Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Stefan Lixandru

LONDON

Summary

Driven Head waiter/ Supervisor with over 25 years of experience enhancing customer experiences in hospitality, with over 300 manager shifts in Gaucho. Courteous and friendly when greeting and serving diners, and constantly finding ways to exceed guest expectations with personalised service. Able to create a welcoming environment for guests and manage multiple tasks seamlessly. With a background in customer service and event coordination, I am excellent at problem solving and time management and always ready to make a positive impact and ensure exceptional guest experiences in my future role.

I am a loyal employee with a solid understanding of training and mentoring employees.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work history

Head waiter / Supervisor/ Keyholder

GAUCHO
London, Canary Wharf
08.2013 - 05.2025

During my time at Gaucho, I progressed to the roles of Head Waiter, Supervisor, and Key Holder, where I played a key part in leading front-of-house operations and delivering exceptional guest experiences. I ensured smooth daily service by coordinating closely with kitchen and bar teams, managing staff shifts, and maintaining high standards during peak hours. As a key holder, I was entrusted with opening and closing responsibilities, cash handling, and daily reconciliations. I trained and mentored new team members, instilling service excellence and operational consistency. My ability to respond promptly to online and in-person guest queries helped build strong customer relationships and foster loyalty. I upheld rigorous hygiene and safety standards, supported promotional activities to boost visibility, and worked alongside management on staffing and operational strategies. My comprehensive menu knowledge and attentiveness to customer needs, especially those with dietary requirements, along with my strong wine knowledge, including pairing recommendations from Gaucho's Argentine and worldwide wine list, enhanced the dining experience.

Head waiter /Assistant manager

Daimon Restaurant
Bucharest
10.2006 - 06.2011

Waiter

Radisson Bucharest
Bucharest
05.1996 - 09.2006

Education

Certificate of Higher Education - Economic, Culinary Arts,Restaurants AdministratioPractice

Viilor Economic College
Bucharest
09.1994

Skills

  • Knowledge of allergen laws
  • Time management
  • Hospitality standards knowledge
  • Fire safety trained
  • Table setting techniques
  • Multilingual communication
  • Cash handling precision
  • Table setting expertise
  • Flexible working hours
  • Restaurant cleaning protocols
  • Beverage serving proficiency
  • Sales upselling
  • Familiarity with restaurant equipment
  • Handling online reservations
  • Adaptable to peak hours
  • Restaurant terminology familiarity
  • Telephone system operation
  • Professional etiquette
  • Effective complaint handling
  • Wine pairing knowledge
  • Food hygiene understanding
  • Basic food preparation
  • Positive attitude
  • POS system operation
  • Cleaning procedures
  • Knowledge of dietary restrictions
  • High-Volume dining experience
  • Staff rota development
  • Knowledge of different cuisines
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Fine dining experience

Timeline

Head waiter / Supervisor/ Keyholder

GAUCHO
08.2013 - 05.2025

Head waiter /Assistant manager

Daimon Restaurant
10.2006 - 06.2011

Waiter

Radisson Bucharest
05.1996 - 09.2006

Certificate of Higher Education - Economic, Culinary Arts,Restaurants AdministratioPractice

Viilor Economic College
Stefan Lixandru