Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Thomas Anastasi

Summary

Accomplished and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in restaurant management, ownership, and culinary innovation. Renowned for designing and implementing strategic growth initiatives that significantly boost revenue, streamline operations, and enhance guest satisfaction. Expertise in inspiring, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams to exceed productivity and quality benchmarks consistently. A commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences is complemented by a focus on nurturing inclusive environments and driving continuous innovation within the food and beverage industry, while pursuing sustainable business growth through customer-centric strategies and operational excellence.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Food and Beverage Manager

Bala Country Club
07.2024 - Current
  • Serve as the primary leader for daily operations, including event bookings, staffing, training, payroll, and guest relations, utilizing strong time management and collaboration skills.
  • Designed and launched a new menu, resulting in increased event bookings and enhanced member dining satisfaction through strategic planning and market analysis.
  • Proactively address and resolve member and guest concerns, ensuring a high standard of service and supporting change management initiatives.
  • Oversee beverage inventory and vendor partnerships, leveraging advanced inventory management and vendor negotiation skills to maintain quality and cost efficiency.
  • Grew overall business revenue to $2.3M annually through strategic initiatives.
  • Doubled annual event revenue to over $450K in 2024; on track to exceed $600K in 2025 through data-driven forecasting and goal-setting.

Executive Chef & Owner

Pescatore BYOB
08.2011 - 04.2023
  • Directed all aspects of operations for a 120-seat BYOB restaurant and catering business, building a loyal customer base and a welcoming atmosphere through effective leadership and team building.
  • Recruited, trained, and managed a high-performing, cross-functional team of 40+ staff across front- and back-of-house roles, emphasizing talent development and mentoring.
  • Optimized inventory management of high-end ingredients to minimize waste while maintaining quality.
  • Pivoted business model during the pandemic to focus exclusively on takeout, demonstrating adaptability, change management, and strategic roadmap planning to sustain revenue and customer engagement.
  • Maintained compliance with all health and safety regulations to protect staff and guests.
  • Grew annual revenue to $1.2M through exceptional service, innovative offerings, and strategic growth planning.

Executive Chef

Bala Country Club
07.2016 - 06.2018
  • Oversaw kitchen operations for a 450-member club, delivering brunch, lunch, dinner, and private events with a focus on operational excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Improved kitchen efficiency and consistency, elevating food quality and guest satisfaction through process optimization and team leadership.
  • Balanced food and labor costs with pricing strategies to maximize profitability, utilizing financial reporting and analytical thinking.
  • Curated and executed exceptional culinary experiences for banquets, golf outings, and private parties, supporting strategic planning and goal-setting.

Owner

Anastasi Raw Bar
09.2015 - 01.2018
  • Owned and operated a 100-seat seafood restaurant specializing in globally sourced fresh seafood, applying market analysis and vendor negotiation skills.
  • Developed an innovative drink and wine menu to complement the seafood offerings, leveraging strategic planning and customer insights.
  • Managed and trained a team of 35 employees, ensuring outstanding service delivery through leadership, mentoring, and talent development.

Executive Chef & Owner

Thomas' Ristorante
04.2007 - 05.2011
  • Launched a successful 40-seat BYOB restaurant as a first-time owner with annual revenue exceeding $750K.
  • Managed all aspects of operations including menu development, hiring, training, and customer service.

Wholesale Manager & Chef

Anastasi Seafood
06.1996 - 03.2007
  • Created menus for in-house dining and managed wholesale seafood operations, utilizing inventory management and vendor negotiation expertise.
  • Built strong relationships with wholesale customers while gaining expertise in seafood sourcing and business management.

Education

Associates Degree - Hospitality Management

The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College
Philadelphia, PA
05.1999

Skills

  • Strategic growth planning
  • Inventory Management & Vendor Negotiation
  • Team leadership
  • Culinary menu design
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • Event Planning & Execution
  • Financial Reporting & Cost Management
  • Analytical Thinking, Forecasting & Market Analysis
  • Change Management & Roadmap Planning
  • Talent Development, Mentoring & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Health & Safety Compliance
  • Operational Excellence
  • Guest Experience Enhancement
  • Time Management
  • Goal development and strategic planning
  • Labor management
  • Hygiene regulations
  • Food presentation
  • Service delivery management

Awards

Best Tiramisu (2012), Best BYOB (2013–2019, 2022), Best Italian Restaurant on the Mainline (2016), Businessman of the Year in Bala Cynwyd (2018), Top 25 Restaurant on the Mainline(2021)

Timeline

Food and Beverage Manager

Bala Country Club
07.2024 - Current

Executive Chef

Bala Country Club
07.2016 - 06.2018

Owner

Anastasi Raw Bar
09.2015 - 01.2018

Executive Chef & Owner

Pescatore BYOB
08.2011 - 04.2023

Executive Chef & Owner

Thomas' Ristorante
04.2007 - 05.2011

Wholesale Manager & Chef

Anastasi Seafood
06.1996 - 03.2007

Associates Degree - Hospitality Management

The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE