Stephen Lezama
Pembroke Pines,FL
Summary
Experienced Director with robust background in startegic planning, team leadership, and optimizing operations for growth. Expert in designing and implementing entertainment and food and beverage programs that respond to market trends and drive revenue. Skilled in team development, financial management and enhancing guest experience.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Food and Beverage
Hilton Hotels Worldwide
11.2022 - 01.2025
- 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.
Director of Operations
Food Hall Company
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Responsible for monitoring the performance of Food Hall Co.'s 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 the beverage program for all venues.
- Created a $3.5 million concert 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 the Operations, Administration, Beverage, Facility, Entertainment, and Sales departments by establishing best practices, ownership, and accountability.
- Served as Project Manager for the build-out of new food stalls, bars, and nightlife concepts.
- Created standard operating procedures for all leadership and line positions.
- Collaborated with the CEO and VP of Finance on CapEx and FFE projects for the 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 Operations Foundation Room
Live Nation House of Blues
Dallas , TX
04.2017 - 12.2019
- 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
General Manager
Electric Pickle Company
03.2010 - 10.2012
General Manager
Purdy Lounge
01.2001 - 03.2010
Education
J.D. - Law
University of Miami
Miami, FL05-1999
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Florida International University
Miami, FL12-1995
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Financial Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Operational Efficiency
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director Food and Beverage
Hilton Hotels Worldwide
11.2022 - 01.2025
Director of Operations
Food Hall Company
08.2021 - 03.2022
General Manager
Food Hall Company
12.2019 - 08.2021
Director of Operations Foundation Room
Live Nation 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
J.D. - Law
University of Miami
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Florida International University
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