Expert Details
Hospitality, Fine Dining, and Restaurant Operations
ID: 739459
Florida, USA
As the Manager and Director of Operations at Zuma, a izakaya-style Japanese restaurant, his role and responsibilities consisted of overseeing three locations and ensuring the well-run of each operation, along with the three general managers, thirty managers, and 450+ associates in the region. The main focus was maintaining and strengthening the quality of their products and services in an ever-evolving market, and constantly adapting to macro challenges. He also worked at the renowned Hakkasan, winning several awards. Here, creative design and branding are two strong components, and has a product quality focus, guest-experience-driven culture, and approach to excellent service.
Expert has effectively implemented HR processes to streamline talent acquisition, training, and employee development, ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce. In addition, Expert's proficiency in finance processes enables him to strategically manage budgets, control costs, and enhance profitability for hospitality establishments. He has a keen eye for financial analysis and has implemented robust systems to monitor financial performance and drive strategic decision-making. With his strong grasp of management structures, Expert has successfully developed and implemented effective organizational frameworks, enhancing collaboration, communication, and efficiency within teams. His corporate expertise extends to overseeing multiple locations, ensuring consistent operational standards, and fostering a unified brand experience. Expert's exceptional conceptualization skills have been pivotal in the success of various projects. He possesses the ability to ideate and develop innovative concepts that resonate with target markets, driving customer engagement and loyalty. His creative vision and strategic thinking have contributed to the development and launch of successful hospitality ventures.
With a passion for excellence and a comprehensive understanding of the hospitality industry, Expert is well-equipped to provide valuable consulting services. His expertise in HR processes, finance processes, management structure, corporate expertise, and conceptualization can offer insights and guidance to organizations seeking to optimize their operations, drive growth, and achieve long-term success in the dynamic hospitality sector.
Education
Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
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Year: 2006 | Degree: BS | Subject: Hospitality Management | Institution: College Garibaldi |
Work History
Years | Employer | Title | Department |
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Years: 2023 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Global Director of Operations | Department: |
Responsibilities:Oversee international properties of the renowned Spago and CUT brands.Drive strategic planning and execution, ensuring operational excellence and exceptional dining experiences. Manage all aspects of the restaurants, including staff training and development, financial management, and cross-functional collaboration. Uphold brand reputation, maintain consistency, and maximize profitability across international locations. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2022 to 2023 | Employer: Mr Hospitality Miami | Title: Director of Operations | Department: C-Suite |
Responsibilities:Managed a portfolio of four additional restaurants in addition to the successful launch of a $38 million Japanese restaurant in South Beach.Oversaw all operational aspects of these diverse dining establishments, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences. Developed and implemented effective strategies to drive revenue growth, enhance profitability, and maintain high standards of service quality. Led a team of dedicated professionals, providing guidance, training, and fostering a culture of excellence across all locations. Successfully positioned the restaurants as prominent players in the Miami hospitality scene, contributing to their continued success and reputation. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2018 to 2022 | Employer: Zuma | Title: Director of Operations | Department: U.S. |
Responsibilities:Oversaw operations and drove performance for the renowned Zuma restaurants across the United States.Led strategic initiatives and operational planning to ensure seamless execution and exceptional guest experiences. Managed all aspects of the restaurants' operations, including staff management, training, and development. Drove financial performance, implemented cost control measures, and optimized profitability. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align objectives and deliver operational excellence. Maintained the brand's high standards, consistency, and reputation across all locations in the USA. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2013 to 2015 | Employer: Hakkasan | Title: General Manager | Department: |
Responsibilities:Award-winning Hakkasan Restaurants offer modern Chinese cuisine, fine dining, world-class mixology, and dramatic design in 12 locations worldwide.Served as the Restaurant Manager for the Beverly Hills location. Served as the General Manager for the Dubai location. |
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Years | Employer | Title | Department |
Years: 2009 to 2013 | Employer: Various locations | Title: Chef de Rang/Head Waiter | Department: |
Responsibilities:Chef de Rang at Mandarin Oriental Hotel - a 5 star hotel located in Geneva, Switzerland (2012-2013).Chef de Rang Supervisor at Intercontinental Hotel - a 5 star hotel located in Geneva, Switzerland (2010-2012). Chef de Rang at La Trattoria Toscana, Alain Ducasse - a fine restaurant in Castiglione Della Pescaia, Italy (2010). Chef de Rang at Les Chefs de France - a family restaurant located at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL (2009-2010). |
Career Accomplishments
Licenses / Certifications |
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Wine & Spirit Education Trust WSET Level 1 - Wine Wine&Spirit Education Trust | 2015 WSET Level 2 - Wine Wine&Spirit Education Trust | 2015 WSET Level 3 - Wine Wine&Spirit Education Trust | 2017 |
Awards / Recognition |
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Won several awards while at Hakkasan. |
Language Skills
Language | Proficiency |
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French | Native |
English | Fluent |
Italian | Fluent |
Fields of Expertise
Food and Beverage, food supplier, hotel management, restaurant advertising, restaurant business plan, restaurant accounting, restaurant marketing, Restaurant Consultant, restaurant operations, restaurant hospitality, restaurant employee training, restaurant management, restaurant strategic planning, Restaurants, creative concept, executive recruiting, recruitment strategy, social media, social media marketing, baked food product, dining facility