CESAR LEZAMA
Cafe General Manager
Princeton Junction,NJ
Summary
Strong leader and problem-solver F&B professional dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
Certificates
2
2
Languages
Work History
Cafe General Manager
Life Time Healthy Way Of Life
Plainsboro, NJ
04.2022 - Current
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Oversaw balancing of cash registers, reconciled transactions, and deposited establishment's earnings to bank.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
- Effectively managed payroll, timekeeping, and onboarding of all new team members.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Month over month business growth and positively impacted contribution margin.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and COGS.
- Supervised employees for exceptional store operations, customer retention and positive brand experiences.
- Collaborated with management to reduce waste and expenses, that resulted in increase profitability.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Built and motivated stellar teams using sound judgment and decision-making, resulting in minimal turnover and superior performance.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Dining Room Manager
Princeton Windrows
Princeton, NJ
07.2015 - 04.2022
- Designed overall floorplans and coordinated modifications for events and special reservations.
- Greeted guests, sat at tables and brought orders to assist front of house staff.
- Took special reservations and planned restaurant accommodations with kitchen and front of house staff.
- Led planning, set up and takedown for special events.
- Implemented training program for front of house staff to maintain high standards of customer service.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
- Maximized quality assurance by completing frequent line checks.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Assistant Service Manager
Winberies Bar and Grill
Princeton, NJ
10.2013 - 07.2015
- Demonstrated conflict management skills while supervising employees.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Supervised all areas of restaurant to keep it clean and well-maintained.
- Pitched in to help host, waitstaff, and bussers during exceptionally busy times such as dinner hour.
- Immediately resolved issues with patrons by employing careful listening and communication skills.
- Analyzed daily sales figures and developed strategies to increase sales.
- Managed team of up to twenty restaurant staff, maintaining exceptional customer service and quality standards.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss performance and address any issues.
- Performed daily administrative tasks, such as ordering supplies, processing invoices and reconciling accounts.
- Worked closely with restaurant GM to develop and implement marketing initiatives.
- Enhanced financial controls to minimize theft and loss risks, continuously maintaining accurate accounts and cash drawers.
- Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Skills
Staff Scheduling
Inventory management
Budgeting
Food preparation and safety
Operations management
Cost-controls
Natural leader
Conflict resolution techniques
Business operations expertise
Inventory control and record keeping
Recruitment
Point of Sale (POS) system operation
Staff Management
Kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
Performance improvement
Food service background
Certification
Leadership/Business Certification Life Time
Timeline
First Aid/CPR/AED American Red Cross
09-2022
Leadership/Business Certification Life Time
07-2022
Cafe General Manager - Life Time Healthy Way Of Life
04.2022 - Current
Servsafe Manager
04-2022
Dining Room Manager - Princeton Windrows
07.2015 - 04.2022
Assistant Service Manager - Winberies Bar and Grill
10.2013 - 07.2015
North Brunswick Township High School - High School Diploma,