Louis Dell'Aquila
Red Bank,NJ
Summary
Knowledgeable, highly driven restauranteur with over 8 years of experience bringing planning, problem-solving abilities and most importantly, hospitality. I am a confident young man with a true passion for the industry and the joy it brings to our guests. I've learned from some of the very best, receiving training from some of the largest restaurant groups in the country, Landry's as an example. I have undergone extensive training in spirits and wine, working along side some of the top mixologists in the state to curate incredible cocktail menus and spirits lists. I have a deep understanding of the nightlife industry and how to properly run a late night establishment. I am a general manager with the heart of a day one floor manager. I am knowledgeable but always eager and willing to learn more. I believe a true guest first mentality is the key to success, without our guests we don't exist!
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
Red Bank, NJ
02.2023 - Current
- Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
- Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
- Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
- Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
- Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
- Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
- Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Provided guidance and support to subordinate managers in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation throughout the organization.
- Guided management and supervisory staff to promote smooth operations.
- Oversaw product development initiatives from concept through completion stages.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations regarding food safety standards.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
- Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
- Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
- Implemented employee recognition programs to motivate staff members towards achieving organizational goals.
- Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
Assistant General Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
Red Bank, NJ
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Inspected dining and serving areas for cleanliness and proper setup.
- Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing and presentation of food to ensure that food was prepared and presented in an acceptable manner.
- Adhered to local health department regulations regarding safety standards.
- Performed cost control activities such as ordering supplies within budget limits and monitoring labor costs against sales projections.
- Reviewed employee time sheets for accuracy prior to submitting payroll information for processing.
- Collaborated with server trainees to promptly resolve potential customer concerns.
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Developed training programs to ensure quality standards were met.
- Resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Enforced safety regulations among employees by conducting regular inspections of the premises.
- Inspected equipment regularly for functionality issues or signs of wear and tear.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner by listening to their concerns and finding solutions that best fit their needs.
- Coached staff on strategies to enhance performance and improve customer relations.
Beverage Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
Red Bank, NJ
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Designed promotions that increased profits while still offering attractive deals to customers.
- Identified cost savings opportunities through analysis of purchasing practices and negotiations with vendors.
- Implemented procedures for tracking liquor usage to minimize losses due to spillage or theft.
- Established standards for responsible alcohol service by educating staff on policies regarding identification checks and refusals of service.
- Performed regular inspections of bars and lounge areas ensuring cleanliness standards were met.
- Researched emerging trends in the industry such as craft beers or specialty cocktails in order to stay current with changing consumer tastes.
- Negotiated contracts with distributors and vendors to secure discounts on purchases.
- Developed beverage menus and pricing structures for new restaurants.
- It was at this point I had decided to train in high end cocktail bartending and tequila. Due to the high end nature of the establishment and it's Latin flare I became extremely well versed and knowledgeable in craft cocktails and tequila.
Floor Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
Red Bank, NJ
01.2022 - 03.2022
- My first steps into the management world. My first few months at Centrada were hectic as I was charged with the initial opening of the establishment in April of 2022.
- Completed and ensured proper training programs for new staff on proper PSS (professional steps of service), company culture and food and beverage.
- Handled all pre opening staff training including support staff, servers, bartenders, and management areas of responsibility.
- LBW inventory, order, and troubleshooting - Completed weekly inventory counts to ensure proper reporting to the profit and loss statement. Curated weekly LBW orders, maintaining a proper stocked state without over ordering or going over budget.
- Staff Scheduling
- POS
- Opening and closing the establishment
- Ensured proper handling of company petty cash, hand paying staff nightly.
- Counseled and disciplined staff to address issues promptly and provide constructive feedback.
Server
Catch19 / Esperto Hospitality Group
Red Bank, NJ
08.2021 - 01.2022
- I started at Catch19 in late August of 2021. I quickly enveloped myself in the fine dining scene and fell in love. I was a lead server at Catch19 working full time. 6-7 days a week, 12 hour shifts.
- It was here I began my education in Liquor, Beer and Wine. We underwent regular trainings to ensure we understood the power of upselling a good bottle of wine or an incredible neat tequila pour.
- After my first few months with Catch19, I had taken over their weekly liquor, beer and wine inventory. I learned imperative skills such as, learning how to properly count liquor inventory, how to read profit and loss statements, and how to trouble shoot and fix Actual VS Theoretical reports.
- By the end of my time at Catch19, I was a lead server / LBW Assistant Manager. I am a personality driven individual who thrives off of interaction and difficult challenges, the experiences that I received here were the stepping stone into my management career.
Server
La Venere Restaurante
North Arlington, NJ
12.2017 - 08.2021
- I began as a food runner, delivery driver, and busser in 2017. Less than a year working at La Venere I began taking orders over the phone and in house tables. About two years into working at this establishment I waited, bussed and delivered all at the same time. I worked my way up to being a head waiter / manager and made sure that all orders, delivery and dine in, were correct and received in a timely manner. I was a main face to this establishment, working roughly 12 hour shifts six days a week making sure the restaurant ran smoothly and all customers were happy and satisfied with their meals and overall experience. In the few cases in which customers were not happy with their experience, it was my duty to respond in a calm manner and professionally resolve the situation.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJSkills
- Sales
- Contract Negotiations
- Customer Retention
- Customer Relationship Management
- Advertising and Marketing
- Branding
- Loss Prevention
- Vendor Partnerships
- Negotiation Skills
- Inventory Control
- Operations Management
- Leadership and Team Building
- Event Management and Promotion
- Staff Supervision
- Vendor Sourcing
- Schedule Management
- Communication Skills
- Multimillion-Dollar P&L Management
- Cocktail List Development
- Creative Mixology
- Point of Sale Systems
- Wine Knowledge
Affiliations
- Life Long Musician - important to understanding nightlife
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - healthy body, healthy mind
- Bartending - a true passion of mine
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
02.2023 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
05.2022 - 02.2023
Beverage Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
03.2022 - 05.2022
Floor Manager
Centrada / Esperto Hospitality Group
01.2022 - 03.2022
Server
Catch19 / Esperto Hospitality Group
08.2021 - 01.2022
Server
La Venere Restaurante
12.2017 - 08.2021
Some College (No Degree) -
Monmouth University
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