Max VanDercook
Managing Partner • at Eddie V's Prime Seafood
I build hospitality teams that perform.
About
Hospitality leader with a decade-long career built entirely within Eddie V's Prime Seafood, progressing from bartender to Managing Partner of an $8.5 million fine dining restaurant. Skilled in high-volume operations, financial oversight, labor compliance, and building management teams that deliver consistent guest experiences. A certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, with a leadership style grounded in coaching, accountability, and cultivating a culture where people do their best work.
Track Record
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Managing Partner
Directs all daily operations of a fine dining restaurant with annual sales of approximately $8.5 million, overseeing staff performance, guest experience, and financial results. Drives revenue through strategic cost control and labor management while building and developing management teams through hands-on coaching and leadership training. Has trained more than six managers who have gone on to placements at other company locations, while maintaining brand integrity, employee satisfaction, and operational standards.
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Food and Beverage Manager
Promoted following completion of the manager-in-training program to oversee team scheduling, California labor compliance, and beverage inventory and cost management. Contributed to the development and training of the full restaurant staff, and supported operations at one of the company's highest-volume locations in Texas during the final two years in this role.
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Certified Trainer/Traveling Trainer
Selected as a Traveling Trainer to support new restaurant openings across the country, leading on-site training programs to ensure operational readiness and consistent service standards. Played a key role in launching multiple locations, onboarding and training both front- and back-of-house teams to meet company expectations from day one.
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Bartender
Delivered thoughtful, knowledgeable bar service in a fine dining environment, building guest relationships and contributing to the polished, high-touch experience Eddie V's is known for.
Where I shine
Team leadership
Leading from the floor, setting the pace the team follows.
Cost management
Reading the numbers every week and trimming waste without touching quality.
Guest experience
Turning a routine visit into a reason to come back.
Beverage expertise
Building a drinks program people remember and ask for by name.
Reservations and revenue
Filling the book and protecting the rate at the same time.
Floor service
Anchoring the dining room on the busiest seatings without dropping a beat.