Laryssa Cesta

An accomplished, versatile and results-driven professional in the hospitality industry.  Mature, reliable and equipped with excellent communication and customer service skills.

ESL Teacher | Jan 2024 to Apr 2025

Flora Farm Organic Farm to Table - San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico

• Seasonal six-month position where I developed and taught an ESL curriculum to improve restaurant employee’s conversational abilities within a restaurant setting on an organic farm serving mainly English-speaking clientele.  I educate junior servers and support staff with the basics of English grammar to improve their communication and advance their hospitality careers.
• Created a program for 64 students called 'Of Service' delivering the very beginners basic ‘English as a Second Language’.  Taught engaging lesson plans to accommodate different learning styles and levels.
• Assessed work of adult students to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.

Restaurant Owner | Oct 2014 to Oct 2024 

Pieza Pizzeria - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Owned and operated the first 'Neapolitan Wood Burning' Pizzeria in Niagara on the Lake as featured in the New York Times travel column '36 Hours in Niagara-on-the-Lake' July 25th, 2019 edition. 
• Managed the fast paced, licensed 30 seat restaurant daily operations to ensure a high level of efficiency, consistency, and quality in both food and service. Oversaw employee hiring and training, payroll and bookkeeping.
• Maintained positive relationships with local community and government officials.
• Ensured compliance with all health department regulations, maintaining a safe environment for both employees and patrons alike.
• Established strong vendor relationships for the consistent sourcing of fresh ingredients and local wine and beer at competitive prices.
• Coordinated catering events that showcased the restaurants culinary talents while generating additional revenue streams through off-site services.

Plant Store Owner | Jan 2018 to Oct 2022 

Grow Pots and Plants - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

• Owned a small plant and gift shop in Old Town Niagara on the Lake specializing in tropical, succulent and cactus plants and pottery.
• Created a welcoming atmosphere within the gift shop that encouraged customers to spend more time browsing products.
• Increased store sales by implementing effective marketing strategies and attractive merchandise displays.
• Established rapport with customers by offering personalized assistance and recommendations based on their needs/preferences.
• Coordinated seasonal merchandising changes throughout the year to keep displays fresh and enticing for customers.
• Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating favorable pricing and securing unique products for the gift shop.

Certificate in Public Relations Continuing Education, Ryerson University