Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Kevin Keller

Buffalo,NY

Summary

Accomplished Director of Operations with a proven track record at Neat/Vice/Bella Ciao Restaurant, enhancing operational efficiency and driving strategic planning. Excelled in process improvements and quality assurance, achieving significant cost reductions. Skilled in mentoring teams for peak performance, demonstrating exceptional operational oversight and a commitment to excellence.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Bar Manager

Legends Bar
01.2025 - Current
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks, and customer-focused events.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
  • Managed inventory to reduce wastage, ensuring optimal stock levels for daily operations.
  • Upgraded point of sale systems for faster order processing and billing, reducing wait times for customers.
  • Improved bar layout for better customer flow and comfort, increasing seating capacity and satisfaction.

Bartender

Delaware North
10.2024 - 01.2025
  • Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
  • Trained new bartenders on drink preparation, product promotion, garnish preparation, and sanitation protocol.
  • Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
  • Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
  • Facilitated smooth workflow, coordinating with kitchen and floor staff to expedite orders.

Bartender

D'avolio Restaurant
02.2025 - Current
  • Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
  • Proactively addressed potential conflicts or disturbances among patrons, maintaining a safe atmosphere for all guests.
  • Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork and communication with colleagues.
  • Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
  • Fostered culture of teamwork, collaborating with colleagues to ensure smooth operation during high-traffic periods.
  • Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines, and mixers.
  • Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Enhanced dining experience, suggesting food and drink pairings that complemented menu offerings.
  • Maintained a clean and organized workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Director of Operations

Neat/Vice/ Bella Ciao Restaurant
10.2017 - 10.2024
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
  • Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
  • Oversaw successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop and execute long-term corporate goals and objectives.
  • Mentored and coached team members to foster productive and engaging work environment.
  • Managed budgets and resources, optimizing allocation for maximum impact on business objectives.
  • Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
  • Identified opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement, implementing changes that resulted in significant savings.
  • Analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to improve operational cohesiveness.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews to assess team progress, providing constructive feedback and guidance for continuous improvement.
  • Established strong partnerships with vendors, suppliers, and key stakeholders to improve collaboration and ensure alignment with business requirements.
  • Negotiated with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders to acquire mutually beneficial contracts and agreement.
  • Analyzed customer feedback and identified areas for improvement to drive business success.

Bar Manager

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
09.2009 - 08.2017
  • Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
  • Created a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a loyal customer base and repeat business.
  • Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
  • Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
  • Kept alcoholic beverages well-stocked and organized to meet expected demands.
  • Maximized customer service by training staff, overseeing operations, and resolving issues.
  • Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.

Education

Business

Frontier High School
Hamburg, NY
05.1998

Skills

Operational Efficiency

References

Devin Sutherland 716-948-9399

General Manager at Neat Restaurant 

Bar Manager at Vice Restaurant

Worked with at Seneca Niagara Casino, Neat, Vice and Bella Ciao Restaurants 

Caleigh Heim 716-462-0833

Bar Manager at Neat Restaurant 

Chris Grin 716-398-0450

General Manager at Vice Restaurant

Amanda Rowles 716-725-3961

Server / Bartender at Vice Restaurant 

Manager at Bella Ciao Restaurant (Commissary Kitchen)

Timeline

Bartender

D'avolio Restaurant
02.2025 - Current

Bar Manager

Legends Bar
01.2025 - Current

Bartender

Delaware North
10.2024 - 01.2025

Director of Operations

Neat/Vice/ Bella Ciao Restaurant
10.2017 - 10.2024

Bar Manager

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
09.2009 - 08.2017

Business

Frontier High School
Kevin Keller