ZACHARY GALLO
Chandler,Arizona
Summary
Dedicated and passionate hospitality executive with over 25 years of hospitality experience and commitment to memory making. Leader of culture and committed to "arms wide open' hospitality. Proven track record of building high performing, high-care teams. Strong operational background with a proven track record of results. Skilled in 4 and 5 diamond service standards from operations to highprofile event management with some of the most critically acclaimed chefs in the world.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director Food and Beverage
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Scottsdale, Arizona
03.2020 - Current
- Project lead for new casino resort including 6 restaurants, 3 bars, entertainment venue
- 140 million dollar project
- TBE Architects and Kitchell Construction
- Responsible for all Catering and Conference Service operations with over 25,000 sq
- Ft
- Of meeting space and Fort McDowell Adventures off-site catering facilities
- Responsible for all F&B construction initiatives
- Team leader responsible for property training guide for new casino resort
- Created Mission, Vision, Value statements and all operational SOP's for all outlets
- Exceeded budget in all measurable categories consistently in revenues, COGS % and overall EBITDA
- Led a workforce of over 320 hospitality associates, achieving low percentage of turnover and growth opportunities in multiple areas
- Increased beverage sales by $2 million annually through strategic menu curation and targeted marketing efforts
- Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% by implementing efficient feedback systems and personalized service initiatives
- Oversaw a food and beverage budget of $25 million, ensuring cost-efficient allocations across 5 distinct outlets
- Managed a team of 320 staff members, coordinating efforts across 4 major departments within the resort.
Director of Food and Beverage
We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center/FMC
Scottsdale, Arizona
07.2018 - 02.2020
- Promoted to dual property Director of F&B role for both We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center, a 4Diamond Resort and Fort McDowell Casino
- Responsible for all F&B operations and a team of over 200 Food and Beverage professionals
- Supported and partnered with We-Ko-Pa Golf Club for events, labor needs and contract oversight
- Improved Conference Service scores by 10% and revenues by over 15% annually
- Increase in property net income of over 20% annually
- Implemented new service standard operating procedures for resort along with service training initiatives
- Maintained optimum internal team scores and external net promoter scores.
Director of Food and Beverage
Fort McDowell Casino
Fort McDowell, AZ
06.2015 - 07.2018
- Department Executive overseeing 180 team members and 5 restaurants, 2 bars, catering and events
- Improved departmental profitability by over $1.7 million in the first 12 months
- Developed all SOP's, new restaurant and bar menus and SOP's for the department
- Negotiated all MSA and Beverage Contracts for the company including casino, resort and golf club
- Implemented new Organizational charts, policies and procedures, technology upgrades and system enhancements for casino.
General Manager Operations
MGM Grand Detroit Casino Resort
Detroit, Michigan
05.2013 - 06.2015
- General Manager overseeing 4 venues including Signature Steakhouse by Chef Wolfgang Puck, High-end Italian Dining by Chef Wolfgang Puck, Members only VIP lounges servicing 300 guests average per day, Resort Concierge lounge.
Education
Business Management -
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan01.2011
Skills
- Project design
- Property opening
- SOP creation
- Training Manual creation
- Certified State Instructor
- ServSafe
- Accredited Proctor
- Culture Coach
- Mentor
- Open Table
- Ticketmaster
- Events
- Net Promoter Score
- NPS
- Agilysys
- Stratton Warren
- Certified Level 1 Cicerone
- Menu development
- Wine list development
- Cocktail and spirits menu design
- Event Management
- Conference Services
- Entertainment Contracts
- Employee Management
- Onboarding Processes
- Strategic Planning
Languages
- English
- Italian
Timeline
Executive Director Food and Beverage
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
03.2020 - Current
Director of Food and Beverage
We-Ko-Pa Resort and Conference Center/FMC
07.2018 - 02.2020
Director of Food and Beverage
Fort McDowell Casino
06.2015 - 07.2018
General Manager Operations
MGM Grand Detroit Casino Resort
05.2013 - 06.2015
Business Management -
Wayne State University
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