Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Don Largotta

Wesley Chapel

Summary

Beverage Director / Operations Manager with over a decade of expertise in optimizing operations and enhancing customer experiences within the hospitality industry. Demonstrates a visionary approach in developing innovative cocktail programs, streamlining inventory processes, and fostering team environments that elevate service standards. Skilled in operations management, relationship building, and budget development, consistently achieving improved guest satisfaction and increased sales.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Beverage Director

Gansevoort Hotel
New York, NY
05.2021 - 06.2025
  • Managed payroll, optimizing schedules to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Negotiated vendor terms, improving inventory management and reducing expenses.
  • Led bar promotions, increasing revenue and customer engagement.
  • Analyzed metrics, driving improvements in service quality and satisfaction.
  • Elevated guest satisfaction scores by implementing staff training programs focused on personalized service and proactive problem-solving.
  • Utilized performance data to refine service protocols, leading to marked gains in operational efficiency and guest retention.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that encouraged staff development and engagement, contributing to lower turnover rates.
  • Orchestrated operational strategies that enhanced guest experiences, leading to noticeable improvements in satisfaction ratings.
  • Manage beverage inventory, optimizing resources within budget constraints.
  • Set high service standards, boosting customer satisfaction.
  • Analyze sales data to identify growth in beverage offerings.
  • Ensure cleanliness and compliance in service areas.
  • Implement policies reducing over-pouring, stabilizing liquor margins at 11%.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes, leading to reduced waste and improved budget adherence.
  • Analyzed customer feedback to refine beverage selections, resulting in noticeable gains in repeat patronage.
  • Developed and implemented a seasonal cocktail program, enhancing customer experience and driving increased sales.
  • Fostered a team environment focused on exceptional service, contributing to elevated guest satisfaction scores.
  • Maintained rigorous compliance checks in service areas, ensuring adherence to health regulations and enhancing safety.
  • Developed promotional strategies boosting bar revenue with unique events and specialty drinks.
  • Enhanced customer service through advanced mixology knowledge and staff training.
  • Managed inventory, optimized ordering, and maintained accurate financial transactions.
  • Created a popular cocktail menu, increasing customer satisfaction and repeat visits.
  • Improved staff scheduling, reducing labor costs and aligning with customer demand.

General Manager- The Chester

Gansevoort Hotel
New York
04.2017 - 04.2021
  • Oversee daily operations of high volume sports bar, events
  • Coordinated with other departments including sales, marketing, finance, human resources. to ensure efficient operations.
  • Monitored and improved efficiency of processes, team performance, and customer service.
  • Developed and implemented operational procedures to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Analyzed data from daily reports to identify trends in production performance metrics.
  • Managed staffing needs through recruitment, selection, onboarding and training, disciplinary action as necessary.
  • Implemented innovative strategies that reduced operating costs while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and service providers, securing favorable terms.
  • Produced SOPs to document workplace procedures and optimize productivity through standardization.
  • Managed scheduling, training and inventory control.
  • Supervised day-to-day workflow of employees in order to maximize productivity and maintain quality standards.

Bar Manager

Azul On The Rooftop / Bar Hugo Rooftop
New York
01.2013 - 03.2017
  • Company Overview: Hotel Hugo
  • Hotel Hugo
  • Monitored the performance of bartenders to ensure that all customers received prompt service in a courteous manner.
  • Implemented strategies designed to increase revenue through upselling techniques.
  • Reviewed monthly sales reports to identify areas of improvement and growth opportunities.
  • Maintained accurate records of liquor inventory and purchases for budgeting purposes.
  • Assisted with planning special events such as wine tastings or cocktail parties.
  • Managed day-to-day operations including opening and closing duties, scheduling shifts for employees, cash handling procedures and payroll processing.
  • Maintained cleanliness standards throughout the bar area including countertops, shelves and equipment.
  • Negotiated purchase agreements with vendors to obtain best pricing on supplies.
  • Analyzed financial data such as costs associated with labor efficiency, waste reduction and cost control initiatives.
  • Ordered and maintained an adequate supply of alcoholic beverages, glassware, garnishes, ice, napkins, straws and other items needed for drinks.
  • Developed and implemented bartender training programs, policies and procedures.
  • Resolved escalated customer complaints to maximize satisfaction and loyalty.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York
New York, NY
06.2016

Skills

  • Performance Improvement
  • Team Leadership
  • Staff Training
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Menu Planning
  • Budget Development
  • Relationship Building
  • Sales
  • Employee Scheduling
  • Operations Management
  • Multitasking
  • Inventory management
  • Beverage cost control
  • Vendor negotiation
  • Event promotion strategies
  • Tasting event coordination
  • Pricing strategy
  • Payroll
  • Operations oversight
  • Health and safety standards
  • Bar operations
  • Mixology techniques
  • Operational efficiency

Certification

  • NYC Food Handlers License
  • SafeServ Certified

Accomplishments

  • Developed and implemented a new beverage program that significantly increased revenue and reduced liquor margins to 11%.
  • Oversaw and led a high-performing team of over 60 staff members, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
  • Cut labor costs to 13% by optimizing staff schedules and introducing accurate weekly forecasting.
  • Achieved $50,000 in monthly inventory savings by negotiating with new alcohol vendors and streamlining procurement.
  • Recognized in Forbes magazine on eight occasions for innovative cocktail creations and industry insights.
  • Featured in a live Time Out NY interview showcasing a signature summer cocktail.
  • Highlighted in Cosmopolitan magazine for seasonal cocktail creation, including recipe and expert commentary.
  • Showcased in Pure Wow for an original winter cocktail, featured with ingredients and personal quote.

Languages

  • English, Native
  • Spanish, Native

Timeline

Beverage Director

Gansevoort Hotel
05.2021 - 06.2025

General Manager- The Chester

Gansevoort Hotel
04.2017 - 04.2021

Bar Manager

Azul On The Rooftop / Bar Hugo Rooftop
01.2013 - 03.2017

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice of The City University of New York

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