Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Danielle.
Amanda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my journey as an intern for The Anthem Group, where I was specializing in hospitality. I was introduced to the Charles River Bistro, while we were planning the food and beverage logistics for Mixfest at the Hatch Shell. I began to work part-time at The Bistro for the summer and provided feedback to upper-management.
Over the following year, the Anthem team place me into its professional training program, investing hundreds of hours into my growth as a manager – and as a person. I learned everything from A to Z about The Bistro, enhanced my hospitality managerial skills, crafted my understanding on a wide range of business topics and also learned about the diversity of our entire operation. Eventually, I was offered and ready for the position, which I happily accepted as the General Manager of The Charles River Bistro. Here I am!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Any restaurant manager will tell you the job is challenging, but just as equally rewarding. I work about 90+ hours a week during our peak season, I must be able to multi-task at any given time, if there is a problem, I will find a solution. If we are short staffed, I will fill in where necessary. I personally hire and train each team member, I know our menu inside and out, if someone has a question, I have the answer or I will get an answer. I have learned through my own experience working in the front of house, the kitchen and during the events what works and what doesn’t and why. I have also learned through trial and error what becoming a successful leader takes and use all my experience to overcome the bumps in the road and share the wisdom with my team.
Charles River Bistro – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Charles River Bistro is a sister company of The Anthem Group. The Bistro is located near the Hatch Shell along the Esplanade. We are known for our celebrated classic and contemporary menu. The Bistro also hosts stunning sunset prix-fixe dinners and daily events including sunrise yoga classes, free music lessons, a children’s educational series and more. We are proud supporters of various community groups and non-profits around the Greater Boston Area. For example, we have customized youth programming with groups such as Mass Housing, Catholic Charities Laboure Center and Big Brother Big Sister – in total, The Bistro supports nearly 100 different organizations in some way or another. We provide programs that are specific to the community needs, most recently, we will be planning a Halloween afternoon for inner city youth, providing them with meals and fun Halloween pumpkin decorating activities.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe that success differs person to person, what drives one person may completely differ for another person. To me, success is being able to do your job to the best of your ability everyday, no matter what is thrown at you. Maybe the register goes down during a big rush, but you can quickly find a solution and keep your customers happy and deliver a great experience to each person. Being successful in the restaurant business is being able to ensure each customer leaves with the intention of coming back again, bringing their friends and sharing their experience.
Pricing:
- Sweet Potato Donut – Our signature dish, hand rolled and freshly baked daily – $4.99
- *Fall Special: Chicken & Waffles – Warm chicken tenders and homemade waffle plate, served with warm maple syrup – $8.99
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger – Handrolled vegan and veggie patty served on a Brioche bun – $6.99
- Arugala Salad – Organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, lightly toasted almonds and dried cranberries on a bed of fresh arugala – $8.99
- California Club – Smoked turkey, American cheese, fresh avocado and turkey bacon served on whole gran or white bread – $9.99
- Handcut French Fries – Freshly sliced golden fries, lightly salted, made to order – $4.99
Contact Info:
- Address: The Charles River Bistro is located directly across from the DCR Memorial Hatch Shell at 1 Mugar Way, Boston MA 02114.
- Website: https://www.anthemhospitality.com/charles-river-bistro/
- Phone: 617-435-1433
- Instagram: @charlesriverbistro
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlesRiverBistro
- Twitter: @bistrointhepark
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