Kelli hodges
Buffalo
Summary
Dynamic Food and Beverage Manager with a proven track record at Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo, specializing in cost control and service delivery management. Successfully reduced waste and enhanced staff training, leading to improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Adept at fostering relationships and optimizing menu development for exceptional dining experiences.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Food and Beverage Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo
10.2021 - Current
- Managed inventory effectively, reducing waste and optimizing stock levels.
- Developed staff training programs to enhance service skills and increase overall efficiency.
- Resolved customer complaints involving food or beverage quality and service.
- Maintained highest standards for beverage quality and service.
- Organized successful special events that contributed to increased sales figures.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patrons, adhering to strict health code regulations.
- Oversaw the hiring process for new employees, selecting top talent to join our team.
- Trained food and beverage service personnel, confirming staff to provide recommendations and answer questions.
- Responded to customer complaints, addressing concerns, and distress with amicable interactions.
Operations Manager
Tonawanda Castle
05.2015 - 10.2021
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
Registry Supervisor
Babies R Us
06.2008 - 04.2015
- Prepared detailed reports on registration activities for senior management''s review, aiding informed decision-making processes.
- Reduced errors in records management by introducing automated validation tools and procedures for data entry.
- Promoted collaboration among team members with effective communication strategies and regular meetings.
- Evaluated vendor proposals for potential software or service enhancements that could improve core registry functions.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure proper alignment between cross-functional initiatives related to the registry system.
Restaurant Manager
Ramada Hotel
04.2004 - 02.2008
- Managed daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
- Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Buffalo State College
Buffalo, NY05-1996
Skills
- Food and beverage operations
- Cost control
- Wine pairing
- Menu development
- Sanitation standards
- Service delivery management
- Food presentation
- Training and onboarding
- Employee supervision
- Customer service
Certification
Certified Insurance Associate, Personal and Commercial Lines, 2005
Timeline
Food and Beverage Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo
10.2021 - Current
Operations Manager
Tonawanda Castle
05.2015 - 10.2021
Registry Supervisor
Babies R Us
06.2008 - 04.2015
Restaurant Manager
Ramada Hotel
04.2004 - 02.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Buffalo State College
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