Shawn Ross

South Pasadena,CA

Summary

Front-of-house leader with extensive fine dining operations experience. Expertise in optimizing service flow and fostering team excellence. Proven ability to maintain high standards in high-volume environments while managing VIP relations and enhancing communication between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Front-of-House Manager / Service Lead

Restaurant Shiro

South Pasadena, CA

01.2014 - Current

Direct front-of-house operations for a fine dining restaurant, overseeing service flow, pacing, reservations, and overall guest experience during nightly service.
Lead and develop FOH team (servers, bartenders, and support staff), reinforcing service standards through pre-shift direction, real-time coaching, and consistent floor presence.
Maintain control of the dining room during high-volume and peak service periods, ensuring smooth execution, accurate timing, and a composed guest experience.
Managed VIP guests and high-touch tables with discretion and professionalism, fostering repeat clientele and enhancing long-term guest relationships.
Actively supported service on the floor and behind the bar, maintaining a hands-on leadership approach aligned with team performance and service standards.
Strengthened FOH/BOH coordination through direct kitchen experience, enhancing communication around timing, expediting, and course pacing.
Collaborated with ownership on staffing, service systems, and operational procedures, ensuring consistency and stability of restaurant operations.
Oversaw operations for a fine dining French-Japanese restaurant concept, ensuring high-quality service and cuisine.

Licensed General Contractor / Owner

Verism Contractors

Los Angeles, CA

01.2000 - 01.2014

Owned and operated a residential renovation business specializing in high-end kitchen and bath projects.
Managed project budgets, schedules, subcontractor coordination, and client communication from concept to completion, ensuring projects met client expectations and timelines.
Cultivated operational discipline in cost control and facilities oversight, implementing practical solutions to enhance restaurant operations.

Server Captain / Bartender

Scoozi - Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

Chicago, IL

01.1995 - 01.2000

Managed high-volume service in 350-seat Italian restaurant, ensuring guest satisfaction in fast-paced environment.
Utilized formal training in Italian cuisine and wine service to guide guests, enhancing overall dining experience.
Supervised dining room operations to ensure smooth service flow.
Trained and mentored new servers on service standards and protocols.
Coordinated with kitchen staff to streamline food delivery processes.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration -

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY

Skills

FOH Operations
High-volume management
Fine dining standards
Service Flow
Table Turn Optimization
Reservation management
VIP Guest Relations
Wine Service
Service recovery

Floor Leadership
Team Hiring
Training
Scheduling
Performance Development
FOH/BOH communication
Expo Coordination
Operational Problem-Solving
Guest experience

Timeline