Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

GIOVANNI CARRIERI

Washington DC

Summary

Passionate and knowledgeable wine professional with extensive experience as a Sommelier and Manager in the restaurant industry. Graduated from Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) with 3rd Level certification, and holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommelier and Sake Sommelier SSA.

Highly motivated and results-driven, with a strong focus on business objectives. Demonstrates exceptional project management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Adaptable to various circumstances and known for excellent communication abilities.

Knowledgeable and personable Sommelier excels at upselling through professional knowledge and hospitality. Creates balanced yet characteristic wine list with passion and commitment, delivering exceptional level of guest service.

Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Wine Director - Restaurant Manager

SHŌTŌ DC
Washington DC
11.2021 - 06.2024
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption.
  • Increased Wine/Sake sales 10% each year
  • Part of Wine Spectator 2023 Wine/Sake list of the year.
  • 1.5M worth of sales p/y
  • Maintained relationships with local distributors and suppliers to acquire exclusive offerings for guests.
  • Analyzed current market conditions surrounding pricing models used by competitors.
  • Consulted with chefs on menu items that could be paired with specific wines from the cellar.
  • In charge of revenue and cost analysis
  • FOH management (Reception&Reservations, Lead Servers, Servers, Runners, Bussers, Sommeliers)
  • Ensuring great service to guests, being attentive to details and personal preferences
  • Capable of understanding guest needs in order to sell and rotate wine references accordingly
  • Able to form and maintain good relationships with a network of valued guests, creating a constant influx of reservations
  • Passion driven, capable of understanding concept visions and bring ideas to the table
  • Capable of reducing labor cost, when needed
  • In charge of creating training programs across the board: food, wine, sake, steps of service and floor manner.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to secure competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.
  • Compiled detailed financial records related to the purchase and sale of wine stock.
  • Monitored pricing strategies for various labels to stay competitive in the marketplace.
  • Attended trade shows and conferences related to viticulture as a way to stay abreast of developments within the field.
  • Educated customers about different types of grapes, regions, styles, and taste profiles.
  • Organized monthly wine tastings, pairing food with featured wines to create a unique experience for customers.
  • Developed and implemented wine list standards to ensure high quality of wines served in the restaurant.

Restaurant Manager

Zuma
Dubai
11.2020 - 11.2021
  • Trained managers on food/beverage/ standards of service
  • Resolved customer complaints in a professional manner to maintain positive relationships with guests.
  • Maintained detailed records of sales transactions and daily shift reports.
  • Ensured compliance with all food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
  • Collaborated with local businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Assisted with kitchen preparation during peak times as needed.
  • Updated computer systems with new pricing and daily food specials.
  • Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs.
  • Coached team members on food safety and sanitation processes, customer service, menu education and up-selling techniques to drive revenue.
  • Helping and supporting the business.
  • Implemented effective marketing campaigns to increase revenue and improve brand awareness.
  • Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
  • Resolved conflicts among employees in an effective manner.
  • Performed regular maintenance checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Zuma
Rome
01.2019 - 10.2020
  • Cooperation with large numbers of employees
  • Development project concepts and maintaining optimal workflow
  • Working as senior developer and trainer of high standards keeping
  • Strong leadership on working under stress.
  • Managed cash register operations including deposits and reconciling discrepancies.
  • Performed regular maintenance checks on kitchen equipment.
  • Implemented systems to track labor costs, product waste, and customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Facilitated communication between waitstaff and kitchen staff during peak hours.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed orders as needed to maintain optimal stock levels.
  • Reviewed employee performance data regularly to identify areas needing improvement.

Head Waiter

Zuma
Rome
05.2018 - 01.2019
  • Cooperation and supervision of the entire team on service
  • Leadership during service
  • Focus on details/ floor manners/ guests care.
  • Inspected dishes before they were served for presentation and temperature accuracy.
  • Ensured that the dining area was properly set up with clean linens, silverware, and glassware.
  • Took initiative to anticipate guest needs before they arose, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
  • Managed daily operations of the host stand including reservations, seating arrangements, and greeting guests upon arrival.
  • Trained new waiters on food service procedures and customer service standards.
  • Adhered to cash handling policies when accepting payments from customers.

Sommelier

Zuma
London
09.2016 - 05.2018
  • Monitored stock levels in order to maintain adequate supply while minimizing overstocking issues.
  • Researched new vineyards, wineries, varietals, and vintage releases for potential selection additions.
  • Updated patrons on current promotions or specials related to different wines or events.
  • Managed a team of junior sommeliers to ensure smooth operations during peak periods.
  • Developed extensive knowledge of wines, including flavors, aromas, regions, and winemaking techniques.
  • Maintained accurate records of all inventory and purchases.
  • Planned events such as dinners, tastings, and festivals featuring different types of wines.
  • Reviewed wine labels and vintages to recommend the best options for customers.
  • Performed routine maintenance on refrigeration units used for storing wines.
  • Engaged guests through conversation about the various styles of wines available.
  • Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.
  • Assisted customers with selecting appropriate wines for their meals or special occasions.
  • Tracked sales data in order to identify trends in customer preferences.

Head Waiter

Zuma
London
01.2016 - 09.2016
  • Created new strategies for improving customer service standards within the organization.
  • Tracked progress on projects and provided timely feedback to staff members.
  • Participated in recruitment efforts by interviewing prospective candidates for open positions.
  • Ensured compliance with workplace safety regulations by providing training sessions for all staff members.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting individual goals.
  • Identified opportunities for process improvements, leading to cost reductions and increased productivity.

Waiter

Zuma
London
08.2014 - 01.2016
  • Ensured that the dining area was properly set up with clean linens, silverware, and glassware.
  • Inspected dishes before they were served for presentation and temperature accuracy.
  • Managed daily operations of the host stand including reservations, seating arrangements, and greeting guests upon arrival.
  • Took initiative to anticipate guest needs before they arose, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.
  • Assisted servers with taking orders from customers as needed during peak hours.
  • Performed regular inventory checks on supplies such as napkins, utensils, and condiments, ordering additional supplies as needed.
  • Checked menus to ensure accuracy of prices, ingredients, and preparation methods prior to service periods.

Education

Skills

  • Event & Project Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Sales & Marketing
  • Brand Standards
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Guest Relations
  • Business Administration
  • Prioritization
  • Vendor Negotiations
  • Revenue Analytics
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Event Planning and Execution
  • Menu development
  • Beverage management
  • Hygiene standards
  • Recruitment
  • Payroll Administration
  • Relationship Building
  • Money Handling
  • Staff Supervision
  • Strategic Planning
  • Goal Setting
  • Cost Estimation
  • Purchasing
  • Attention to Detail
  • Team Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Operations Management
  • Excellent Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Coaching and Mentoring

Languages

  • Italian - Native
  • English - Fluent
  • Spanish - Advanced

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Wine Director - Restaurant Manager

SHŌTŌ DC
11.2021 - 06.2024

Restaurant Manager

Zuma
11.2020 - 11.2021

Assistant Restaurant Manager

Zuma
01.2019 - 10.2020

Head Waiter

Zuma
05.2018 - 01.2019

Sommelier

Zuma
09.2016 - 05.2018

Head Waiter

Zuma
01.2016 - 09.2016

Waiter

Zuma
08.2014 - 01.2016

GIOVANNI CARRIERI