Daniel Pirello
Kensington,CA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven restaurateur and sales professional with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Founder and Operator of two successful Bay Area restaurant concepts, combining a passion for sustainability, innovative dining, and community engagement. Skilled in restaurant operations, team leadership, and leveraging technology to optimize processes and enhance customer experiences.
Former Sales Manager for Northern California spirits portfolio, with expertise in account management, sales growth, and cultivating strong client relationships. Adept at marketing, event planning, and implementing creative strategies to drive business success. Brings a unique blend of creative vision, operational expertise, and a deep understanding of the restaurant landscape to deliver exceptional results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
The Salty Pearl and Rocky Island Oyster Co.
07.2021 - Current
- Lead all aspects of restaurant operations, including menu development, marketing strategy, business management, and accounting
- Oversee payroll, human resources, and staff training, fostering a collaborative and professional team environment
- Manage vendor relationships and inventory to ensure consistent quality and cost efficiency
- Develop creative marketing campaigns to grow brand visibility, including social media and community engagement strategies
- Leverage advanced knowledge of Toast POS systems to streamline operations, analyze sales trends, and optimize revenue
- Built and retained a dedicated team through the challenges of a global pandemic, ensuring consistent service and operational excellence
- Grew a loyal customer base and cultivated a strong community presence, building over 10,000 followers on social media
- Successfully navigated the financial challenges of the restaurant industry during an uncertain time, maintaining profitability and positioning for future growth
- Extensive experience with Toast POS systems across multiple locations, utilizing features for inventory management, reporting, and customer engagement
- Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting
- Proficient in digital marketing, event planning, and team leadership
Creative Director
The Craneway Pavilion
04.2021 - 06.2023
- Company Overview: One of the Bay Area's most iconic event centers
- Directed all marketing and design efforts for one of the Bay Area's most iconic event centers, creating compelling content and campaigns to promote large-scale events
- Led event planning and coordination, working closely with clients to ensure seamless execution of weddings, conferences, and community gatherings
- Designed promotional materials and managed social media accounts to build the venue's brand and drive event bookings
- Fostered relationships with local vendors, performers, and sponsors to elevate the Pavilion's reputation and expand its reach
- One of the Bay Area's most iconic event centers
- Successfully managed high-profile community events, attracting diverse audiences and reinforcing the Pavilion's status as a cultural hub
- Developed innovative marketing campaigns that increased event bookings by [XX%]
- Introduced modern systems to streamline event operations, improving efficiency and client satisfaction
- Proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) for branding and marketing collateral
- Expertise in CRM systems for client and event management
- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for client relations and vendor partnerships
Spirits Specialist - Northern California
Blueprint Spirits/Craft Beer Guild
09.2018 - 02.2022
- Managed a large portfolio of accounts across Northern California, maintaining strong relationships with restaurants, bars, and retailers
- Delivered consistent sales growth by providing expert product knowledge and personalized service to clients
- Oversaw sales tracking, reporting, and accounting, ensuring accurate records and actionable insights
- Collaborated with distributors and suppliers to launch new products and expand brand visibility within the region
- Increased sales for the Northern California market by 25% over four years through strategic account management and customer acquisition
- Successfully onboarded high-value accounts, significantly expanding market share for the portfolio
- Played a pivotal role in establishing Blueprint Spirits as a trusted partner for Bay Area hospitality businesses
- Proficient in account management and ordering software to track sales, manage orders, and ensure timely deliveries
- Advanced networking and relationship-building skills, resulting in long-term client retention and business growth
- Skilled in using Microsoft Excel for sales forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis
Bartender
State Park
Boston, USA
03.2014 - 09.2018
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, ensuring a welcoming and engaging guest experience
- Handled cash and credit transactions with precision, maintaining accurate records and balancing drawers daily
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operations during peak hours and large-scale events
- Assisted in the creation of seasonal cocktail menus, incorporating innovative techniques and unique ingredients to enhance the bar program
- Consistently recognized by management and customers for outstanding service and efficiency
- Mastered Toast POS systems to improve order accuracy and speed, contributing to higher table turnover rates
- Played a key role in fostering a strong team culture, mentoring new bartenders, and maintaining a positive work environment
- Extensive use of Toast POS system for order management, sales tracking, and reporting
- Expertise in mixology, beverage service, and creating memorable guest experiences
Bar Manager
Zut on Fourth Street
Berkeley, USA
09.2012 - 01.2014
- Oversaw all aspects of bar operations, including inventory management, staff scheduling, and menu development
- Trained and supervised bar staff, ensuring consistency in service and adherence to company standards
- Built relationships with local vendors and suppliers to source high-quality products and maintain cost efficiency
- Managed daily cash flow and reconciled sales reports to ensure financial accuracy
- Successfully reduced inventory costs by implementing a streamlined purchasing process
- Designed and launched a seasonal cocktail program that boosted bar revenue by [XX%]
- Improved team productivity and morale through leadership and hands-on management
- Inventory management systems and cost-control strategies to maximize profitability
- POS systems (specify Toast if applicable) for sales tracking and operational insights
- Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills to cultivate a collaborative work environment
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Stonehill College
North Easton, MA06-2008
Skills
Technical Skills
Proficient in Toast POS systems, including inventory management, reporting, and customer engagement features
Experienced with CRM platforms and account management software
Skilled in graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for branding and marketing materials
Adept in budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting using tools like Microsoft Excel
Familiar with inventory management systems and cost-control strategies
Event planning and coordination with a focus on logistics and client relations
Industry Expertise
Restaurant operations and team leadership in high-volume environments
Menu development and seasonal cocktail program design
Marketing strategy creation, including social media campaigns and community engagement
Vendor and supplier relationship management to ensure quality and cost efficiency
Extensive knowledge of the spirits, wine, and hospitality industries
Track record of increasing sales through strategic account management and customer acquisition
Soft Skills
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for building client and team relationships
Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, fostering a positive work environment
Creative problem-solving to optimize operations and enhance guest experiences
Adaptability in dynamic environments, with the ability to navigate challenges and maintain focus
Detail-oriented approach to ensure consistency and quality in service delivery
Timeline
Owner
The Salty Pearl and Rocky Island Oyster Co.
07.2021 - Current
Creative Director
The Craneway Pavilion
04.2021 - 06.2023
Spirits Specialist - Northern California
Blueprint Spirits/Craft Beer Guild
09.2018 - 02.2022
Bartender
State Park
03.2014 - 09.2018
Bar Manager
Zut on Fourth Street
09.2012 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
Stonehill College
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