Joseph Ercolani
Bridgeport,CT
Summary
Experienced food and beverage professional with strengths in vendor negotiation, inventory control, POS reconciliation, and alcohol compliance. Skilled in managing beverage programs, menu planning, and daily service operations to keep teams organized and guest service consistent.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Rizzutos
Westport, CT
07.2009 - 12.2019
- Trained staff on guest service standards and menu knowledge.
- Helped with inventory checks and supply orders for restaurant stock.
- Monitored POS transactions and fixed guest billing issues.
- Followed sanitation, safety, and alcohol service procedures.
- Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
- Maintained excellent communication between front-of-house staff and back-of-house staff in order to provide efficient service throughout the entire dining experience.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding meal quality or service issues in a timely manner while ensuring satisfaction is achieved.
- Trained bartenders and servers on beverage recipes, pours, and service standards.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered spirits, wine, mixers, and bar supplies.
- Evaluated vendor selections and negotiated beverage pricing with suppliers.
- Maintained inventory of all wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Conducted training sessions for staff members on proper handling and service of alcohol drinks.
- Organized special events such as wine tastings or cocktail competitions.
- Implemented procedures for tracking liquor usage to minimize losses due to spillage or theft.
- Provided input into overall restaurant operations including menu design, marketing initiatives, budgeting decisions.
- Researched emerging trends in the industry such as craft beers or specialty cocktails in order to stay current with changing consumer tastes.
- Curated wine, beer, and cocktail menus aligned with Rizzutos guest preferences.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Economics
The Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT05-1988
Skills
- Liquor cost management
- Vendor negotiation
- Menu planning
- Inventory control
- Cost management
- Beverage inventory
- POS reconciliation
- Alcohol compliance
- Food service operations
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Relationship building
- Problem resolution
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Active listening
- Analytical thinking
- Organization and time management
Timeline
Rizzutos
07.2009 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Economics
The Connecticut State University