Djuro Celebic
Area Operations Manager
Hospitality and food & beverage leader with 10+ years of international experience across Kuwait, Montenegro and the United States. Currently responsible for area-level operations across Principale di Nino and Beastro under Kharafi Global Foodservice Company. Brings hands-on leadership across premium dining and multi-unit restaurant environments, with experience in P&L management, commercial performance, pre-openings, operational standards and multicultural team development. Previously delivered 13.4% year-over-year revenue growth across a multi-unit assignment. Focused on translating business objectives into consistent execution, stronger profitability and excellent guest experiences.
Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Languages
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Skills
Work Experience
Area Operations Manager
- Oversee operational performance across Principale di Nino, a premium Italian dining concept, and Beastro, a multi-unit restaurant brand.
- Lead and support restaurant management and culinary teams across locations, ensuring alignment with brand standards, service quality and business priorities.
- Monitor P&L performance, sales trends, budgets and key operating indicators; identify actions to strengthen revenue, cost control and profitability.
- Coordinate staffing, training, operational planning and management development across front- and back-of-house teams.
- Drive consistency through clear operating procedures, accountability, cross-functional communication and follow-up on execution.
- Identify opportunities to improve guest experience, operational efficiency and commercial results across both brands.
Restaurant General Manager
- Led pre-opening operations for Jon by Gastronomica, coordinating operational readiness, team preparation and service delivery.
- Worked with culinary teams on menu execution and guest experience, supporting the launch and positioning of the concept.
Restaurant Manager
- Managed daily operations in an Italian fine-dining environment, leading service teams and maintaining elevated hospitality standards.
- Directed staff scheduling, training, inventory control and health and safety compliance; used guest feedback and operating results to identify improvements.
Restaurant Manager
- Managed restaurant operations, staff development, guest feedback and service standards.
- Improved service protocols and SOPs, supported audits and monitored budget performance.
Assistant Manager
- Supported the General Manager with daily operations, team supervision and operational initiatives.
- Coordinated FOH and BOH teams, monitored inventory and contributed to training and service improvements.
Restaurant Manager
- Raised customer turnover by 35% through targeted sales initiatives and service improvements; achieved 7% sales growth during peak seasons.
- Trained staff on upselling and Micros POS, contributing to a 10% increase in average transaction value.
Owner Manager
- Managed business operations, budgeting, recruitment, training, marketing and customer service.
- Increased annual revenue by 25% within the first two years and achieved a 95% customer satisfaction rating based on online reviews and feedback.
Quality Control Specialist
- Conducted quality-control testing, maintained records and supported internal audits and compliance with quality procedures.
Skills
Area & multi-unit operationsMulti-brand performanceP&L management & budgetingRevenue growth & profitabilityCommercial planning & KPIsPre-opening & mobilisationOperational standards & SOPsCost & labour controlFOH / BOH leadershipManagement developmentGuest experienceSupplier & stakeholder relations
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Tourism and Travel Services Management
University of Montenegro
Languages
English
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Montenegrin
Fluent
Russian
Intermediate
Arabic
Basic
References available upon request.