DENNIS JAMES DWYER
Linkedin.com/in/dennis-james-dwyer
Summary
Dynamic restaurant and hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in leading front-of-house operations, driving revenue growth, and enhancing team performance. Expertise in creating memorable guest experiences across diverse environments, showcasing a strong ability to adapt to the unique demands of each setting. Proven track record of implementing innovative strategies that elevate service standards and foster a culture of excellence. Committed to delivering exceptional results while cultivating a positive and engaging atmosphere for both guests and staff.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
Paramount Club (Restaurant Associates)
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Served as the operational lead for RA's newest multi-venue, members-only club encompassing a bar, restaurant, café, sports lounge, wellness studio, and 200-seat event space. Recruited, trained, and directed a 25-member FOH team. Managed full P&L and monthly financials, implementing cost-control initiatives that increased F&B gross margin by 9% and reduced controllable expenses by 11%. Streamlined scheduling and labor, cutting variance by 8% while maintaining five-star service standards. Improved team efficiency and drove a six-point increase in member satisfaction scores within six months.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
Operations Manager
Hardscrabble Hospitality | Greywind Restaurant & Bakery
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Directed all FOH operations for the launch of Chef Dan Kluger’s multi-unit Hudson Yards concept, spanning five distinct venues under one brand umbrella. Recruitment, onboarding, and training of a 50+ person team. Developed operational systems and service standards from the ground up. Managed payroll, scheduling, and onboarding & compliance. Coordinated with culinary leadership on menu rollout and cost controls. Played a critical role in NSO strategy and execution. Improved labor efficiency by 10% post-launch.
Restaurant Manager
Pastis
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Led a 75+ person FOH team, maintaining peak performance across both the original dining room and its 2021 expansion of 86 additional seats. Partnered with ownership to execute the expansion and sustain annual revenues surpassing $19 million. Directed service logistics, P&L analysis, and labor optimization to ensure profitability without compromising Pastis' hallmark hospitality.
Associate Hospitality Manager
RH Rooftop Restaurant
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Operations manager for RH’s 10,000 sq. ft. flagship rooftop restaurant, the company’s most visited and highest-grossing property, generating $10M+ in annual revenue. Led a team of 50 dining room associates and instituted a reimagined steps-of-service model that increased PPA to nearly $70. Managed high-level scheduling, training, and inventory. Directed the brand’s flagship coffee program, expanding a freestanding barista bar that produced $2.5M in revenue in 2020. Maintained top-tier guest satisfaction metrics and set operational benchmarks later adopted by other RH properties nationwide.
Food & Beverage Manager
The Cafe at Primary
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Transformed a self-serve coffee station into a full-service café and hospitality hub for a brand new coworking community. Created an entirely new profit center through menu design, service innovation, and strategic partnerships with emerging F&B brands. Negotiated vendor contracts, managed purchasing and inventory, and launched a second NYC location in 2018. Established a reputation for operational creativity and warm, community-oriented service.
Owner/General Manager
Ost Cafe
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Helmed all aspects of operations for two locations of this acclaimed East Village coffee and wine bar. Expanded specialty programs and increased sales significantly over a two-year period— the first sustained growth in company history. Managed branding, marketing, and community engagement through events, social media, and press outreach. Managed budgeting, staffing, and product development. Cultivated a fiercely loyal neighborhood following and established Ost as a downtown institution for authentic, unpretentious hospitality.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing
The New School
New YorkSkills
- Employee relations
- Operations management
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Menu development
- Workflow coordination
- Inventory control
Timeline
Assistant General Manager
Paramount Club (Restaurant Associates)
01.2023 - 01.2025
Operations Manager
Hardscrabble Hospitality | Greywind Restaurant & Bakery
01.2022 - 01.2023
Restaurant Manager
Pastis
01.2021 - 01.2022
Associate Hospitality Manager
RH Rooftop Restaurant
01.2018 - 01.2021
Food & Beverage Manager
The Cafe at Primary
01.2016 - 01.2018
Owner/General Manager
Ost Cafe
01.2011 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Creative Writing
The New School