+ years driving results across high‑volume restaurants, catering, education, and food retail. Expert in operations management, HACCP compliance, inventory accuracy, and team development for teams of 15–30+. Known for optimizing workflows, elevating guest satisfaction, and strengthening food safety and service consistency in fast‑paced environments. Builds positive work cultures through clear communication, coaching, and hands‑on leadership that supports business goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Shake Shack
Cheshire, CT
11.2025 - Current
- Led and motivated 20+ team members in a fast‑paced environment, improving sales and service efficiency.
- Managed inventory, shelf life, and product dating, reducing waste 25% and improving accuracy.
- Supported GM in daily operations, resolving operational obstacles and improving shift flow.
- Delivered Best in Class customer service, raising guest satisfaction 15%.
- Optimized staff deployment and scheduling, reducing labor variance 10%.
- Ensured food safety compliance, achieving zero violations across all audits.
- Promoted Shack brand through community events and local engagement.
Food Production Kitchen Manager
INGKA Group (IKEA)
New Haven, CT
10.2022 - 07.2025
- Enforced HACCP, shelf life, and product dating standards, reducing safety incidents 35% with zero violations.
- Optimized kitchen operations and staff deployment, cutting production time 20% during high‑volume periods.
- Trained 25+ team members on sanitation and allergen protocols, improving compliance scores.
- Strengthened inventory accuracy, reducing expired waste 40%.
Logistics, Goods Flow Coworker II
INGKA Group (IKEA)
New Haven, CT
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Improved pallet breakdown and staging, reducing shelf‑readiness time 25%.
- Increased bin accuracy and product flow, cutting mislabel errors 40%.
- Coordinated truck unloads to stock seasonal items within four hours.
Food Operations Manager
INGKA Group (IKEA)
New Haven, CT
10.2014 - 07.2021
- Managed daily operations and floor flow, improving prep efficiency 20% and supporting GM in meeting budget targets.
- Led and developed 30+ team members, improving retention and performance.
- Delivered consistent guest satisfaction above 85% through service coaching.
- Ensured food safety and team member safety, achieving three audit passes.
Culinary Manager & Bar Sales Manager
Darden Group (Olive Garden & Red Lobster)
San Francisco, CA
12.2012 - 10.2014
- Improved service execution and floor management, reducing ticket times 20%.
- Trained staff on upselling and menu execution, increasing bar check averages 15%.
- Resolved operational obstacles through daily huddles, improving service flow 25%.
President / CEO
A. Working Kitchen LLC
Dublin, CA
11.2007 - 11.2012
- Designed seasonal menus earning 95% satisfaction and securing corporate partnerships.
- Launched pop‑up kitchen setups, increasing non‑traditional venue bookings 35%.
- Managed logistics for multi‑site events serving 300+ guests with zero delays.
- Reduced waste 40% through sustainable sourcing and menu planning.
Education
Business Management
California State University Northridge
Burbank CaliforniaBusiness Management
De La Salle University
Manila PhillipinesComputer Science
San Mateo College
San Mateo, CASkills
Team Leadership Staff Development Recruiting & Training Operational Oversight Floor Management Inventory Control HACCP Compliance Food Safety Shelf Life & Product Dating Guest Experience Conflict Resolution Budget & P&L Management Scheduling Payroll Quality Assurance Cross‑Functional Collaboration Vendor Relations Process Optimization Service Execution Change Leadership Crisis Management Communication Skills
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Shake Shack
11.2025 - Current
Food Production Kitchen Manager
INGKA Group (IKEA)
10.2022 - 07.2025
Logistics, Goods Flow Coworker II
INGKA Group (IKEA)
08.2021 - 10.2022
Food Operations Manager
INGKA Group (IKEA)
10.2014 - 07.2021
Culinary Manager & Bar Sales Manager
Darden Group (Olive Garden & Red Lobster)
12.2012 - 10.2014
President / CEO
A. Working Kitchen LLC
11.2007 - 11.2012
Business Management
California State University Northridge
Business Management
De La Salle University
Computer Science
San Mateo College