Avi Kopelman

Accomplished hospitality and beverage operations leader with 30+ years of experience launching, managing, and optimizing premier venues, beverage programs, and consumer-facing operations across the United States and Puerto Rico. Proven success in pre-opening leadership, P&L performance, team development, supply chain and inventory management, regulatory compliance, brand strategy, and guest experience. Recognized for hands-on leadership, operational discipline, integrity, and the ability to translate strategy into measurable business results.

Beverage Consultant at KO Management and Consulting LLC – Functional Beverage Consultation (2024-02 – Present)

• Lead formulation and development of 4 functional beverage products from concept through commercialization planning.
• Manage ingredient and packaging procurement, supplier coordination, and supply chain requirements.
• Oversee production planning and execution to support quality, consistency, and commercial readiness.
• Guide regulatory and compliance requirements throughout product development and production.
• Develop go-to-market strategies aligning product positioning, operations, and commercialization objectives.

NRA - Health Code Compliance Consultant at KO Management and Consulting LLC – F&B Venue & Hospitality Consultation, Sushi by Bou (2024-02 – 2024-02)

• Provided food-safety and health-code consulting to a U.S. national sushi restaurant chain entering a new territory.
• Implemented the HACCP plan supporting health-code compliance SOPs across franchise locations in the territory.

Director of Operations at La Mallorquina (2023-12 – 2024-02)

• Developed and implemented the operating framework under new ownership, including policies, procedures, and training protocols for a 24-member team.
• Negotiated and established new vendor accounts and strengthened operating infrastructure.
• Expanded food-and-beverage operations to the rooftop of the historic property in preparation for SanSe Festival

General Manager at JRS Hospitality – Chateau Rooftop – Paris Hotel and Casino (2022-01 – 2023-09)

• Directed day-to-day operations and marketing strategy for a premier venue within a Caesars Entertainment Property.
• Led a significant renovation initiative while maintaining focus on guest experience, brand presentation, and operational execution.

Pre-opening Consultation at 7eight7 Nightclub (2021-03 – 2021-11)

• Built and executed the pre-opening critical path for a 20,000-square-foot nightlife venue.
• Vetted, purchased, and oversaw installation of BOH commercial equipment, FOH FF&E, A/V, surveillance, and required climate-control systems.
• Directed opening marketing and advertising initiatives and drafted operating SOPs and the employee handbook.
• Recruited and trained 8 BOH and 36 FOH employees for opening operations.

Director of Operations at Martin & Vanegas Agency (2018-06 – 2021-07)

• Provided financial and operational oversight for corporate experiential events, ensuring legal compliance and consistent execution for national and international programs.
• Supported events for clients including Netflix, Luxottica, Jack Daniels, and Gucci.

Co-Founder, General Manager, and Director of Marketing at The Sahara Lounge (2016-06 – 2018-12)

• Co-founded and managed a gaming tavern with 14 bar-top gaming machines, overseeing daily operations, marketing, and community engagement.
• Created traffic-driving programming including stand-up comedy, live music, themed events, and late-night DJ activations.

Restaurant General Manager for Multiple Properties at Fine Entertainment Management (2015-02 – 2017-07)

The Rockhouse at The Canale Shops at the Venetian, ameriCAN at The Linq Promenade

• Partnered with the corporate chef to revise the Rockhouse menu and optimize the menu matrix.
• Drove 15% YOY financial growth at The Rockhouse through disciplined quality-control and labor-management systems.
• Led the interior and exterior remodel of ameriCAN on The LINQ Promenade, contributing to a 22% YOY increase in top-line performance.

Operations Manager at TAO Group – Marquee Nightclub (2013 – 2014)

• Managed scheduling, training, and daily leadership for a team of 65+ employees, reducing labor by 2% YOY.
• Implemented weekly inventory controls supporting more than $5M in beverage COGS.
• Managed daily operations supporting approximately $55M in annual beverage sales.

Director of Beverage Operations at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (2012-01 – 2013-01)

• Led beverage operations generating more than $15M in revenue and supported the successful launch of the live-music venue Vinyl.
• Scheduled, trained, and operated eight off-casino-floor bars and beverage operations for The Joint, supporting major artist residencies and events.
• Implemented the Bottoms Up draft-beer satellite bar system and extended draft lines to the third floor, adding five points of sale.

General Manager at The Artisan Hotel Boutique (2011-01 – 2012-01)

• Managed daily hotel operations, staffing, training, guest service, and financial oversight across all departments.

General Manager and Director of Marketing for Multiple Properties at The Light Group (2008-08 – 2011-05)

• Oversaw launches and ongoing management of high-profile hospitality venues, combining operational leadership with marketing strategy and brand execution.
• Mirage properties included Jet Nightclub, Revolution Lounge and Abbey Road, and Bare Pool and Lounge.
• Aria pre-opening responsibilities included operational oversight and menu development for Liquid Pool and Lounge, Haze Nightclub, Gold Lounge, and Duece Lounge.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Management – Benedictine University (2001 – 2002)