Jerry Garbus

About Jerry Garbus

As Chief Operating Officer at California Surf Club, I am honored to lead the strategic vision and drive operational excellence for one of California’s most dynamic hospitality and lifestyle brands. California Surf Club isn’t just a social club or restaurant—it’s a square-foot coastal compound perched on the Redondo Beach waterfront where incredible vibes, exceptional food + drink, and BeachLife culture collide through truly unique experiences ranging from intimate performances, influential voices, activity workshops, community events, and more. My role also spans oversight of the BeachLife Grotto restaurant, a culinary destination embodying coastal sophistication, and comprehensive food and beverage operations for BeachLife Festival & BeachLife Ranch, two of Southern California’s most iconic music and cultural events. Additionally, I am spearheading the launch of Storyteller, a luxury rum brand designed to captivate connoisseurs and storytellers alike.Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence. My journey includes transformative leadership roles such as Senior Vice President of Retail & Restaurant Operations at Santa Monica Seafood, where I revitalized historic guest-facing locations, achieving uncommon top-line growth and skyrocketing guest satisfaction metrics.Previously, as Vice President of Restaurant Operations at SBE’s Disruptive Restaurant Group, I redefined operational standards across prestigious venues like Katsuya, Casa Dani, and Sa’Moto, collaborating with world-renowned 2 & 3 star Michelin Starred Chefs. I also served as Market Partner/Director of Operations & Wine Director for Michelin Started Chef David LeFevre concepts at Simms Restaurant Group, where I played a chief role in establishing the award-winning concepts in Manhattan Beach Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and The Arthur J, each earning Michelin Guide and James Beard recognition along with national acclaim.My leadership style blends hands-on collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. From developing comprehensive learning management systems to authoring cultural frameworks that redefine operational behaviors, I believe that hospitality success is rooted in alignment, accountability, and Guest obsession.Let’s connect and explore opportunities to create transformative guest experiences and build meaningful partnerships in the hospitality and beverage industries.

Experience

1. Board Member

   Children In Harmony

   Jan 2025 — Present

   As a Board Member at Children in Harmony, I play an active role in guiding the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring its mission to empower youth through emotional intelligence, music, and creative expression continues to grow and make a lasting impact. Drawing from my extensive leadership experience in operations, brand development, and organizational culture, I provide insight into program development, fundraising strategies, and partnership opportunities that enhance the organization’s reach and effectiveness.In this role, I collaborate with fellow board members and leadership to oversee governance, financial stewardship, and strategic planning. My contributions include advising on operational best practices, community engagement initiatives, and growth strategies to expand Children in Harmony’s ability to serve youth worldwide. I work to strengthen partnerships with schools, educators, and nonprofit organizations, fostering relationships that support sustainable program development.With a passion for mentorship and youth empowerment, I advocate for initiatives that help children develop essential life skills, emotional intelligence, and confidence through the power of music and creative self-expression. I contribute to key decision-making processes, ensuring that Children in Harmony continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves.Through my board membership, I remain committed to fostering a world where all children have the opportunity to thrive emotionally and creatively, reinforcing the organization\'s mission to inspire and uplift youth through the transformative power of music and education.

Skills

• Wine
• Food
• Food Safety
• Labor Control
• Restaurants
• Cooking
• Hospitality Industry
• Wineries
• Cuisine
• Wine Tasting
• Training
• Food Service
• New Restaurant Openings
• Hotel Management
• Multi-Unit
• Menu Costing
• Social Media
• Menu Development
• Sanitation
• Point of Sale (Pos) Systems
• Event Management
• Catering
• Pos
• Income Statement
• Pre-Opening
• Strategy
• P
• Strategic Planning
• P&L Management
• Program Management
• Hospitality
• Food & Beverage
• Gourmet
• Restaurant Management
• Customer Service
• Fine Dining
• P&L
• Hiring
• Menu Engineering
• Marketing Strategy