Past Projects

DiCrespo
Miami, FL

Project Description
Southwest Miami restaurant targeted to local families looking for a quaint “café/deli/market Argentino”. A place to slow down and enjoy a conversation over coffee with a friend. A place for families to come after the soccer game. Open all day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a family ambiance. Simple and great food. Sandwiches, empanadas, salads, great steaks, desserts, take-out market products. Everything “Hecho en Casa”

Changes and Achievements
Went from taking over a sluggish restaurant operation in a plaza to a full-fledged, profitable establishment. The concept rapidly grew and gained reputation, ultimately becoming the place to stop by for a quick break or to get together with family without pretentiousness. Sold relatively quick after less 2 years and upon receiving a tempting offer. Restaurant enjoys continued success in the same location.

Amore by Andrea
Longboat Key, FL

Project Description
From initial consultation to implementation of procedures and service culture for the front of the house of a very large fine dining in Sarasota.

Clásico Cafe + Bar
Sarasota, FL
Consultant/ Proprietor.

Project Description
Commissioned by previous owners to design, implement, develop and open original concept for equity share in restaurant. Upon completion and successful implementation of concept, majority share was sold back to owners. Duties included overseeing design, licensing, construction, and operations through opening. Responsibilities included all duties associated with the successful opening of a new restaurant. Responsibilities included a consulting role in the appropriate evolution of a concept occupying one of Sarasota’s busiest pedestrian corners, re-establishing this Sarasota landmark as a popular destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, creating one of Sarasota’s most successful bar/lounge locations.

Changes and Achievements
Transition from failing computer/café to Sarasota’s bar/lounge/music venue. By constructing from zero, a full service food establishment with a center stage bar, Clasico today is a “classic”, just as we envisioned.

Selva Grill (2)
Sarasota, FL

Project Description
Returned as General Manager to take over and completely overhaul a failing restaurant by overseeing all functions of the restaurant, including staff recruitment, training and coaching; daily management to control costs and manage the cash flow to ensure profitable operations. Negotiated with vendors to reduce outstanding debt by 90%. Identified expired licenses and took steps to ensure that restaurant was fully compliant with all regulations. Increased staff morale, created procedure manuals and established training schedules for all new hires. Worked with local businesses, hotels and clients to build profitable relationships Negotiated with vendors to purchase point-of-sale system and restaurant equipment at reduced prices to replace outdated equipment. Increased sales by 40% within the first year. Developed new logo and branding concepts to embrace broader range of clientele. Created marketing plan to become more involved with social media. Provided proprietor with first cash draw since purchase in 2006.

Changes and Achievements
Went from being on the verge of closing to set the restaurant on the path of becoming what is, in the opinion of many, the best restaurant of Sarasota. It is now a staple in a city famous for being a culinary Mecca in Florida. Selva is a downtown landmark for 20 years and counting

Zagat Rated Excellent
Golden Spoon Award

Esca
Sarasota, FL

Project Description
Used my wealth of local knowledge, business reputation and strong negotiation skills to secure a premium downtown location for minimal investment. The success of this business venture was based on strong entrepreneurial skills, vision, and calculated risk assessment skills developed over my previous 10 years in the industry.

Changes and Achievements
Quickly and profitably resold lease and then provided consultant services in the establishment of the new restaurant / bar concept.

Selva Grill (1)
Sarasota, FL

Project Description
Located and secured a prime downtown location for the restaurant. Negotiated the lease deal and the purchase of equipment. Developed the business and marketing plan; created and managed every aspect of the restaurant concept. Worked as General Manager overseeing all functions of the restaurant including staff recruitment, training and coaching; daily management to control costs and manage the cash flow to ensure  profitable operations; working with local press and clients to build revenues.

Changes and Achievements
Immediately established an excellent reputation resulting in numerous awards and accolades including “one of top 20 new restaurants” from Florida Trend Magazine and  write-ups in the New York Times and Wine Spectator in the first year of operation. Successfully sold interest in the business in 2006.

Uva Rara
Sarasota, FL
Proprietor

Project Description
Seeing the potential to take over and completely overhaul a failing restaurant location, I developed restaurant concept and successfully brought a new fine dining experience to  Sarasota. Restaurant was central to the regeneration of the Burns Court neighborhood of  Sarasota. Uva Rara quickly became recognized as the best Italian restaurant in Sarasota based on its reputation for not only excellent food, but also for outstanding personal service.

Changes and Achievements
Successfully and quickly transitioned this previously failing operation and location. Saw potential and turned it into a full service restaurant concept not seen before in Sarasota, with great outdoor of Italian terraza style. Uva Rara was so successful that a business district was developed around it in subsequent years. Even today, 20 years later, Sarasota foodies remember the magic of Uva Rara.

Le Colonne
Sarasota, FL
Restaurant Manager

Project Description
Worked through every position in this restaurants operation; literally grew from busing tables to restaurant manager. The Colony was the number one rated tennis resort in America by Tennis Magazine with  clientele including politicians, sports and entertainment celebrities.

The Colony
Sarasota, FL

Project Description
This was my initial schooling in the restaurant business. I began after graduating and soon moved to advanced positions under a world-class European maître d’.

Legal & Financial

• Profit-and-loss analysis
• Corporation formation
• Visa policies, categories, and requirements
• Business licensing
• Permitting for food, alcohol, and construction