Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Stephen Lezama

Pembroke Pines,FL

Summary

Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Director Food and Beverage

Hilton Hotels- The Ray & Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina
11.2022 - Current
  • Responsible for the overall performance and management of the Food and Beverage Department, inclusive of 3 distinct outlets, 38000 sq ft of banquet space, and In Room Dining with revenue totaling $10M
  • Responsible for menu planning and production execution
  • Training and development of management and staff
  • Charged with project management and critical path for new restaurant opening
  • Maintain highest level of customer service
  • Set department schedules, budgets policies and procedures,
  • Manage budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Enhance team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Develop high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations
  • Monitor and react to guest feedback
  • Implementation of cost savings as it relates to variable expenses.

Interim Director of Operations

Live Dining and Entertainment
07.2022 - 11.2022

Director of Operations

Food Hall Company
08.2021 - 03.2022
  • Responsible for monitoring the performance of Food Hall Co

subsidiaries with a focus on strategic budgeting and planning, increased market share, operational efficiency, revenue optimization and cost mitigation for 50+ outlets with revenue of $90M

  • Plan, assist and support new openings
  • Oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient execution of tasks.
  • Increased employee value proposition by creating a culture of inclusion, development and diversity
  • Responsible for beverage program for all venues
  • Created $1.5M annual concert ticketing revenue stream
  • Built ticket platform and operational infrastructure needed to successfully execute national touring acts such as Lady A, Steve Aoki and Blue Oyster Cult
  • Led Operations, Administration, Beverage, Facility, Entertainment and Sales departments by establishing best practices, ownership and accountability
  • Served as Project Manager for build out of new food stalls, bars and nightlife concepts
  • Created standard operation procedures for all leadership and line positions
  • Collaborated with CEO and VP Finance on Capex and FFE projects for upcoming fiscal year.

General Manager

Food Hall Company
12.2019 - 08.2021
  • Oversaw the operation of 20 eateries, 5 bars concepts and 1600-person capacity concert venue with sales volume of 30+ million annually
  • Developed and maintained professional relationships with stall operators to ensure that Legacy Hall standards, and operator agreements were understood, and adhered to
  • Coordinated with Accounting and Finance departments to ensure timely invoice processing, inventory and accurate P&L reporting related to variable expenditures, including cost of goods
  • Collaborated with the marketing team in the ideation and logistical planning related to events, branding, merchandising and ongoing initiatives to further improve sales and profitability
  • Maintained efficiency, performance, and overall excellence/hospitality throughout the venue
  • Upheld facility maintenance standards and cleanliness in accordance with local and federal laws governing permits and sanitation
  • Established and maintained relationships with 3rd party vendors that support Legacy Hall
  • Oversaw purchasing practices, ordering/receiving, and cost controls for cost of goods
  • Oversaw labor scheduling, training, OT, and weekly schedules for all departments
  • Ensured rigorous knowledge of and adherence to all applicable laws, policies and procedures as they relate to the service of food and alcoholic beverages.

Director of Food and Beverage Operations

Foundation Room, House of Blues
04.2017 - 12.2019
  • Reinvented food and beverage program to increase sales through analyzing market trends, strategic pricing, and sourcing local ingredients
  • Managed daily operations of two outlets within the venue to include guest service, staff development, cost controls, scheduling, inventories and food and beverage production standards
  • Oversaw all banquet functions in outlets including logistics and execution
  • Increased profit margin by 8% year over year through unique programming, calculated cost management and increase in top line revenue from $10M to $12M
  • Lead budget and business plan process to include breakdown of top line revenue by day part and outlet, COGS, operating expenses, payroll, and allowances, in addition to marketing and sales initiatives for upcoming fiscal operations
  • Transformed business model to include diverse programming ranging from cultured events, live music, and national touring acts while balancing membership needs, exceeding profit goals, controlling costs and maintaining the highest level of customer service.

Director of Nightlife

Gale Hotel: LDV Hospitality
09.2014 - 03.2017
  • Charged with programming and operations of all nightlife venues with gross sales volume of 10 million
  • Directed operations of three outlets to include Rec Room, The Regent Cocktail Club and Gale Rooftop Pool
  • Created, programmed and executed large scale production events for Art Basel & Miami Winter Music Conference achieving more than a quarter million dollars in revenue in a three-day period
  • Fashioned detailed training program and materials resulting in knowledge and uniformity in production and standards
  • Brokered all vendor relationship and partnerships for all beverage property wide and for major events
  • Recognized and developed talent to result in growth of several line employees into management roles
  • Chosen to execute and lead the food and beverage operation of Red Bull Guest House Takeover at the Sagamore Hotel
  • Cultivated the growth and development of social media platforms increasing engagement by 200% year over year.

Director of Pool and Beach Operations

Shore Club
10.2012 - 09.2014
  • Ensured Food and Beverage ethos was in line with Morgan's Hotel Group standards was consistently maintained and in compliance with all liquor, health and sanitation regulations
  • Monitored departmental performance with respect to budget by exceeding top line revenue and ensured property inventory was in line with cost of sales goals
  • Composed all outlet events on property to include planning and execution of Art Basel activations and Miami Music Week resulting in topline revenue increase year over year
  • Communicated and collaborated with other hotel departments to ensure seamless guest service and creative solutions to venue and event opportunities resulting in an increased ranking in trip advisor ratings
  • Prepared weekly and monthly forecasts ensuring accuracy with 3% variance
  • Ensured appropriate standards of conduct
  • Maintained positive relationships with guests, VIPs, employees and MHG's public relations firm all while ensuring guests satisfaction by attending to their requests and inquiries courteously and efficiently.

General Manager

Electric Pickle Company
03.2010 - 10.2012

General Manager

Purdy Lounge
01.2001 - 03.2010

Education

Master of Arts - Public Administration

Florida International University
Miami, FL
05.2012

J.D. - Law

University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
05.1999

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Florida International University
Miami, FL
12.1994

Skills

  • Accomplished in designing and evolving food and beverage programs inspired by quality and consistency with attention to relevant trends, market demands, and calculated pricing
  • Managing food and beverage operations in multi-unit settings with 200 employees and sales volume of $90M annually
  • Analyzing P & L statements to identify opportunities, implement cost minimizing and sales strategies
  • Skilled in the development and implementation of business and marketing plans through operational excellence, driving concept relevancy, and capture of market share
  • Creating events and programming for multi-unit venues and demographics which drive revenue and guest engagement
  • Fostering positive work environments by developing, coaching, mentoring, and recognizing potential
  • Cultivating long lasting client and vendor relationships
  • Exceedingly efficient in high-volume situations involving proactive problem solving and solution execution while anticipating, responding to and exceeding guests needs and expectations

Timeline

Director Food and Beverage

Hilton Hotels- The Ray & Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina
11.2022 - Current

Interim Director of Operations

Live Dining and Entertainment
07.2022 - 11.2022

Director of Operations

Food Hall Company
08.2021 - 03.2022

General Manager

Food Hall Company
12.2019 - 08.2021

Director of Food and Beverage Operations

Foundation Room, House of Blues
04.2017 - 12.2019

Director of Nightlife

Gale Hotel: LDV Hospitality
09.2014 - 03.2017

Director of Pool and Beach Operations

Shore Club
10.2012 - 09.2014

General Manager

Electric Pickle Company
03.2010 - 10.2012

General Manager

Purdy Lounge
01.2001 - 03.2010

Master of Arts - Public Administration

Florida International University

J.D. - Law

University of Miami

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Florida International University
Stephen Lezama