Ralph A. Catizone
Summary
Seeking a well-established restaurant venue dedicated to culinary excellence and innovation, in which I can utilize my knowledge of food, wine, spirits and hospitality to help guests navigate complex menus and create bespoke experiences to fit their current moods, dietary needs and desires.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Server/Bartender
Franco's Ristorante
01.2016 - Current
- Helped to educate co-workers and new applicants about food, wine and spirits
- Led staff in developing regular customers
- Navigated an intricate landscape of big personalities and specific needs in an eccentric, close-knit neighborhood gathering place.
Server
Tanta
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Committed to learning as much as possible about Peruvian Cuisine, culture and the great chef Gaston Acurio
- Consistently in top 3 in per person sales average
- Chosen by chef to explain his menu and lead service at frequent multi-course chef's table events
FOH Manager
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Immersed and educated myself in Ethiopian cuisine and culture
- Worked with purveyors to create a complimentary wine list and developed a unique cocktail program
- Implemented OpenTable and other technologies, resulting in a threefold rise in attendance
- Worked with the on-line celiac community to provide flavorful meals for the gluten-free at a time they had very few options
Education
St. Ignatius College Prep
01.1985
Basset and Serve-Safe Certified - undefined
05.2025
Assoc. Graphic Design - undefined
Columbia College Chicago
01.1999
Skills
- A knack for explaining complex cuisine to regular folks
- Dedication to the guest experience that turns first-timers into long-timers
- An even temperament in the face of challenging situations
- A lifelong love affair with food and wine from cultures around the world
- Proven sales leader
- Exceptional customer service
Timeline
Server/Bartender
Franco's Ristorante
01.2016 - Current
Server
Tanta
01.2014 - 01.2016
FOH Manager
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
01.2012 - 01.2014
Basset and Serve-Safe Certified - undefined
Assoc. Graphic Design - undefined
Columbia College Chicago
St. Ignatius College Prep
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