Benedict Rappa

Phone: 843-***-**** E-Mail: adlzdx@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn: Benny Rappa Naples, FL

RESTAURANT CONSULTANT/ENTREPENEUR

SUMMARY

Accomplished and customer-centric restaurant owner with more than 25 years of food service and progressive leadership experience. Strong leader with emphasis on team-building and proven ability to motivate employees and teach valuable kitchen and restaurant operational skills. Strong business acumen with proven ability to control budget, staffing, and food costs to achieve maximum profitability.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES

Culinary

Food Production

Inventory Management

Quality Control

Shift Management

Purchasing & Pricing

Customer Satisfaction

Residential Construction

Food & Kitchen Safety

Marketing

Revenue Generation

Staffing Management

Negotiation

Business Operations

Event Planning

Property Management

Staffing Management

Budgeting

Decision Maker

Leadership

Menu Planning

Training

TIPS

Home Improvement

Supervision

Point of Sale (POS)

Food & Labor Cost Analysis

Banquet and Catering

Problem Solver

Food & Beverage

CPR

Commercial Construction

FOOD MANAGEMENT

Collaborated with Executive Chef to produce or modify menus, portions, and develop recipes

Selected menu based on season, product availability, price, and customer feedback

Worked with suppliers on product pricing and availability, specials, and placed food orders

Ensured all kitchen stations were covered and cross-trained staff

Ensured that all staff were properly trained and certified, and complied with all food safety handling procedures

Ensured staff adhered to all federal, state, and local safety regulations

Directed staff activities during peak and non-peak periods

Identify new food trends, conducted research, and developed roll out strategies

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Conducted all restaurant operations including hiring, training and evaluating staff, payroll, taxes,

preparing new menus, selecting new food entrees, putting in the bi-weekly food orders, advertising, customer service, entertainment.

Maintained all licensing and inspections (e.g., liquor, food inspections, SafeServe, etc.)

Performed all marketing and advertising tasks including events, specials, coupons/discounts, website, etc.

Tracked, monitored and analyzed food and labor costs, and implemented standards to maintain tighter control

Mitigated financial risk by maintaining food, liquor, and staffing costs below industry averages

Identified and streamlined business operations to include implementation of POS

Tracked revenue and expenses, payroll and business taxes, and liabilities

Determined need to repair or replace furniture, fixtures and equipment (FFE)

Oversaw all facets of restaurant operations

Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction

Maintained and referred to historical records and applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies and control expenses

Safeguarded business reputation and food quality that resulted in successfully navigating the off-season/slow- downs as well as overall economic crisis (2009) while remaining open and profitable

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

Oversaw all Front of House (FOH), Back of House (BOH) and bar staff

Hired, trained, and evaluated staff

Scheduled all staff based on anticipated customer flow, and reservations

Addressed and resolved customer service issues promptly

Promoted positive customer relations, and ensured that all were satisfied with food quality and service, or

Maintained responsibility for both employee and customer retention

Collaborated with team members to focus on productivity, create efficiencies, and enhance the customer experience

WORK EXPERIENCE

Owner/Operator Benny Rappa’s Trattoria North Myrtle Beach, SC 1996-2020

Owned and ran a full-service operation of a 100-seat quaint Italian restaurant featuring fresh, made-to-order cuisine, and daily chalkboard specials served in a family atmosphere

Owner/Operator Giada’s Trattoria and Pizzeria North Myrtle Beach, SC 2008-2011

Owned and concurrently operated a 50-seat scaled-down version of Benny Rappa’s Trattoria with similar menu and additional pizza offering

Property and Construction Manager Myrtle Beach, SC 2005-2021

Own, renovate and concurrently manage 5-7 commercial and residential property renovation projects

Construction Supervisor Linbrook Homes Syracuse, NY 1989-1996

Oversaw construction and staffing activities for residential building company

EDUCATION

Associate in Applied Science Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NY

Dual Degree: Restaurant Management and Construction Management

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