Despina Kastanakis
Clinton
Summary
Dynamic restaurant manager with a proven track record at Knead Hospitality + Design, excelling in employee training and inventory management. Known for enhancing operational efficiency and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Passionate about process improvement and fostering team collaboration to achieve high-quality service and profitability. Results-driven leader, known for high productivity, and meticulous task completion. Specializes in strategic planning, team building, and operational improvement. Excels in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring seamless project execution and team cohesion. Forward-thinking manager with comprehensive experience implementing new processes, and innovations. Brings outstanding performances from staff due to in-depth knowledge of policies and procedures. Polished in evaluating employee performance and overseeing key projects.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Restaurant Manager
Knead Hospitality + Design
Washington
06.2022 - 04.2025
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies, service practices, and communication skills to enhance guest experiences.
- Provided ongoing support to restaurant group management, focusing on skill development and retention.
- Participated in computer systems integration for tracking, pricing, and staff engagement.
- Coached hourly staff on performance enhancement strategies and customer relations improvement.
- Maintained organization and handling of food and beverage products to ensure quality consistency.
- Executed opening, closing, and shift change functions to uphold operational standards across restaurant concepts.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and evaluation of employees.
- Resolved issues efficiently by leveraging strong problem-solving skills.
Beverage Manager
Via Roma
Camp Springs
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Negotiated contracts with distributors and vendors to secure purchase discounts.
- Supervised bar staff by scheduling shifts, assigning tasks, and monitoring performance.
- Developed beverage menus and pricing structures for a new restaurant launch.
- Analyzed financial reports to assess profitability of menu items.
- Implemented procedures to track liquor usage, minimizing losses from spillage or theft.
- Scheduled daily and weekly cleaning and equipment maintenance tasks.
- Reconciled daily transactions, balanced cash registers, and deposited earnings at the bank.
Restaurant Server
Knead Hospitality + Design, The Grill
Washington
06.2020 - 04.2021
- Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Delivered engaging descriptions of beverages, appetizers, entrées, and desserts to guests.
- Trained new employees on restaurant procedures and plating techniques to ensure team success.
- Informed customers about daily specials and signature menu items, optimizing sales through innovative pairings.
- Processed payments accurately using cash registers and POS systems to maintain transaction efficiency.
- Ensured adherence to health and safety regulations for a compliant dining environment.
Restaurant Manager
The Line Hotel - Foodshed
Washington
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Oversaw daily operations of restaurant, managing scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
- Conducted regular equipment maintenance checks to ensure optimal performance.
- Investigated and resolved complaints concerning service, food quality, and accommodations.
- Updated computer systems with daily menu, pricing, and printing changes.
- Enforced sanitary practices for food handling and maintained cleanliness in guest-facing areas.
- Expedited orders during busy times, ensuring exceptional food presentation and timely delivery. Supported kitchen preparation during peak periods to enhance efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NCSkills
- Inventory management and cost control
- Cross-selling
- Employee training and development
- Operational efficiency
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Quality assurance
- Customer relationship management
- Active listening and communication
- Wine expertise
- Multitasking abilities
- Sales techniques
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Greek
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Certification
- ABRA
- Clean Hands
- Food Handlers, ServSafe
- Tips Certified
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Knead Hospitality + Design
06.2022 - 04.2025
Beverage Manager
Via Roma
04.2021 - 05.2022
Restaurant Server
Knead Hospitality + Design, The Grill
06.2020 - 04.2021
Restaurant Manager
The Line Hotel - Foodshed
12.2019 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
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