Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Related Experience
References
References
Languages
Timeline
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James Giapra

New York

Summary

Dynamic Food and Beverage Manager with a proven track record at Englewood Hospitality, enhancing customer experiences and driving a 35% increase in sales. Expert in beverage program development and staff training, I excel in P&L management and health compliance, consistently delivering innovative marketing strategies and fostering strong client relationships.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Beverage Director

Englewood Hospitality
New York
11.2023 - Current

Spearheaded a revitalization of the beverage program, introducing innovative marketing campaigns and enhancing customer service standards.

  • Oversaw food preparation, production and presentation according to quality standards.
  • Designed marketing campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of the venue's beverage program among target audiences.
  • Preserved excellent levels of internal and external customer service.
  • Assisted customers with knowledge about different wines or spirits available at the establishment.
  • Purchased goods and ingredients needed to make beverages.
  • Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
  • Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing local health codes and liquor laws as well as company policies regarding alcohol service.
  • Monitored inventory levels of alcoholic beverages and placed orders when necessary.
  • Designed specialized drink menu with classic and innovative drinks, prices, and nonalcoholic beverages.
  • Managed budgets related to beverage purchases, labor costs and supplies in accordance with set targets.
  • Prepared monthly reports detailing sales figures, profits and losses in each outlet, product mix analysis and other relevant information.

Food and Beverage Manager

Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group
New York
10.2016 - 08.2018

Enhanced customer satisfaction and operational standards through effective team leadership and rigorous compliance with health and safety regulations.

  • Recruited, hired and trained crew members on application of projects, customer relations, and customer service.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
  • Conducted regular team meetings to discuss progress towards goals and objectives.
  • Tracked inventory levels and adjusted purchasing orders accordingly.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.

Assistant Food and Beverage Director

Aquavit
New York
02.2015 - 10.2016

Curated exceptional beverage programs and leading team operations for two Michelin star establishment and deliver world-class fine dining experiences.

  • Monitored daily operations of the restaurant, bar and banquet facilities.
  • Monitored ordering of supplies from vendors.
  • Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
  • Added new menu options by consulting with talented chef to develop new recipes based on local, seasonal ingredients.
  • Assisted in developing food and beverage menus.
  • Developed marketing strategies to promote food and beverage services.
  • Managed customer complaints in a professional manner.
  • Ensured compliance with health department regulations.
  • Researched new trends in the food industry to increase sales revenue.
  • Oversaw inventory and ordered ingredients to restock freezers, fridges and pantry.

Food and Beverage Manager

228 Bleecker Str (Terra Tribeca)
New York
04.2013 - 01.2015

Increased sales by 35%, built and trained high-performing teams, and successfully launched new restaurant establishments.

  • Supervised employees through planning, assignments, and direction.
  • Conducted regular meetings with senior management team to review progress against established objectives.
  • Prepared detailed reports for senior leadership outlining key performance metrics related to operational success.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.

Education

Lead - Business

Stanford Graduate School Of Business
On-Line
08-2025

Certificate - Entrepreneurship

Harvard Business School
On-Line
02.2019

BBA - Business Administration

University Of London
London
06.2008

Skills

  • Food & Beverage Operations
  • Staff Training & Leadership
  • Guest Experience Enhancement
  • Beverage Program Development
  • P&L and Budget Management
  • Marketing & Promotions
  • Inventory & Cost Control
  • Health & Safety Compliance
  • Customer service
  • Financial management

Affiliations

  • Snowboarding
  • Running
  • Books
  • CPG Branding
  • Food & Wine
  • Personal Development

Accomplishments

• Build a CPG Brand

• Run Dubai Marathon

• Recognition award as a speaker at CXO 2.0 Conference

• Interviews and Podcasts

Certification

  • PPL (Private Pilot Lisence)

Related Experience

Operating Manager
Wenger Industries Inc, Dallas, TX
May 2021 – Nov 2023

  • Led a team of managers across departments, improving communication and morale.
  • Oversaw logistics, budget management, and P&L reporting. (Hospitality-adjacent leadership experience.)

Co-Founder & CEO
Drink Gifted, New York, NY
Sep 2018 – May 2021

  • Launched a premium beverage company, securing venture capital funding.
  • Developed branding and client relationship strategies.
  • Managed product development and supply chain operations.

References

References available upon request.

References

References available upon request.

Languages

English
Full Professional
Greek
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Beverage Director

Englewood Hospitality
11.2023 - Current

Food and Beverage Manager

Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group
10.2016 - 08.2018

Assistant Food and Beverage Director

Aquavit
02.2015 - 10.2016

Food and Beverage Manager

228 Bleecker Str (Terra Tribeca)
04.2013 - 01.2015

Lead - Business

Stanford Graduate School Of Business

Certificate - Entrepreneurship

Harvard Business School

BBA - Business Administration

University Of London