Aldo Gentile
Tallebudgera,QLD
Summary
Veteran Restaurant Owner with hands-on experience in all areas of restaurant operations. Excellent communication, organizational and conflict resolution skills as well as a good business sense, exceptional customer relation skills and a motivational leadership style. Detail-oriented and thorough with a solid understanding of workplace health and safety and hygiene practices.
Offering many years of related experience.
Overview
46
46
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Founder/ Principal Chief Instructor
Australian Institute Of Martial Arts
Gold Coast, QLD
10.2003 - Current
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Negotiated terms of business acquisitions to increase business base, solidify market presence and diversify offerings.
- Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency and high-quality standards across industry operations.
- Studied market to determine optimal pricing of goods and services and to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Teacher and Head Instructor of AIMA in both self-defence and health programs, such as Kung-fu and Tai Chi etc.
- Instructed Kids and Adults of all ages, starting from 4 yrs to 80 yrs of age
- Taught both core principles and fighting techniques to students of all levels.
- Instructed on proper breathing techniques, stances and forms.
- Assisted with sparring and contact exercises to pair students of similar rank, size and age.
- Organized and led pertinent events such as gradings, workshop and boot camps.
- Trained and prepared students to participate in National tournaments, winning all three levels by my 3 student entrants.
- Evaluated student performance to determine promotion in rank.
- Coached new students by breaking down techniques into simple moves.
- Imparted key etiquette points, discipline and respect.
- Helped students prevent injuries and rendered calm and professional aid in case of accidents.
- Met needs of different students by adapting teaching materials and methods.
- Helped clients set and achieve health and wellness goals.
- Worked closely with students and parents to increase positive feedback from parents and boost overall student success.
Restaurant Manager
Nicoini's Italian Restaurant
Gold Coast/ Surfers Paradise, QLD
04.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed business and organised staff, implemented policies and procedures to facilitate better service and food quality,
- Purchased adequate quantities of food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in community.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Controlled purchases and inventory by negotiating prices with several vendors.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Restaurant Manager
La Porchetta Italian Restaurant
Gold Coast/ Surfers Paradise, QLD
11.2001 - 08.2003
- Managed business and organised staff, implemented policies and procedures to facilitate better service and food quality,
- Purchased adequate quantities of food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs to build sales and rapport in community.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Controlled purchases and inventory by negotiating prices with several vendors.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Baci Bistro
Gold Coast/ Varsity Lakes, QLD
04.2000 - 10.2001
- Baci Bistro was operated and run while Riccardo's Pizza and Pasta was operating, see same work experience below.
- Spearheaded menu and staff development through detailed training and facilitation of staff meetings.
Recruited, hired and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
Set employee schedules, delegated work and monitored food quality and service performance.
Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
Managed payroll, daily deposits and cost controls.
Supervised daily activities of restaurant and 8 employees.
Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
Handled money, balanced tills, processed credit card payment batches and prepared bank deposits, maintaining 100 % accuracy.
Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Riccardo's Pizza And Pasta - Food Court Outlet
Gold Coast - Surfers Paradise, QLD
11.1998 - 02.2000
- Operated Riccardo's Pizza Pasta Food Court Outlet in Surfers Paradise for over 1 year simultaneously with Riccardo's Restaurant at Mermaid Beach before selling it.
- See Riccardo's Restaurant Mermaid Beach Work Experience for all day to day functions and business operations listed.
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Riccardo's Pizza Pasta Restaurant
Gold Coast/ Mermaid Beach, Qld.
06.1993 - 02.1999
- Spearheaded menu and staff development through detailed training and facilitation of staff meetings.
- Recruited, hired and trained talented staff to fill vacancies.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Set employee schedules, delegated work and monitored food quality and service performance.
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Managed payroll, daily deposits and cost controls.
- Supervised daily activities of restaurant and 8 employees.
- Kept facility compliant with health codes, sanitation requirements and license regulations, alleviating potentially heavy fines.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Purchased food and cultivated strong vendor relationships.
- Handled escalated customer concerns with speed and knowledgeable support to achieve optimal satisfaction and maintain long-term loyalty.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness and sanitation through correct procedures and scheduled cleaning of surfaces and equipment.
- Handled money, balanced tills, processed credit card payment batches and prepared bank deposits, maintaining 100 % accuracy.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Food and Drink Waiter/Barman
Bellisimo Italian Restaurant
Gold Coast, QLD
03.1990 - 08.1993
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of menu options, specialties and menu deviations to accurately relay information to guests.
- Checked on guests throughout meal to attend to needs and provide great service.
- Followed workplace safety procedures to reduce accidents and hazards.
- Offered specialty drinks, desserts and other premium items to maximize revenue.
- Greeted guests warmly to foster welcoming environment.
- Handled separate checks and other special requests to facilitate enjoyable dining experience.
- Entered orders accurately to produce finalized checks and attain correct payments from guests.
- Explained menu, food and beverage preparation and ingredients to safeguard against allergies.
- Presented menus to patrons promptly after seating and answered questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request.
- Maintained order efficiency and accuracy through clear communication with kitchen staff, earning numerous recommendations from satisfied customers.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals and walk-in business.
- Supervised dining table set-up to prepare for diversity of event types, following strict service standards.
- Monitored patrons for alcohol intake to appropriate levels and took measures to curtail inappropriate behaviour.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Maintained relationships with restaurant vendors to facilitate effective inventory management and implement cost controls.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers and taking inventory.
- Upsold menu items to customers, driving up per sale revenues and maximizing profits.
- Set up bar for operation, obtained cash bank and stocked service bar.
- Adhered to state laws regarding alcoholic beverage services and customer regulations.
- Polished glassware, bussed tables and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
- Kept bar presentable and well-stocked to meet customer needs.
Owner/Operator Sales Manager
Ric Distributors - Wholesale Continental Food
Gold Coast , QLD
06.1989 - 07.1993
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Assessed supplier quality to maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational performance.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.
- Managed order cycle to enhance business development and maintain sustainability and customer satisfaction.
- Aggressively pursued competitive accounts by differentiating company from competitors.
- Increased sales volume and expanded product line to new retailers, restaurants and clubs.
- Targeted new markets and increased sales by 50% through proactive sales and negotiation techniques.
- Developed sales presentations and promotion initiatives to key accounts to drive product sales and increase brand awareness.
- Recruited, hired and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Maintained up-to-date administrative records to monitor operational conditions.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Reconciled daily sales, returns and financial reports.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts and costs.
Casino Croupier/Floor Manager
Conrad Jupiter's Casino
Gold Coast, QLD
11.1985 - 11.1990
- Dealt Black Jack, Mini Baccarat, Roulette , Two Up, Sic Bo and Wheel of Fortune
- Supervised all dealt games as a Floor Supervisor
- Oversaw all games to correct any dealer mistakes and game security and compliance.
- Monitored chips purchases, table inventories and player win ratios.
- Interacted with guests to promote positive atmosphere by greeting with friendly tone and wishing good luck.
- Collected and distributed losing and winning bets by calculating odds and payouts.
- Dealt and conducted card games by shuffling and distributing cards while giving players prompts to play.
- Explained rules, variations and betting structures of all the games I dealt conducted.
- Maintained personable and professional demeanor when dealing with players of both well and ill-mannered types.
- Welcomed customers and established immediate rapport to encourage gameplay.
- Prepared players to join games by explaining rules and exchanging money for chips.
- Promoted customer retention and satisfaction by greeting guests and encouraging fun gameplay environment.
- Maintained fast game pace by handling chips, cards, money and gaming equipment efficiently.
- Created enjoyable atmosphere for players by engaging patrons in positive and entertaining conversation.
- Efficiently managed accurate money transfers and protected transactions with standardized procedures.
- Performed paperwork required for monetary transactions.
- Listened effectively and used issue resolution skills to efficiently handle guest complaints and promote brand loyalty.
Pizza & Pasta Cook, Barista
Ric's Pizza Bar
Gold Coast, QLD
08.1981 - 10.1985
- Cooked pizza, focaccia, calzones and pasta.
- Operated pizza oven and other kitchen equipment safely and looked after equipment cleaning and maintaining.
- Operated Espresso Coffee Machine making assortment of espresso coffee's, coffee liqueurs, coffee deserts like Vienna coffee, hot chocolates and tea's
- Prepared raw materials for cooking by cutting vegetables and preparing dough from scratch using old world recipe.
- Created specialty pizzas to diversify menu and promote restaurant.
- Reduced ingredient waste when creating pizzas by following recipe, dough quantity requirements and topping measurements.
- Coached new workers on store policies, pizza making and dough preparation.
- Sent order information to kitchen using computer system and giving verbal instructions about customers' special requests and needs to other staff.
- Shared information with customers about menu items, preparation methods and ingredients.
- Handled cash register operations by applying coupons, giving customer totals and processing cash and credit card payments.
- Prepared average of 10 menu items per shift
Education
Certificate IV - Sports Coaching
International College of Kenshusei
Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo. VIC. AU12.2006
Certificate IV - Workplace Training And Assessment
TAFE Gold Coast
Southport, Gold Coast. QLD. AU12.2005
Certificate IV - Business Management
Government Funded Small Business Education
Southport, Gold Coast. QLD. AU12.2004
Diploma of Health Science
Australian College of Natural Medicine
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. QLD. AU2003
Diploma of Hospitality Management
TAFE
Gold Coast, QLD12.1998
Certificate IV Remedial Massage & Shiatsu
TAFE
Gold Coast, QLD08.1991
Skills
- Inventory Management and Software
- Supply Ordering and Management
- Staffing and Sales Reporting
- Team Leadership
- Reliable and Responsible
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Recruitment and Hiring
- Mentoring, Training and Onboarding
- Scheduling Staff Rosters
- Customer Retention
- Developing Special dishes and recipes
- Quality Assurance
Certification
CURRENT
- Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate
- First Aid & CPR Certificate
- Licensed - Blue Card working with Children
2006
- Licensed - Junior FIFA Soccer Coach
- Australian Sports Commission - Community Coach Training Program
Accomplishments
- Followed my dream as an entrepreneur and have owned and operated several businesses in more than one industry sector.
- Founded the AIMA - Australian Institute of Martial Arts in 2003
- Inducted into AMAHOF - Australasian Hall of Fame and given the award of Budoka of the Year in 2009
- Tai Chi Form Gold Medalist for the Arnold Schwarzenegger Martial Arts Festival - Melbourne
Timeline
Restaurant Manager
Nicoini's Italian Restaurant
04.2019 - 03.2020
Founder/ Principal Chief Instructor
Australian Institute Of Martial Arts
10.2003 - Current
Restaurant Manager
La Porchetta Italian Restaurant
11.2001 - 08.2003
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Baci Bistro
04.2000 - 10.2001
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Riccardo's Pizza And Pasta - Food Court Outlet
11.1998 - 02.2000
Restaurant Owner/Operator
Riccardo's Pizza Pasta Restaurant
06.1993 - 02.1999
Food and Drink Waiter/Barman
Bellisimo Italian Restaurant
03.1990 - 08.1993
Owner/Operator Sales Manager
Ric Distributors - Wholesale Continental Food
06.1989 - 07.1993
Casino Croupier/Floor Manager
Conrad Jupiter's Casino
11.1985 - 11.1990
Pizza & Pasta Cook, Barista
Ric's Pizza Bar
08.1981 - 10.1985
Certificate IV - Sports Coaching
International College of Kenshusei
Certificate IV - Workplace Training And Assessment
TAFE Gold Coast
Certificate IV - Business Management
Government Funded Small Business Education
Diploma of Health Science
Australian College of Natural Medicine
Diploma of Hospitality Management
TAFE
Certificate IV Remedial Massage & Shiatsu
TAFE