Russell Lee Blueye
Seattle,WA
Summary
Food and beverage expert with a diverse background in sales, marketing, and operations management. Professional training encompasses all aspects of culinary and front-of-house management in both fine dining and casual establishments, as well as the development of new restaurants. Passionate about creating exceptional experiences through restaurant operations, private dining, and catering. Established successful catering and event planning business, specializing in dinner parties, weddings, and events. Possess valuable experience in marketing and sales. Successfully oversaw sales goals and targeted audiences across 14 states, implementing superb campaigns spanning from the east to the west coast.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Captain
AQUA by El Gaucho
02.2024 - Current
- Managed staff of 50
- Conducted daily coaching and training to all staff
- Oversaw day to day operation of restaurant service and private dining operations
- Specialized in guest relations and private dining events
- Directed and coordinated staffing, planning, and execution for all private dining events in restaurant, private dining rooms, restaurant buyouts and offsite catering events
- Created detailed action plans for every buyout and offsite catering event tasking each staff with specific duties
- Created SOP’s for restaurant productivity
- Created reservation upgrade program to enhance guest experience and drive sales for the company resulting in over $20k in pre-dining sales in the first year
- Communicated with regular guests on first name basis to elevate their experience and create a hospitable and personalized experience
- Created relationships with local hotel concierges to drive sales for referrals with incentive plans and new business development
- Maintained targeted labor goals to achieve optimal financial efficiency
- Carefully monitored sales and spending to keep P&L efficiency satisfactory
- Deep understanding of POS and accounting systems
- Key holder for store location
- Conducted interviews for staffing needs
- Opening and closing of restaurant on a daily basis
- Addressed guest concerned and comments via email, phone and personal interactions
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through attentive service and personalized interactions.
- Coordinated with other departments for seamless event execution, leading to successful events and satisfied clients.
- Trained new team members on restaurant procedures, resulting in a more cohesive and effective staff.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
- Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
- Promoted catering packages with most profitable outcomes without sacrificing client desires.
- Proactively addressed any issues or concerns from clients or staff members promptly and professionally resolved them.
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
- Coordinated logistics for multiple events simultaneously, maintaining seamless operations and timely execution.
Front of House Manager
The Cheesecake Factory
10.2022 - 02.2024
- Managed staff of 200
- Conducted daily coaching and training to all staff
- Assisted when needed in kitchen with production of food
- Responsible for daily accounting of cash drawers and safe
- Key holder for store location
- Conducted interviews for staffing needs
- Opening and closing of restaurant on a daily basis
- Addressed guest concerned and comments via email, phone and face to face
General Manager
Horizons Modern Kitchen + Wine Bar
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed staff of 45
- Created job descriptions and outlines
- Oversaw the opening of brand new restaurant
- Oversaw all payroll and scheduling for staff
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Attended to guest comments and complaints including phone calls, emails and table touches in person
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
- Hired and trained both permanent and temporary staff members.
- Enhanced event satisfaction by planning and executing memorable catering experiences for clients.
Hospitality Manager
PF Chang’s
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Managed a staff of 100 specifically in hosting and takeout
- Conducted daily coaching and training to all staff
- Assisted when needed in kitchen with production of food
- Responsible for daily accounting of cash drawers and safe
- Key holder for store location
- Worked for multiple locations on the east coast
Operations Manager
Seneca Distributions LLC A Grand River Enterprises Partner Company
08.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed and maintained account relations
- Generated profitable business to business sales in 7 states
- Promoted the Seneca brand to consumers to gain higher sales volume for clients
- Provided solutions to resolve customer complaints and concerns
- Created visual marketing campaigns for on location view with product display and advertisement signage
- Built strong customer relationships for business development
- Presented product information and business model to prospective clients via trade-show
Corporate Accounts & Marketing Manager
Seneca Direct LLC A Grand River Enterprises Partner Company
02.2014 - 08.2018
- Created Efficient Vehicle Routing for all traveling employees
- Managed and maintained account relations
- Generated profitable business to business sales in 7 states
- Promoted the Seneca brand to consumers to gain higher sales volume for clients
- Provided solutions to resolve customer complaints and concerns
- Created visual marketing campaigns for on location view with product display and advertisement signage
- Built strong customer relationships for business development
- Conducted working interviews for prospective employees and training for new hires
- Presented product information and business model to prospective clients via trade-show
Front of House Manager
Shogun Restaurant
07.2012 - 02.2014
- Created a warm and inviting environment for guests as they arrived
- Recorded liquor and food inventory
- Oversaw the operation of the restaurant independently
- Coordinated special events and parties for guests
- Maintained overall physical appearance and decor of facilities
- Ensure guest satisfaction
- Maintained financial sales records and administrative organization
- Created menus and advertisements with visual editing programs
- Oversaw the marketing and advertising of promotions and public relations
- Prepare dining facilities for guest arrival
- Created restaurant themed drinks as well as original recipes
- Prepared and assisted chefs in back kitchen as well as sushi station
- Delivery and preparation of food and beverages
- Conducted prospective employee interviews and hiring
Education
High School Diploma -
Christian Central Academy
Williamsville, NY06-2008
Skills
- Exceptional leadership
- Team management
- Cash handling expertise
- Food safety compliance
- Guest relations
- Team training and development
- Staff scheduling
- Upselling strategies
- Reservation management
- Restaurant marketing
- Menu design
- Catering experience
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication
Certification
- ServSafe Certified, 12/31/27
- Food handlers card Snohomish and King County, 12/31/25
- Washington State liquor MAST permit, 12/31/28
Sales Representative of the Year 2017
Acquired the highest quantity of new business accounts and gross sales for Seneca Direct for the year.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Italian
Limited Working
Timeline
Restaurant Captain
AQUA by El Gaucho
02.2024 - Current
Front of House Manager
The Cheesecake Factory
10.2022 - 02.2024
General Manager
Horizons Modern Kitchen + Wine Bar
04.2022 - 10.2022
Hospitality Manager
PF Chang’s
04.2021 - 04.2022
Operations Manager
Seneca Distributions LLC A Grand River Enterprises Partner Company
08.2018 - 03.2021
Corporate Accounts & Marketing Manager
Seneca Direct LLC A Grand River Enterprises Partner Company
02.2014 - 08.2018
Front of House Manager
Shogun Restaurant
07.2012 - 02.2014
- ServSafe Certified, 12/31/27
- Food handlers card Snohomish and King County, 12/31/25
- Washington State liquor MAST permit, 12/31/28
High School Diploma -
Christian Central Academy
Similar Profiles
Alex RagusaAlex Ragusa
Server at Aqua by El GauchoServer at Aqua by El Gaucho
Eliot MackayEliot Mackay
Book Keeper & Event Manager at El Gaucho HospitalityBook Keeper & Event Manager at El Gaucho Hospitality
Linda BelischLinda Belisch
Lead Private Dining/Restaurant Server at El GauchoLead Private Dining/Restaurant Server at El Gaucho