Christopher Oddo
Brooklyn
Summary
Accomplished and dynamic Restaurant Manager with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand establishments. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams, streamlining complex operations, and elevating guest experiences through expert-level wine and cocktail programs. Adept at FOH/BOH coordination, staff development, and maintaining brand standards in high-pressure environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Manager
Cafe Zaffri (The Twenty-Two Hotel)
New York, NY
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Directed daily operations with a focus on a unique international wine program, driving bottle sales and conducting regular staff education.
- Collaborated with the BOH team to curate precise menu pairings and guide the FOH team in articulating complex culinary concepts to guests.
- Headed the server assistant department, overseeing staffing, training, and professional development.
- Managed guest relations and amenities for a Michelin Key hotel, developing detailed guest notes to provide bespoke service for VIP clientele.
- Implemented inventory management practices to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Restaurant Manager
Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)
New York, NY
04.2024 - 08.2025
- Oversaw day-to-day operations across multiple profit centers, ensuring seamless service and strict adherence to Michelin standards.
- Developed and implemented SOPs to streamline service efficiency and maintain brand consistency.
- Managed labor standards and scheduling across departments while leading training for culinary, cocktail, and wine teams.
- Handled digital guest relations, crafting personalized responses to reviews to maintain the restaurant’s premium reputation.
Head Bartender
Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)
Houston, TX
01.2023 - 04.2024
- Designed and launched seasonal cocktail menus quarterly, optimizing inventory and cost controls via Binwise and Toast.
- Introduced new preparation and cleaning protocols that significantly boosted bar efficiency and hygiene standards.
- Trained the bar team on advanced spirits knowledge and technical cocktail execution.
- Partnered with marketing to develop and execute bar programming and promotional events.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create signature pairings for menu offerings.
- Analyzed guest feedback to refine service techniques and improve overall satisfaction.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
Chef De Partie
Bludorn (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
Houston, TX
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Prepared and presented high-quality dishes in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Trained and mentored junior kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with front-of-house team to ensure seamless service during peak hours.
- Executed high-level French brigade service, maintaining rigorous standards for food safety, labeling, and storage.
- Collaborated with the culinary leadership to create and test new seasonal dishes.
- Expedited service and coordinated kitchen workflow to ensure readiness and freshness for every shift.
Education
New York State Alcohol Awareness (TIPS ATAP On-Pre
Learn 2 Serve
New York City Food Protection Certificate (Food Ha
Learn 2 Serve
Skills
- Beverage & Culinary: Wine & Spirits Expertise, Seasonal Menu Development, Classic & Contemporary Cocktails, International Wine List Management, Specialty Coffee/Barista Service
- Leadership: Team Training & Mentorship, SOP Development, Scheduling & Labor Cost Management, Staffing & Recruitment
- Operations: FOH/BOH Coordination, Inventory Control (Binwise, Toast), VIP Guest Relations, Michelin-level Service Standards, Online Reputation Management
Timeline
Service Manager
Cafe Zaffri (The Twenty-Two Hotel)
08.2025 - 12.2025
Restaurant Manager
Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)
04.2024 - 08.2025
Head Bartender
Le Jardinier (1 Michelin Star)
01.2023 - 04.2024
Chef De Partie
Bludorn (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
01.2022 - 07.2023
New York State Alcohol Awareness (TIPS ATAP On-Pre
Learn 2 Serve
New York City Food Protection Certificate (Food Ha
Learn 2 Serve