JOSEPH KOPIJA
Westchester,IL
Summary
Restaurant Manager with 9-year career at successful 4-5-star rated establishments winning Michelin Bib Awards, etc. Skilled provider of expanded attendance figures and increased diner satisfaction. Brings deep knowledge italian cuisine and keen business acumen.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Food and Beverage Manager
Hotel Arista
Naperville , IL
10.2023 - Current
- Oversee a team of 30
- Promoted safe working conditions by monitoring safety procedures and equipment.
- Conducted weekly meetings with staff members to discuss performance goals and areas needing improvement.
- Evaluated customer feedback surveys in order to identify areas of improvement within the dining experience.
- Resolved customer complaints regarding meal quality or service issues in a timely manner while ensuring satisfaction is achieved.
- Maintained excellent communication between front-of-house staff and back-of-house staff in order to provide efficient service throughout the entire dining experience.
- Developed marketing strategies aimed at increasing business through promotions or targeted campaigns.
- Supervised and managed the daily operations of the food and beverage department, including staff scheduling, inventory control, cost management, menu planning and customer service.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for all restaurant operations to ensure compliance with health regulations and quality standards.
Service Manager
BelAir Cantina
Brookfield, WI
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Oversee all day to day operations for the full building.
- Manage a team of 40-50 staff
- Managed service staff to ensure customer satisfaction and compliance with company policies.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers, vendors, and suppliers.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Created detailed reports on service activities for senior management review.
- Identified opportunities to increase efficiency through automation or process re-engineering.
- Created employee work schedules to keep shifts properly staffed.
- Hired and trained service department staff to drive performance.
- Pitched in to complete various duties during peak periods or employee absences.
- Motivated and supported employees to maintain low turnover.
Life Cafe Leader
Lifetime Fitness
Brookfield, WI
05.2021 - 06.2023
- Oversee all day to day operations for two bars and two kitchens when summer is in season
- Oversee inside bar and kitchen when outdoor pool is closed
- Manage a team of 40-50 staff
- Main responsibilities are placing orders and receiving, inventory counts, all financials, all hiring and training while ensuring quality is always at its highest level.
Operation Manager
Raising Canes Chicken Fingers
Wrigleyville, Chicago
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Ran day to day operations inside the restaurant whether it is ordering/inventory to hiring new crew
- Responsible for all maintenance of machines and building
- Embraced all aspects of the company and built a relationship with the community.
FOH Manager
Roots Handmade Pizza
South Loop, Chicago
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Took care of all guest and employee needs
- Ensured orders were being met and inventory is being kept to the highest standards while ensuring the restaurant is profitable and able to staff correctly for service
- Ensured the building was up to standards of the company as well as health code.
Server
Etta
Wicker Park, Chicago
06.2018 - 03.2020
- Delivered gracious hospitality with a strong knowledge of etta cuisine and culture to all guests
- Operated to the highest level of efficiency while multi-tasking to provide service to guests.
New Restaurant Opener Trainer
Cooper's Hawk
06.2018 - 05.2018
- Led training of entire front house staff
- Trained in-service standards of Cooper's hawk and hospitality.
Supervisor
Cooper's Hawk
Burr Ridge, IL
10.2016 - 05.2018
- Oversaw all areas of restaurant; bar, dining room, tasting room
- Ensured gracious hospitality was being provided to all guests
- Led and coached all team members to provide highest level of service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL05-2014
Skills
- Cost Control
- Service Delivery Management
- Operations Oversight
- Wine Pairing
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Ordering Supplies
- Labor Management
- Food Presentation
- Menu Development
- Beverage Knowledge
- Sanitation Standards
- Event Coordination
- Resource Allocation
- Performance Improvement
- Recruitment
- Money Handling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Food and Beverage Manager
Hotel Arista
10.2023 - Current
Service Manager
BelAir Cantina
06.2023 - 10.2023
Life Cafe Leader
Lifetime Fitness
05.2021 - 06.2023
Operation Manager
Raising Canes Chicken Fingers
09.2020 - 04.2021
FOH Manager
Roots Handmade Pizza
05.2020 - 08.2020
Server
Etta
06.2018 - 03.2020
New Restaurant Opener Trainer
Cooper's Hawk
06.2018 - 05.2018
Supervisor
Cooper's Hawk
10.2016 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Western Illinois University