accomplishments
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accomplishments *
My career has been shaped by leading roles in numerous high-profile concept openings, earning accolades such as One Eared Stag – Eater’s "Restaurant of the Year" in 2011, The Optimist – Esquire's "Best New Restaurant" in 2013, The Optimist – Bon Appetit's "Best New Restaurant" in 2013, Nina & Rafi – Bon Appetit’s "Top 50 Best New Restaurants” in 2019, and most recently contributed to The Everly’s recognition as one of the 2023 Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Top 20 Best Hotels in Los Angeles.
Three-time consecutive winner of the Kimpton Guest Journey Experience programming campaigns, recognized for unique and over-the-top experiences.
Served as the Host for National Negroni Week in Atlanta, leading annual kickoff events from 2015 to 2019.
Achieved Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (CSWS) designation and completed Level 1 Court of Master Sommeliers Certification.
Developed an extensive Italian Bar Guide featuring detailed tasting notes and regional insights for over 300 Amari, Vermouth, Quina, Chinato, Fernets, and other Italian spirits.
Finalist for the Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year competition.
Recognized as Tito's "Best of the Bar" bartender in Dining Out Magazine, and National Finalist in the Petrus Beer Cocktail Competition.
Runner-up in the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience Cocktail Competition.
Named Southeast Regional Winner and National Finalist in the Amaro Lucano Cocktail Competition, and featured in Back Down South's "Drink This" publication.
Featured on cover of Bartender Magazine
kimpton everly
2017 kimpton Everly hotel hollywood
Director of Restaurants, Bars & Events
202207 - presentP&L Management & Financial Strategy:
Demonstrated strong financial acumen by managing P&L accountability, making data-driven strategic decisions to optimize overall business performance.
Budgeting & Business Planning:
Led the development and presentation of annual budgets and business plans for the Restaurant & Bar department, providing topline overviews and outlining detailed strategies to achieve financial and operational goals.
Forecast Accuracy & Financial Oversight:
Ensured accurate monthly and ninety day financial forecasting using year over year insights and trends.
Expense Flexing & Cost Management:
Strategically managed and flexed expenses—including labor, opex, and cost of sales—achieving departmental profits.
Guest Experience Excellence:
Achieved recognition as a three-time consecutive winner of the Kimpton Guest Journey Experience award, showcasing a commitment to delivering innovative, out-of-the-box experiences that enhanced guest experience.
Employee Engagement & Team Leadership:
Transformed employee engagement by increasing scores by over 30 points (to 93%) year over year, reversing previous low scores that existed prior to my tenure. Implemented strategic initiatives that fostered a positive and highly engaged workplace culture.
Cross-Department Collaboration & Activation:
Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to orchestrate activations and program initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and integration across departments.
Team Leadership & Operational Oversight:
Directed a team of 30+ employees while overseeing day-to-day operations and fostering a high-performance team environment.
Innovative Concept Development:
Led the ideation, development and execution of “Written Hand”, the newest concept opening at the property.
Guest Amenity Program Revitalization:
Revitalized the guest amenity program by introducing creative, personalized enhancements that significantly elevated the guest arrival experience.
Event Space Management:
Oversaw 8,300 square feet of flexible meeting and conference space, ensuring seamless logistics and successful event execution.
Professional Development & Training:
Completed multiple advanced IHG training courses, including Leading and Sustaining Loyalty, Creating a Culture, Time Management, Building a Culture of Respect, and many more, strengthening my leadership skills and enhancing workplace culture.
Industry Recognition:
Contributed to the property’s recognition in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 20 Hotels in Los Angeles.
billy streck restaurant group
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billy streck restaurant group *
Creative Director
201707 / 202206Leadership & Mentorship:
Provided strategic oversight and mentorship to General Managers, Bar Managers, Supervisors, and key team members, fostering growth and leadership within the organization.
Concept Development & Execution:
Spearheaded the development of new restaurant concepts from inception through successful launch, ensuring alignment with brand vision and operational excellence.
Collaboration with Design & Construction Teams:
Partnered with architectural design studios and general contractors to ensure new restaurant build-outs met precise specifications and adhered to design standards.
Brand Strategy & Development:
Worked closely with branding and design agencies to establish and execute comprehensive branding strategies, ensuring each project had a unique and impactful identity.
Music Curation:
Curated playlists tailored to each concept's unique vibe, along with coordinating live music programming, including DJs and live bands.
Crisis Management & Strategic Adaptation:
Developed and implemented strategic operational changes that protected restaurants from significant financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event Planning & Community Engagement:
Maintained brand relevance by organizing and executing all off-premise events, including food and wine festivals, driving community engagement and visibility.
Media & Public Relations Expertise:
Featured in TV and radio appearances, demonstrating strong public speaking and communication skills. Consistently achieved high-impact results in public relations and media campaigns.
Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy:
Proficient in leveraging social media platforms for targeted marketing and brand communication, driving engagement and growth.
Pre-Opening Leadership & Training:
Led pre-opening management training programs, ensuring teams were prepared for successful restaurant launches with a focus on operations and guest experience.
Operational Efficiency & Budget Management:
Managed budgets by analyzing forecasts and year-over-year insights, reducing operational costs while maximizing efficiency. Led monthly budget reviews with department managers across multiple concepts.
restaurant & bar director
201506 / 201707Front of House Leadership & Team Development:
Led the hiring, training, and management of all front of house staff, ensuring high performance standards and excellent guest service across all operations.
Beverage Program Innovation:
Designed and executed seasonal cocktail, beer, and wine menus, carefully curated to reflect current trends and guest preferences, enhancing overall beverage offerings.
Staff Training & Knowledge Development:
Created and maintained an extensive beverage library for staff, ensuring continuous education and training in product knowledge to improve service quality and engagement.
Amari Program Curation:
Curated and managed an expansive Amari program featuring over 300 aperitifs and digestifs, distinguishing the venue as a leader in the world of Italian spirits.
Italian Wine Program Expertise:
Developed and sustained fully natural and biodynamic Italian wine programs, aligning with modern consumer demands for sustainable and high-quality wine selections.
Staff Accountability & Knowledge Testing:
Structured and administered regular knowledge assessments, fostering accountability and ensuring staff maintained a high level of expertise.
Operational Efficiency & Cost Management:
Analyzed labor costs and implemented strategies to optimize resource allocation and improve profitability, while maintaining an elevated guest experience.
Public Education & Engagement:
Regularly hosted two to four ticketed public classes per month, educating attendees on topics such as Vermouth, Grappa, Natural Wine, Amari, and other Italian spirits, building brand awareness and community engagement.
Event Planning & Brand Partnerships:
Planned and coordinated monthly events in collaboration with global beverage brands, leveraging cross-utilization opportunities to drive guest engagement and elevate brand presence.
oliva restaurant group
one eared stag
managing partner / gm
201204 / 201506Front of House Leadership & Staff Development:
Managed the hiring, training, and day-to-day direction of all front of house staff, ensuring seamless operations and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Seasonal Beverage Program Planning:
Led the planning and execution of seasonal cocktail, beer, and wine menus, incorporating market trends and guest feedback to keep offerings fresh and engaging.
Financial Management & Compliance:
Oversaw all financial operations, including bill payments, tax filings, liquor license acquisition, and payroll management, ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility.
Cost Control & Profitability Optimization:
Controlled overall restaurant and beverage costs by analyzing monthly P&L statements, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to maximize profitability.
Operational Oversight & Cash Management:
Supervised team productivity, conducted daily cash audits, and maintained operating records to ensure accuracy and accountability in day-to-day operations.
Health & Safety Compliance:
ServSafe certified with a comprehensive understanding of Health Department regulations and liquor laws, ensuring compliance with all safety and legal requirements.
