RAJA KIPRONO
8419 Hollis Ln Vienna,VA
Summary
Food and Beverage Manager with over 18 years of comprehensive experience leading dynamic teams to elevate guest satisfaction and optimize operational efficiency. Demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, cost management, and innovative service strategies, consistently achieving profitability in competitive markets. Renowned for outstanding communication and leadership skills, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration through targeted training and performance evaluation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Manager
The Hamilton Restaurant and Live
03.2026 - Current
- Oversaw daily restaurant operations, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and efficient service delivery.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs, enhancing team performance and service standards.
- Managed inventory control processes, optimizing stock levels to reduce waste and operational costs.
- Established effective communication channels among front-of-house and back-of-house teams to streamline workflow.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas for improvement, driving enhancements in menu offerings and service quality.
- Led initiatives to improve operational efficiency, resulting in increased productivity across all departments.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, promoting a safe dining environment for guests and staff.
- 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.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
- Optimized labor costs by closely monitoring schedules, adjusting staffing levels according to business needs, and employing cross-training strategies.
- Collaborated with marketing team on promotional events, boosting customer engagement and restaurant visibility.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Ensured compliance with local health department regulations through regular staff training sessions and facility inspections.
- Reduced staff turnover rate with effective leadership, open communication, and employee development opportunities.
- Increased restaurant revenue by optimizing table turnover rates and enhancing menu offerings.
- Mentored and developed staff members for career advancement opportunities, leading to a more skilled and motivated workforce.
Food and Beverage Manager
Washington Hilton
03.2022 - 03.2026
- Lead F&B operations, ensuring quality and compliance, enhancing guest satisfaction.
- Optimize costs, improving profit margins through strategic service and marketing.
- Collaborate with staff for seamless operations, maintaining health regulation adherence.
- Lead and develop a diverse team, fostering a culture of excellence through targeted training, counseling, and performance evaluation.
- Spearhead strategic planning to meet daily operational needs, aligning with long-term business goals and adapting to market trends.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and alcohol awareness standards, maintaining a safe environment for guests and staff.
- Revamp F&B operations, elevating guest satisfaction while optimizing costs. Implement cutting-edge service strategies, driving profit growth and market adaptation.
- Foster seamless team synergy, ensuring health regulation adherence. Cultivate excellence through targeted training and performance evaluation.
- Spearhead strategic planning, aligning daily operations with long-term business goals. Anticipate market trends, positioning F&B services for future success.
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Embassy Suites By Hilton
06.2021 - 03.2022
- Managed restaurant staff, improving service efficiency and compliance with safety standards.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by resolving complaints and ensuring high-quality food standards.
- Directed maintenance and repairs, ensuring all equipment functioned optimally.
- Implemented inventory control, ensuring consistent supply of necessary service items.
- Contributed to marketing initiatives, creating menu ideas and analyzing food trends.
- Led restaurant operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and maintaining high-quality service. Managed staff, resolved guest issues, and optimized inventory.
- Implemented creative menu ideas and monitored food trends to enhance dining experience. Oversaw facility maintenance and proactively improved product quality.
- Streamlined staff scheduling and training processes, boosting operational efficiency. Conducted regular quality checks and swiftly addressed guest feedback.
- Fostered a team-oriented environment, working closely with staff to elevate service standards. Participated in marketing efforts and competition analysis.
- Meticulously managed inventory forecasts and supply chain. Ensured impeccable setup of dining areas and consistently monitored food preparation methods.
- Optimized restaurant operations, enhancing service efficiency and guest satisfaction. Implemented effective inventory control and staff management strategies.
Bartender
Embassy Suites by Hilton
03.2017 - 06.2021
- Boosted beverage revenue by $58K in 2018 through strategic initiatives with management.
- Collaborated on marketing and staff training to enhance revenue growth.
- Implemented cost-saving strategies, including daily pour testing and cocktail batching.
- Contributed to a 10% increase in restaurant satisfaction scores.
- Recognized as Team Member of the Month and award winner in 2018.
- Spearheaded revenue growth initiatives, contributing to $58K YOY increase in beverage sales. Implemented cost-saving strategies and improved satisfaction scores.
- Partnered with bar manager on marketing campaigns and incentive programs. Educated server staff to enhance overall team performance and customer experience.
- Introduced daily pour testing logs and Evening Reception batched cocktail program, optimizing cost efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
- Recognized as Team Member of the Month and two-time Catch Me At My Best award winner, demonstrating exceptional service and dedication.
Lead Bartender
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase
07.2012 - 02.2017
- Head of the training program from 2012 through 2017.
- Worked closely with training team in development of training program.
- Participated in Hospitality Leader Program responsible for effective daily operations and mentoring the newer staff to help them understand our service standards and culture.
Room Service
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase
06.2009 - 07.2012
- Part of a team that delivered food, condiments, and silverware to guest rooms to fulfill guest orders.
- Answered quests inquiries and questions about the hotel menu.
- Handled customer complaints with poise and grace, immediately resolving issues by contacting the MOD.
- Maintained an atmosphere of enthusiastic customer service.
Room Service
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
04.2010 - 06.2011
- Part of a team that delivered food, condiments, and silverware to guest rooms to fulfill guest orders.
- Addressed guest concerns and resolved all issues to guest satisfaction.
- Handled customer complaints with poise and grace, immediately resolving issues by contacting the MOD.
- Maintained an atmosphere of enthusiastic customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
NOVA Alexandria
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Thomas Edison High
Skills
- Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, Birch Street, Leadership, Communication, Problem-solving, Teamwork, Organization, Multi-tasking, Cost Control, Menu Development, Inventory Management, Guest Relations, Strategic Marketing, Operational Efficiency, Customer Service, Project Management, Data Analysis, Staff Training, Conflict Resolution, Business Development, Performance Metrics, Customer Retention
Certification
- ABC Manager's License
- TIPS Certified
AWARDS
Manager of the quarter 2023, Manager of the year 2023, Winner of 2018 Catch Me At My Best award for June and August, Team Member of the month February 2019
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
The Hamilton Restaurant and Live
03.2026 - Current
Food and Beverage Manager
Washington Hilton
03.2022 - 03.2026
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
Embassy Suites By Hilton
06.2021 - 03.2022
Bartender
Embassy Suites by Hilton
03.2017 - 06.2021
Lead Bartender
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase
07.2012 - 02.2017
Room Service
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
04.2010 - 06.2011
Room Service
Embassy Suites Chevy Chase
06.2009 - 07.2012
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Thomas Edison High
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
NOVA Alexandria