James Lekkas
Ryde
Summary
Dynamic Restauranteur with a proven track record at Bar Terrazza, Catering at the Calabria Club and many other owned and operated venues, excelling in customer service and problem-solving. Recognized for enhancing client satisfaction through personalized experiences and effective teamwork. Adaptable and detail-oriented, I consistently exceed expectations, fostering strong relationships and ensuring seamless operations in fast-paced environments. Leads by example and thrives under pressure always professional and always hands on.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Restauranteur
Bar Terrazza
06.2024 - 03.2025
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Caterer
Eat and Meet Italian Cucina
05.2020 - 04.2023
- Provided friendly, courteous service to create memorable moments for guests.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized catering services tailored to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
- Presented food and beverages on buffet tables and drink stations in line with formality and specifications of each event.
- Communicated with event coordinators and facility management to obtain appropriate catering accommodations.
- Managed food inventory and supplies, reducing waste and maintaining optimal stock levels for diverse events.
- Delivered outstanding customer service throughout the entire event planning process, resulting in repeat business from satisfied clients.
- Replenished banquet stations and verified food temperatures and cleanliness of service areas.
- Collaborated with event planners, venues, and vendors to ensure seamless integration of catering services into overall event design.
- Coordinated logistical aspects of event setup and breakdown, minimizing disruptions to clients'' schedules.
- Streamlined event preparation process for increased efficiency, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality catering services.
- Set up and disassembled food service stations, equipment and furniture per contract specifications.
- Leveraged strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with diverse clientele regarding their unique needs and expectations.
- Collaborated with clients to plan event venues, menus and budgets.
- Led a team of catering staff to deliver exceptional service for various events such as weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.
- Trained new catering staff members on company policies, procedures, and best practices to maintain consistent service quality across all events.
- Sourced food ingredients from local markets and food suppliers to acquire items needed for food preparation.
- Established strong relationships with suppliers and vendors, ensuring reliable service and competitive pricing.
- Adapted quickly to unexpected changes during events, maintaining high service standards.
Restauranteur
Eat and Meet Pasta Bar
03.2019 - 08.2021
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Car Salesperson
Alto Artarmon
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Negotiated purchase prices and explained sales, warranty, and optional products.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, resulting in numerous referrals and repeat customers.
- Answered telephone and email inquiries from potential customers.
- Followed-up on warm Internet leads and responded to customer questions about vehicle availability, price, and options while fielding inquiries from various marketing websites.
- Demonstrated exceptional product knowledge, allowing for personalized recommendations based on customer preferences and requirements.
- Collaborated with finance team to secure optimal financing options for customers, ensuring a seamless purchasing process.
- Boosted customer satisfaction by providing comprehensive information on vehicle features and options.
- Exceeded monthly sales targets through consistent follow-up and excellent negotiation skills.
- Delivered high-quality service by addressing customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Reviewed vehicles before final delivery to validate for completed tasks such as installed add-ons and damage corrections.
- Closed sales by overcoming objections, asking for sales, negotiating price, and completing purchase contracts,
- Qualified buyers by matching requirements and interests to various car or truck models and discussing finance options.
- Achieved top-performer status consistently among peers due to strong attention to detail when presenting vehicles to potential buyers.
- Trained new sales staff members on company policies, procedures, and best practices in customer service delivery.
- Maximized profit margins by effectively negotiating trade-in values and upselling additional services or products.
- Built customer loyalty and retention by delivering excellent shopping experiences.
Restauranteur
Stonebar Seafood Brasserie
06.2013 - 10.2017
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
No Degree - Commercial Cookery
Ryde Tafe
Ryde03-1984
High School Diploma -
Katoomba High
Katoomba12-1982
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Calm under pressure
- Problem resolution
Accomplishments
Opened numerous venues from failed operations. Have also consulted for other businesses whilst running my own. Employed from 4 staff to 24 front and back of house.
Languages
Greek
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Restauranteur
Bar Terrazza
06.2024 - 03.2025
Caterer
Eat and Meet Italian Cucina
05.2020 - 04.2023
Restauranteur
Eat and Meet Pasta Bar
03.2019 - 08.2021
Car Salesperson
Alto Artarmon
01.2018 - 01.2019
Restauranteur
Stonebar Seafood Brasserie
06.2013 - 10.2017
No Degree - Commercial Cookery
Ryde Tafe
High School Diploma -
Katoomba High
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