Brian Strausbaugh
Boise,ID
Summary
Restaurant, Bar and Hospitality Leader
Experienced food and beverage director with a proven track record of fiscal management and customer service-focused hospitality expertise. Experienced in marketing, procuring relationships with vendors, maintaining inventories, reporting on P&L's, leading and recruiting staff. Adept at brand building while maximizing profit and minimizing costs. Extensive knowledge of food and beverage trends, including beer, fine wines, spirits, and hospitality initiatives. Highly skilled in bringing out the best in employees and teams through the entire hiring, training and scheduling process.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of F&B Operations & Hospitality
The Cypress of Raleigh LLC
01.2016 - 08.2021
- Effectively coordinated daily operations, directed staff, and oversaw finances and inventories
- Developed high-performing teams of salaried Managers, salaried Executive Culinary Chefs, salaried Clinical Dieticians and 90+ hourly employees in the Food & Beverage department by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Managed and created budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Worked with chefs to design menus that were both cost-effective and pleasing to customers
- Contract negotiations with vendors and purveyors
- Development of menus, training initiatives for three separate concepts and catering
- Effectively directed re-designed project for 3 separate kitchen locations from day one planning through project completion
- Instilled and monitored proper sanitation standards as well as ongoing training for managers, culinary teams and hourly staff
- Active role player on Corporate Leadership team effectively participating in ground level initiatives and executing strategic planning for future successes
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced company's reputation in community and industry at large.
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
The Umstead Hotel, Herons Restaurant
08.2006 - 07.2008
- Led team of 60 staff in both front of house and back of house
- Earned AAA 5 Diamond award and Forbes 5-star award for Hotel
- Ensured highest of daily hospitality standards while developing ongoing training and implantation of new menu items and wine list featuring over 2500 bottles
- Managed annual budget of 6 million dollars across 4 different venues within Hotel
- Participated in the MOD program overseeing weekend operations of the entire hotel including reservations, guest relations-concierge services, security, spa, food & beverage, and housekeeping.
- Collaborated with the executive chef on seasonal menu changes, balancing guest preferences with cost efficiency.
- Managed procurement processes including order placement and invoicing; improving vendor relations and reducing lead times on deliveries.
Restaurant and Bar Manager
Angel Park Golf Course
12.2003 - 02.2006
- Led team of 40 staff from FOH, BOH, On Course, and Banquets
- Managed operations of restaurant and bar
- Planned and executed corporate events and banquets for public and private golf course events.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Director of Community Life Services
The Cypress of Raleigh LLC
08.2008 - 12.2015
- Led team of 20 staff members and Venders
- Managed annual budget of over 1.8 dollars and ensured proper delegation of funds throughout department and Member’s needs
- Led and implemented rebranding of wellness program.
Bartender
Cliff Castle Casino
04.2023 - 03.2024
- High Volume Casino Bartending, Quality Control consulting for 4 outlets and hospitality training and coaching for new hires and existing staff.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing excellent service and crafting high-quality cocktails.
- Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used.
- Conducted regular inventory count to keep bar and drink supplies stocked, avoiding expensive rush orders.
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
Bartender
Hole 19 Kitchen And Bar At Miami Springs CC
01.2023 - 03.2023
- High Volume bar and restaurant featuring Upscale Scratch Menu for cocktails and spirits and food.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Followed strict recipes and drink measurements to minimize product used.
- Prepared custom drink orders by accurately measuring and mixing house ingredients.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at end of each shift.
Bartender, Food and Beverage, Hospitality Consultant
Self
08.2021 - 04.2024
- For the last 3 years I have Traveled the USA in search of core memory making opportunities
- While on the road I have had the opportunity to meet numerous small business owners and worked alongside them in pro bono or consulting roles
- Whether it was cultivating and refining day to day practices, planning improvements for future growth opportunities or utilizing past experiences to share great ideas that work.
Bartender, Service Provider
Numerous
07.2001 - Current
- Bartender and Service Professional- Numerous Establishments including Casual, Sports Bar High End, Fine Dining, Bar and Nightclub, Golf and Private Club settings since 2001
Skills
- Brand and team building
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Operations Management
- Organizational Development
- Vendor Negotiations
- Strategic Planning
- Project Planning
- P&L Management
- Risk Mitigation
- Staff training/development
- Project Management
- Process Improvements
Certification
- CM - Certified Manager Certification- Serve Safe
Timeline
Bartender
Cliff Castle Casino
04.2023 - 03.2024
Bartender
Hole 19 Kitchen And Bar At Miami Springs CC
01.2023 - 03.2023
Bartender, Food and Beverage, Hospitality Consultant
Self
08.2021 - 04.2024
Director of F&B Operations & Hospitality
The Cypress of Raleigh LLC
01.2016 - 08.2021
Director of Community Life Services
The Cypress of Raleigh LLC
08.2008 - 12.2015
Assistant Director of Food & Beverage
The Umstead Hotel, Herons Restaurant
08.2006 - 07.2008
Restaurant and Bar Manager
Angel Park Golf Course
12.2003 - 02.2006
Bartender, Service Provider
Numerous
07.2001 - Current
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