Emanuele Bignardi
California,CA
Summary
Experienced General Manager with over 20 years in the restaurant industry, managing highvolume restaurants. Born in Modena, Italy, I bring a deep knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and extensive experience in team management and operations. Natural Customer Engagement, building relationships with recurring customers, making the restaurant a destination. Skilled in leadership, cost control, and ensuring customer satisfaction, and specializing in bringing costumers back. Proven success in increasing sales and operational efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager
Pizzeria
Campbell, CA
10.2023 - Current
- Full management of the Campbell location with a team of 20 employees, increasing sales by 14% annually
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, reducing operational expenses by 18%
- Team leadership, managing recruitment and termination processes, ensuring a positive and collaborative work environment
- Responsible for supplier relations, maintaining strict control over prices and ensuring maximum efficiency in food and drink costs
- Extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine, improving food offerings and creating weekly specials that enhanced customer satisfaction
- Also involved in the second location in Cupertino, managing supplier relations and the team of 23 employees, ensuring operational consistency and quality
General Manager
Sweet Sicily
Sunnyvale, CA
03.2021 - 09.2023
- Managed all aspects of an Italian restaurant, improving internal operations and increasing sales by 10% annually
- Supervised a team of 25 employees, ensuring continuous training and a collaborative work environment
- Implemented a new cost control system, reducing operational expenses by 12%
- Responsible for selecting Italian wines and beers, enhancing the bar offerings and improving customer satisfaction
- Organized Italian-themed events, enhancing the restaurant's reputation and increasing customer traffic
Founder & Instructor
Flair Inside Bartending School
Italy, Italy
01.2012 - 12.2020
- Founder and instructor of the Flair Inside bartending school, specializing in American bar and flair bartending
- Trained over 1,200 students in 8 years, providing advanced bartending and flair skills
- Organized workshops and training sessions for both beginners and professionals
- Created and managed TWENTY ONE, the first speakeasy in my hometown, founded in 2014, elevating it to high standards through innovative and creative management, documented on Instagram and Facebook
Founder & Owner
Catering & Events
Italy, Italy
01.2012 - 12.2020
- Founder and owner of a catering company specializing in food and beverage for events
- Organized and managed over 750 events, including weddings, private parties, and large public events
- Supervised all logistics and operations, ensuring quality service and client satisfaction at every event
Franchise Manager
Caffè Bonini
Redwood City, CA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Opened a coffee shop in downtown Redwood City for the Italian franchise Caffè Bonini
- Prepared to open a second coffee shop, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Responsible for the operational management of the first location, focusing on quality control and customer satisfaction
- Extrimly focusing on hiring and training.
- Collaborated with the Italian team to maintain brand consistency and coffee offerings
Education
Electrician Diploma -
Skills
- Leadership & Team Management
- Budgeting & Cost Control
- Restaurant Operations
- Bar, Liquor, Wine & Beer Management
- Menu Development
- Customer Service Excellence
- Supplier Relations
- Staff Training & Development
- Health & Safety Compliance
- Inventory Management
- Scheduling & Payroll Management
- Italian Cuisine Expertise
- Bartending & Flair
- Speakeasy Creation
- Catering for Large-Scale Events
- Staff training/development
- Motivation
- Problem-solving abilities
- Supervision and training
Websites
Certification
- ServSafe Manager Certification, Food safety certification
- Food Handler's Certification, Issued by the California Department of Health
- ABC Alcohol Management Certification
Timeline
General Manager
Pizzeria
10.2023 - Current
General Manager
Sweet Sicily
03.2021 - 09.2023
Franchise Manager
Caffè Bonini
01.2019 - 01.2020
Founder & Instructor
Flair Inside Bartending School
01.2012 - 12.2020
Founder & Owner
Catering & Events
01.2012 - 12.2020