Ryan Manka

Work History

Bari Italian

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

01.2019 - Current

FOH Manager 2019 / General Manager 2020 - Present
Established and administered annual budget with controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate and support sustainability objectives.
Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision and long-range planning.
Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
Orchestrated positive customer experiences by overseeing every area of restaurant operations.
Prepared restaurant business plan by reviewing demands, analyzing competitors and developing projections for sales and finances.
Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
Set clear expectations and created positive working environment for employees.
Verified accurate records and sufficient supplies by conducting regular inventories of food, beverages, glassware and other materials.
Strategically developed effective marketing plans to increase sales and profits while managing costs.
Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
Promoted business through participation in and sponsorship of community events.
Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
Managed 25-person team of staff for high-end Italian restaurant

Hazzard County American Saloon

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

01.2012 - Current

Prepared for events by setting up bar, stocking supplies and arranging tables.
Closed out cash register and prepared cashier report at close of business.
Prepared wide variety of mixed drinks by applying extensive cocktail knowledge.
Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
Operated efficiently in high-volume setting that averaged nightly sales of $15,000 - $60,000 depending on day and event.

L.Atticus Restaurant Consulting

Cedar Rapids, IA

05.2010 - Current

Been involved in design, re-design, or renovation of 10+ restaurants, bars and/or clubs over past 15 years
Updated business appearance, décor, social media accounts and promotional strategies.
Reviewed business finances and back-end administrative procedures.
Optimized menu with fresh offerings and seasonal fare.
Observed restaurant operations, watched staff interactions and ate different foods from established menu.
Improved customer service policies to maximize satisfaction and build brand loyalty.
Helped general management develop prices based on inventory costs and portion sizes.
Reduced health risks and safety hazards by preparing beverage products consistently while creating cleaning schedules, restocking items and sanitizing equipment to adhere to health department standards.
Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
Enhanced sales by promoting new food and beverage products and assisting with creative menu selections.
Updated business appearance, decor, social media accounts and promotional strategies.

Black Sheep Social Club

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

03.2016 - 12.2018

Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events.
Implemented processes for in-house batching of syrups, tonics, infusions and cocktails.
Orchestrated social functions, formal engagements and business meetings, resulting in significant increase in overall sales.
Motivated and disciplined employees and implemented new mentoring program, which increased worker morale.
Decreased waste, following strict recipes and drink measurement protocol.
Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
Crafted popular cocktail menu for customers preferring liquor and spirits to wine.
Increased profits with enhanced inventory oversight and strategic pricing adjustments.
Increased sales by over 35% annually by creating and implementing marketing plans, menus, specials and promotions

Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

01.2013 - 03.2016

Maintained quality of garnishes, juices and other perishables by preparing new stock daily.
Prepared classic, modern and unique cocktails for each customer.
Received cash, made change and issued receipts.
Stored supplies according to bar policies and health code requirements.
Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
Managed bar inventory, restocked supplies and placed orders for spirits, beer, wines and mixers.
Tracked bar stock levels and promptly replenished low materials to prevent shortages.
Maintained relationships with restaurant vendors to facilitate effective inventory management and implement cost controls.
Developed creative bar menus and drink recipes by researching emerging industry trends.