John Gargano
Long Island City ,NY
Summary
Dedicated, hardworking, senior-level restaurant manager with extensive daily operational experience. Skilled in staff training and development. Proven ability to ensure a positive guest experience through unprecedented floor management. Professional in event organizing, marketing, and execution. Serviced-focused General Manager dedicated to delivering positive customer experiences to promote loyalty and repeat business. Orchestrates optimal resource utilization to handle expected operational needs. Sales leader with sound judgment, good planning abilities and interpersonal communication strengths.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Craft Restaurant By Tom Colicchio
New York, NY
06.2021 - Current
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations and contract details.
- Delivered business strategy and developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Evaluated suppliers to maintain cost controls and improve operations.
- Developed effective business plans to align strategic decisions with long-term objectives.
- Reduced costs, managed delivery schedules and performed risk analysis to improve overall profitability.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices and company procedures.
Director of Service
Locanda Verde
New York, NY
01.2020 - 02.2020
- Recruited and hired employees offering talent, charisma, and experience to restaurant team.
- Resolved challenging customer complaints to full satisfaction, promoting brand loyalty and maximizing repeat business.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost performance, streamline processes and increase efficiency in different areas.
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction.
Director of Hospitality and Service
Riverpark By Tom Colicchio
NEW YORK CITY, NY
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Responsible for planning, development, and execution of all special events and holidays.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within the restaurant.
- Proven ability to increase revenue through strategic menu creation and adjustments to floor plan and seating combinations.
- Initiated recognition program to acknowledge and reward staff who performed their duties extraordinarily.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, including completion of the proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Strategically developed effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs.
- Reduced labor costs by significantly while maintaining excellent service and profit levels.
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up selling to meet revenue targets.
Captain
Le Bec Fin
Philadelphia, PA
01.1998 - 07.2004
- Greeted and sat guest answering questions about the menu while offering drinks.
- Collaborated with chef to enhance client experience through professionalism and knowledgeable service.
- Delivered outstanding dining experiences for patrons.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Leadership And Management Studies
New York University
New York, NY05.2021
Skills
- Client account management
- Performance improvement
- Budget development
- Relationship building
- Efficient multi-tasker
- Sales expertise
- Deadline-oriented
- Recruitment
- Product development
Timeline
General Manager
Craft Restaurant By Tom Colicchio
06.2021 - Current
Director of Service
Locanda Verde
01.2020 - 02.2020
Director of Hospitality and Service
Riverpark By Tom Colicchio
01.2017 - 01.2020
Captain
Le Bec Fin
01.1998 - 07.2004
Bachelor of Science - Leadership And Management Studies
New York University