Alumni Voices

I hail from Bulgaria, where I spent my formative years before embarking on a transformative journey to the United States as a J-1 student in 2003. What began as a summer stint in a restaurant quickly evolved into a lifelong vocation. Captivated by every facet of restaurant operations, I pursued knowledge voraciously. In 2009, I proudly earned my bachelor's degree in hospitality from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ. My time at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ University helped me establish lifelong connections in the industry throughout many events I attended. I was introduced to incredible organizations, such as Chaine des Rotisseurs, Epicurean Society, and the Great Atlantic City Concierge Association. Some of those members later became colleagues and some of them lifelong friends and inspiration in my carrier. 

Since my graduation from ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ, my career has been a progressive climb through the ranks of the front-of-house, from humble beginnings as a busser to my current role as General Manager of Il Verdi Italian restaurant, nestled within the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City. The business comes with its challenges, but I look at challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Hospitality is a fun and very fulfilling career path, however if requires unstoppable passion for communication with other individuals who look at you as the one to make their day spectacular. As Danny Meyer says, "Hospitality is a dialogue and if the guest feels I am on their side then hospitality exists." One of the most important aspects of my job is teaching my staff the art of communication with the guest. When a guest's needs are met, and he feels as if we did something special to customize his experience, then hospitality is present and everyone win.

Away from the bustling restaurant scene, I reside in Egg Harbor Township, where I share my home with my two children, aged 13 and 9, and my lively 2-year-old Havanese companion, Rory. I am a big fan of the beach, good wine, chocolate and a good book.