Kristi Virack Beneventi
Winchester,CA
Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right!
Henry Ford
Summary
Experienced food and beverage professional with a proven track record in optimizing operations and enhancing guest experiences. Adept at cultivating a collaborative team environment and consistently achieving outstanding outcomes. Known for adaptability and an unwavering commitment to enhancing service quality and efficiency. Solid background in sales leadership and business growth. Successfully led strategic initiatives to expand market share and fostered key client relationships. Expertise in negotiation and team leadership ensures consistent revenue growth and high team performance.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant General Manager
The Capital Grille, Darden-Costa Mesa
- Completed intensive 3 month management training in Orlando, Florida.
- Opened 2 New Restaurant. Integral part of Job Fair, the hiring process, and training of both The Capital Grille Beverly Center and The Capital Grille Costa Mesa.
- Reviewed all requests to hire, promote or fire employees in all departments.
- Led department meetings, one on one coaching, and focused on team member morale.
- Maintained a 3.3% liquor variance in Actual vs. Theoretical inventories and made a 3% improvement year over year. Improved communication systems and devised new systems and policies, resulting in increased sales and client and employee retention.
- Grew restaurant profit over $200,000 with nearly a 50% improvement in ROP from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012.
Realtor
Team Forss
11.2020 - Current
- Coordinated various aspects of real estate transactions such as inspections, appraisals, and financing arrangements, minimizing delays and challenges for clients.
- Built lasting relationships with clients through excellent communication, personalized service, and dedication to their needs.
Realtor
Coldwell Banker Newport Beach
03.2018 - 11.2020
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of local market trends and regulations, providing valuable insights and advice to clients.
- Conducted comprehensive market analyses to determine optimal listing prices for sellers, maximizing profits while minimizing time on market.
General Manager- Director
The Wicked Garden- Dana Point
- 01.2008
- Built and managed entire fine dining restaurant in collaboration with the two owners.
- Created all policies and procedures, including inventories, P&L spreadsheets, employee schedules, bar orders and menu development.
- Prepared correspondence, accounting and financial documents for analysis.
- Compiled financial, accounting and auditing reports and tables for cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable, receivables and profits and losses.
- Managed payroll and time and attendance systems.
- Maintained annual and monthly budgets.
- Wrote and implemented 60 page employee handbook.
- Worked with Sommelier in all wine decisions of 250+ wine menu.
- Sourced new vendors for purchasing needs.
- Facilitated efficient purchasing and resource availability through monitoring and oversight of all company inventory.
- Directed all hiring, training and terminations.
- Processed rehires, transfers, terminations, garnishments and withholdings.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
General Manager
Club Vegas
06.2006 - 12.2006
- Managed over 250+ employees in day to day operations.
- Recruited, hired and trained new employees, including monitoring and review of individual performance.
- Analyzed financial statements and payroll through product costs, labor and controllables.
- Generated new business by developing marketing events, prospect calls and networking referrals. Collaborated with Promotions Team to increase summer sales by over 30%.
- Oversaw 1000 person nightly guest capacity to ensure guest experience, safety and entertainment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies, Public Relations
2003
GPA: 3.6
- Member of Delta Gamma Sorority
Skills
- Transparent and Ethical
- Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite
- Consistently Exceeds Sales Metrics
- Client Relationship Management
- Skilled Negotiator
- Conflict Resolution
- Contract Development Expertise
- Project Coordination
- Staff training and development
- Effective Team Leadership
- Strategic Business Development
- Tech-savvy mindset
- Food and beverage operations
- Labor management
- Menu development
- Fine-dining expertise
- Bar management
- Cost control
- Wine pairing
- Food safety compliance
- Inventory management
- Vendor negotiations
- Budget development
- Calm and pleasant demeanor
- Coaching and mentoring
- Operations management
- Training and onboarding
- Food plating and presentation
Hobbies and Interests
With over 15 years of experience in competitive soccer, I have developed a deep passion for teamwork, discipline, and the thrill of competition. As a California licensed realtor, I am committed to community service and have been actively involved in local organizations such as the Red Cross, the Surfrider Foundation and Animal Friends of the Valley since 2001. Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my amazing 13 year old son, Niko and my Husband. I have a love for traveling, running and seeking out new adventures. I am always drawn to experiences that challenge me and bring success, especially in competitive environments. Laughter and creating meaningful connections are also an essential part of my life.
Timeline
Realtor - Team Forss
11.2020 - Current
Realtor - Coldwell Banker Newport Beach
03.2018 - 11.2020
General Manager - Club Vegas
06.2006 - 12.2006
Assistant General Manager - The Capital Grille, Darden-Costa Mesa
General Manager- Director - The Wicked Garden- Dana Point
- 01.2008
California State University, Long Beach - Bachelor of Arts, Communication Studies, Public Relations
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification
- National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Membership - National Association of Realtors.
- California Association of Realtors
- ServSafe Food Handler's Certification
- Level 1 Sommelier
Accomplishments
- Completed over 50 successful real estate transactions.
- Supervised team of over 100 staff members.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteImportant To Me
Career advancementLanguages
English
Interests
Family
Investing
Soccer
Hiking
Running
Snowboarding
Software
Microsoft office
Slack
Zoom
Skype
Google Workplace
Canva
Quicbooks
Adobe
Chat Gpt
Lofty CRM
Aloha POS, Dash POS
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