Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Desiree Martin

Plainfield,NJ

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven hospitality leader with 13 years of progressive experience in restaurant management and operational excellence. Proven track record of elevating guest experiences through strategic leadership, cost control, and team development. Notable accomplishments include transforming River Pointe Inn into one of New Jersey’s premier dining destinations, and managing high-performing teams at acclaimed establishments such as Les Trois Chevaux (NYC) and Heirloom Kitchen (NJ). Skilled in team building, inventory management, and marketing strategy, with a consistent focus on continuous improvement and delivering exceptional service.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

General Manager

River Pointe Inn
Rumson, New Jersey
09.2024 - Current
  • Directed operations for Monmouth County’s premier dining destination, recognized among NJ’s best restaurants.
  • Oversaw FOH and BOH functions with 40+ staff, prioritizing culture, training, and retention.
  • Executed revenue optimization strategies through VIP events and targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Collaborated with ownership on growth strategy and enhanced long-term brand recognition.

General Manager

Heirloom Kitchen
Old Bridge, New Jersey
03.2023 - 09.2024
  • Directed daily operations, staff management, scheduling, payroll, and guest relations.
  • Maintained food costs between 19–24% while improving guest satisfaction.
  • Increased annual revenue by 15.7%.
  • Boosted guest traffic by 11% through effective marketing strategies.
  • Introduced a new tasting menu, resulting in an additional 8% in revenue.
  • Achieved recognition from USA Today’s America’s Best Restaurants and CBS The Dish.

Lead Captain abd Shift Manager

Les Trois Chevaux
West Village, NY
01.2022 - 03.2023
  • Elevated from lead captain to closing shift manager at prestigious NYC French restaurant.
  • Facilitated unforgettable dining experiences through excellent guest interactions.
  • Oversaw accurate food and beverage order management until completion.
  • Provided tailored recommendations using comprehensive menu knowledge.
  • Showcased proficiency in ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation techniques.
  • Recognized dietary restrictions, ensuring safe dining options for guests.
  • Guided immediate team towards collaborative success and operational excellence.
  • Maintained organized reset processes for subsequent shifts.

Co-Owner

VERT Organics
North Plainfield, New Jersey
07.2022 - Current
  • Founded organic microgreen business focused on farm-to-table practices.
  • Developed expertise in horticulture lighting, growing techniques, and environmental management.
  • Acquired knowledge of plant species, fungi, and beneficial bacteria to enhance growth.
  • Gained education in nutrient growth, fermentation, and preservation methods.
  • Managed logistics and delivery operations for produce distribution.
  • Performed data entry and inventory tracking for efficient operations.
  • Created and managed invoicing, budgeting, and event scheduling processes.
  • Implemented cost-effective financial planning for logistics, products, and distribution.

Captain

Lorena's
Maplewood, New Jersey
01.2019 - 01.2022
  • Upsold high-profit items, driving significant sales growth.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with regular customers to enhance loyalty.
  • Maintained in-depth menu knowledge to address customer inquiries effectively.
  • Executed opening, closing, and shift change duties for operational efficiency.
  • Scheduled reservations and managed seating arrangements in high-traffic environment.
  • Trained and mentored new employees to improve team performance and adherence to policies.
  • Utilized multiple POS systems to streamline transaction processes.
  • Promoted excellent customer service through enthusiastic engagement.

Fitness Trainer

Renaissance Club Sport
Aliso Viejo, California
06.2016 - 07.2018
  • Conducted one-on-one training sessions to enhance client performance and motivation.
  • Led group fitness classes to promote community engagement and teamwork.
  • Educated clients on proper exercise techniques and nutrition for optimal results.
  • Monitored client progress through assessments and adjustments in training plans.
  • Designed personalized fitness programs for clients based on individual goals.
  • Conducted assessments of muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, body composition and other physical abilities.
  • Encouraged clients to stay motivated throughout their workouts.
  • Organized team-building activities designed to promote wellness among employees.
  • Communicated effectively with colleagues about client progress reports.
  • Performed CPR and AED certifications when necessary.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments or ordering supplies.

Server

Harvest Restaurant Group
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
01.2015 - 06.2016
  • Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced dining environment.
  • Managed table assignments to optimize flow and efficiency for guests.
  • Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal preparation and delivery.
  • Assisted guests with menu selections and dietary restrictions, enhancing dining experience.
  • Processed payments using point-of-sale systems, maintaining transaction accuracy.
  • Trained new servers on restaurant policies and service standards, promoting teamwork.
  • Resolved guest complaints swiftly to maintain a positive atmosphere in the restaurant.
  • Performed opening and closing duties such as setting up the dining area, restocking supplies.
  • Took orders from customers accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Handled money transactions accurately while following company procedures for handling cash payments.
  • Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
  • Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
  • Displayed enthusiasm and knowledge about restaurant's menu and products.

Education

BBA - Finance

Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
05-2017

BBA - Business Management

Mount St. Mary College
Newburgh, NY
05-2014

High School Diploma -

St. Anthony's High School
South Huntington, NY
06-2012

Skills

  • Multi-unit operations leadership
  • Staff training and development
  • Front of house and back of house management
  • Strategic marketing and guest relations
  • Budgeting and payroll management
  • Cost control strategies
  • POS systems expertise
  • HR compliance and regulations
  • Event operations management
  • Vendor and inventory oversight
  • Financial forecasting and reporting
  • Food cost control
  • Revenue optimization
  • Employee development
  • Effective leader

Timeline

General Manager

River Pointe Inn
09.2024 - Current

General Manager

Heirloom Kitchen
03.2023 - 09.2024

Co-Owner

VERT Organics
07.2022 - Current

Lead Captain abd Shift Manager

Les Trois Chevaux
01.2022 - 03.2023

Captain

Lorena's
01.2019 - 01.2022

Fitness Trainer

Renaissance Club Sport
06.2016 - 07.2018

Server

Harvest Restaurant Group
01.2015 - 06.2016

BBA - Finance

Saddleback College

BBA - Business Management

Mount St. Mary College

High School Diploma -

St. Anthony's High School

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