Director of Guest Services | Culinary Events | Wine & Spirits Expertise
Kevin Millane
Professional Summary
Experienced hospitality leader with a background in upscale dining, event marketing, and wine program management. Known for elevating guest experiences, leading high-performing teams, and curating memorable food and beverage events. Passionate about delivering service excellence and driving revenue through strategic operations and brand engagement.
Work Experience
General Manager at Takumi Cuisine
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Oversaw daily operations at Takumi Cuisine, a high-end Japanese restaurant specializing in authentic omakase experiences. Led a dedicated team to deliver exceptional dining and exclusive culinary events. Managed reservations averaging 25 weekdays and 120 weekends using a 14-table tablet reservation system, ensuring seamless guest experiences. Supervised a team of 3 servers, 1 head chef, 2 sushi chefs, and 2 kitchen staff, driving daily sales above $2,000. Spearheaded the launch of a new 10-course Japanese omakase menu, leveraging past customer data to promote and train staff on exotic seafood selections. Collaborated with chefs to curate fresh, innovative omakase and unique a la carte dishes, enhancing the restaurant's upscale reputation.
Marketing Manager at Wine World
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Directed marketing initiatives for Wine World, a premier retailer known for curated wine and spirits selections. Developed and executed strategic events to increase brand visibility and customer engagement. Organized signature events such as Bourbonpalusa and seasonal wine tastings in partnership with hotels and sales representatives, boosting event attendance. Created original Facebook advertising campaigns, analyzing follower engagement to optimize reach and conversion. Recommended high-quality wines to customers, increasing guest satisfaction and fostering repeat business. Maintained a stellar Google review rating above 4.9 stars, reflecting exceptional customer service and experience.
Banquet Manager at Classical Events
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Managed banquet operations for Classical Events, a multi-venue event planning company specializing in upscale gatherings. Coordinated logistics and service delivery to exceed client expectations. Directed multiple event locations and rooms simultaneously, efficiently managing service for 200+ guests. Customized event tone and logistics in collaboration with clients during setup, ensuring personalized experiences. Oversaw banquets averaging 50 guests, utilizing detailed floor plans for smooth execution. Led a team of 2 servers and 2 kitchen staff, achieving average event revenues of $1,300.
Assistant General Manager at Wind Japanese and Thai
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Supported management at Wind Japanese and Thai, a popular restaurant with a focus on authentic Asian cuisine and superior guest service. Played a key role in operational efficiency and staff leadership. Reported daily revenue averaging $10,000 and monitored labor costs using advanced accounting software. Managed reservations averaging 60 weekdays and 220 weekends with a 44-table system, optimizing guest flow. Trained front-of-house staff in servant leadership principles, enhancing team performance and guest satisfaction. Supervised over 25 employees, including servers, sushi chefs, and cooks, ensuring operational excellence. Utilized 7 Shifts app for scheduling, reporting, and sales comparison to streamline management processes.
Server at The Melting Pot
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Provided attentive service in a renowned upscale fondue dining establishment, contributing to a memorable guest experience. Delivered personalized dining experiences to diverse clientele in a high-volume environment. Collaborated with kitchen and management to maintain service quality and guest satisfaction.
Education
Certificate in Viticulture
UC DAVIS
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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Concentration)
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
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GPA: 3.4/4.0
Skills
Technical Skills
- Operational Management
- Event Planning and Execution
- Marketing and Brand Promotion
- Revenue and Budget Management
- Reservation and POS Systems
- Data Analytics and Reporting
Soft Skills
- Leadership and Team Development
- Customer Service Excellence
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Communication and Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Staff Training and Mentoring