Costa Lefkimiatis
Woodbury,CT
Summary
Diligent Food Service Manager offering over 20 years of experience in foodservice. Expertise in maintaining cost controls and determining optimal coverage to meet business needs without sacrificing quality. Talented at building relationships with community members, clients and staff.
Skilled at food service operations targets and financial goals. Proficient in administering budgets, team building, managing inventory and controlling costs. Personable, friendly and solution-oriented Food service manager with over 20 years of experience in service and support. Customer-focused team player offering expertise in conflict mediation, time management and sales. Dedicated to customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Cafeteria Manager
Region 14 Schools
Woodbury , CT
08.2022 - Current
- Trained and oriented food service employees to perform with excellence, managed day-to-day activities of subordinates and assigned responsibility for ongoing specialization areas.
- Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
- Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers and prepared bank deposits.
- Coached staff on strategies to enhance performance and improve customer relations.
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Worked in close collaboration with team members to ensure customers received high-quality service.
- Pitched in to help cafeteria employees with various food preparation and serving tasks.
- Established and maintained thorough nutritional records and information.
- Created individualized meal plans based on client's nutritional needs.
Cafeteria Worker
Region 14 School District
Woodbury, CT
12.2018 - 06.2022
- Prepared food according to recipe instructions to manage regular school meals.
- Maintained tools, equipment, and surfaces in clean, neat and working order.
- Performed all work to top standards, proving best service for students, employees and school visitors.
- Adhered to safe and proper storage guidelines for incoming supplies.
- Tailored orders to address customer allergies and gluten concerns.
- Utilized safe and efficient methods for operating equipment.
- Oversaw register operations, counting purchases and accepting various forms of payment.
- Followed guidelines for safe serving, appropriate temperatures, and proper presentation.
- Upheld correct procedures for preparing foods and storing leftovers.
- Applied proactive and resourceful nature to create pleasant guest experiences.
Team Manager
Mosquito Squad CT
Clinton, CT
04.2014 - 09.2018
- Initiated training sessions and coached employees to develop effective staff.
- Oversaw daily workloads and workflow for smooth operations.
- Delegated work assignments and prioritized tasks.
- Conducted regular employee performance evaluations to offer constructive feedback and solutions to propel improvements and growth.
- Established quarterly and annual goals as well as operational tactics to achieve targets.
- Optimized productivity, streamlined program efficiency, and boosted profitability.
- Enhanced data collection accuracy by preparing, authoring and updating communications and policy memorandums.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and when dealing with unhappy customers, effectively diffusing situations.
- Recruited, hired and trained new employees, including monitoring and review of individual performance.
- Assessed, optimized and elevated operations to target current and expected demands.
Operations Manager
Hotel Thetis
Corfu, Greece
03.2004 - 11.2006
- Mentored all new employees, demonstrating best methods for servicing clients and guests.
- Handled guest complaints in most effective manner possible and offered complimentary services for hardship cases.
- Provided end-of-month audits of the resort to upper management as required.
- Cultivated long-lasting relationships with outside vendors including florists and restaurants so that guests could secure valuable deals on services and meals.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Juggled multiple projects and tasks to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
- Contributed to development, planning and completion of project initiatives.
- Created agendas and communication materials for team meetings.
- Demonstrated self-reliance by meeting and exceeding workflow needs.
Restaurant Operations Manager
Center Spa Resturant
West Haven, CT
01.1988 - 12.2003
- Planned and directed insightful employee training programs to maintain top-tier food service standards.
- Determined effective selling techniques and trained staff on upselling tactics.
- Established and enforced health and safety procedures and policies to meet operational standards and regulatory requirements.
- Evaluated performance by measuring guest satisfaction, volume and revenue to facilitate changes and boost operations success.
- Oversaw and managed food service operations, including catering and banquets.
- Analyzed operating expenses such as labor and cost of goods to implement new policies and measures to reduce spending and maximize revenue.
- Confirmed adequate staffing at peak service timeframes to deliver prompt and attentive service to guests.
- Controlled budget expenses by approving food, beverages and supplies purchases.
- Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
- Assigned tasks and oversaw employees to maintain compliance with food safety procedures and quality control guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation across all food service, storage, and preparation stations.
- Performed restaurant walk-throughs to gauge timeliness and excellent service quality.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management of Sports Industry
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT05.2004
High School Diploma -
Notre Dame High School
West Haven, CT06.1994
Food Safety Certification -
ServSafe
06.2022
Skills
- Staff leadership
- Portion control
- Purchasing
- Hiring procedures
- Employee development
- Quality assurance policies
- Schedule coordination
- Meal Planning
- Written Communication
- Excellent Communication
- Inventory Management Software
- Computer application knowledge
Timeline
Cafeteria Manager
Region 14 Schools
08.2022 - Current
Cafeteria Worker
Region 14 School District
12.2018 - 06.2022
Team Manager
Mosquito Squad CT
04.2014 - 09.2018
Operations Manager
Hotel Thetis
03.2004 - 11.2006
Restaurant Operations Manager
Center Spa Resturant
01.1988 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Science - Management of Sports Industry
University of New Haven
High School Diploma -
Notre Dame High School
Food Safety Certification -
ServSafe
Similar Profiles
Effes AndreasEffes Andreas
Summer Custodian/Maintenance Crew Worker at Region 14 Schools - Woodbury Middle SchoolSummer Custodian/Maintenance Crew Worker at Region 14 Schools - Woodbury Middle School
Cynthia PezzulloCynthia Pezzullo
Sixth Grade Middle School Teacher at Region 14 SchoolsSixth Grade Middle School Teacher at Region 14 Schools
Ashley CastonAshley Caston
Site Supervisor at Communities In Schools- Dallas RegionSite Supervisor at Communities In Schools- Dallas Region