Laura Piquero
Ewing,New Jersey
Summary
- Dedicated restaurant professional qualified by twenty-two years multifaceted operations management. Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement. Proven leading startup, turnaround, and high volume operations with an outstanding concentration of success in personnel development and team cultivation, symbiotic FOH/BOH operational efficiency, and precision implementation of cohesive goal based training and mirrored cost controls.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant General Manager
Erini Restaurant
04.2021 - 01.2024
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Implemented new employee onboarding processes, providing comprehensive training that promoted retention and a strong understanding of company culture.
- Maintained open lines of communication between front-and back-of-house teams to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
- Implemented efficient scheduling practices to ensure optimal staffing levels during peak business hours and minimizing overtime.
- Oversaw facility maintenance, ensuring a clean, safe, and inviting atmosphere for patrons.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Effectively managed timekeeping, including completion of proper paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Ensured compliance with all health department regulations as well as company policies and procedures.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment and strong presence on the floor.
Assistant General Manager
Erini Restaurant
04.2018 - 09.2020
- Motivated, trained and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures to improve customer service and satisfaction.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Cultivated performance-based culture structured around individual accountability, goal attainment and team cohesiveness.
- Observed employee's individual performance to identify areas of improvement for coaching opportunities and continuing group education
Restaurant General Manager
Albatross, Settlers Bay Golf Course
03.2008 - 11.2017
- Total revitalization of café on a golf course by following market trends and creating a seasonally sought gastropub rich with product regionality and a customer centric service culture; in turn constructed a more contemporary and fashionable dining establishment open to all audiences.
- Orchestrated the employ, training, and development of all restaurant employees 30+ in eight positions seasonally.
- Orchestrated menu creation and execution for both restaurant and catering departments operating 12hrs daily 7days a week 40+ events 6 months seasonally.
- Repeatedly superseded industry standard margins for a seasonal establishment; Managed costs by identifying and eliminating inventory waste issues and implementing cost controls via shift management and daily FOH/BOH operational education.
- Maximized earning potential with the realized construction of proposed, outdoor event and catering space thereby offsetting seasonal constraints and increasing business versatility with a level of success such that it became stand alone department.
- Proficiency In: POS programming; Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher; Inventory, Equipment PM, and Line cooking; Menu creation and planning; Guest, employee, vendor relations; Event planning and sales; Health/Labor regulations and guidelines; Back office administration
- Built and leveraged community and local businesses/organizations relationships to drive business and maximize restaurant and catering catering opportunities creating additional revenue streams.
- Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
- Coordinated special events bookings, working closely with clients to ensure their expectations were met or exceeded from start to finish.
Bar Manager/Catering Manager
Settlers Bay Lodge
02.2005 - 10.2007
- Cultivated and coordinated all events and event staff in all event spaces ranging from 20 to 300 guests.
- Directed all liquor sales, inventory, and lounge staff for a newly established fine dining destination; successfully implemented procedures to increase customer base, check average, and cost controls resulting in a 60% revenue increase over two years.
FOH Manager
Walden Golf Club
04.2003 - 12.2004
Education
English
University Maryland University College
College Park, MD2002
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD2001
Naval Academy Preparatory School
Newport, RI2001
High School Diploma -
Mansfield Jr/Sr High School
Mansfield, PA2000
Skills
- Solution Oriented with Attention to Detail
- Staff Recruitment, Onboarding, Scheduling, Dismissal
- Ordering and Inventory Management
- Accomplished POS Hardware/Software Install/Programming/Operation
- Accomplished Reservation OS and Reservation Management
- Total Facility Operations Management and PM
- Proficient Microsoft Word/Excel/Publisher
- Accomplished Coaching and Leadership (by example)
- Perseverance
- Working Experience in all FOH & BOH Positions
- Excellent Communication, both Written and Verbal
- Proficient Financials Reporting Analysis
Certification
- Certified ServeSafe - 2008-Current
- TAPP - 2005-2018
- TIPS - 2019-Current
Timeline
Restaurant General Manager
Erini Restaurant
04.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant General Manager
Erini Restaurant
04.2018 - 09.2020
Restaurant General Manager
Albatross, Settlers Bay Golf Course
03.2008 - 11.2017
Bar Manager/Catering Manager
Settlers Bay Lodge
02.2005 - 10.2007
FOH Manager
Walden Golf Club
04.2003 - 12.2004
English
University Maryland University College
United States Naval Academy
Naval Academy Preparatory School
High School Diploma -
Mansfield Jr/Sr High School
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