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Tommy S. Cvitanovich
King of the
Washington DC Mardi Gras
A native New Orleanian with a Croatian background, Tommy began his career during grade school bussing tables at Drago's Restaurant in Lakeview. When Drago and Klara Cvitanovich opened Drago's Seafood Restaurant in February of 1969, Tommy began peeling shrimp in the kitchen. Since those early days, he has taken over the position of Owner/Manager of Drago's Seafood Restaurant. In 1995, Tommy married Leanne Flick. They have four children, Madeline, Joseph, Carson, & Callie.
RESPONSIBILITES
Responsible for all aspects of the operation of Drago's Restaurant. Establish and maintain good lines of communication between the “front of the house” and the “back of the house”. Duties include overseeing the management team, food quality, menu development, and negotiating and executing any and all contracts of the restaurant, whether it is financial and/or purchasing.
QUALIFICATIONS
Over 36 years of experience in the hospitality industry at all positions, including front and back of the house operations.
Responsible for growing Drago's from a handful of employees to over 250. These increases can be credited to hard work, attention to detail, quality control, good value and marketing skills. Works hard to promote Drago's philosophy that “everything is about and for the customer”.
Tommy is also overseeing the operations of the newest Drago's Restaurant at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside which is larger than the Metairie location. The Hilton location serves all the same flair as the original restaurant – and yes – including those famous “Original” Charbroiled Oysters.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lakeside Seafood, Inc. D/B/A
Drago's Seafood Restaurant – Metairie
President, 1975 – Present
Drago's Properties, LLC – Metairie
Managing Partner, 2002 – Present
Metro Preferred Home Health – Metairie
Consultant, 2001-2004
AssureCare Home Health Service – Metairie
Owner/Operator, 1994-2000
MEMBERSHIPS & ORGANIZATIONS
Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA)
2011 – Chair
2010 – Vice Chair, Executive Committee
2009 – LRA/SIF (Self Insurer's Fund) Chairman
2006 – Present – Executive Committee of the LRA (Louisiana Restaurant Association)
2004 – Present – LRA/SIF Trustee
2002 – Chairman of the HostPAC Committee
2000 – Industry Representative
2000 – Present – Local Director & Past President of the New Orleans Chapter of the LRA (Louisiana Restaurant Association).
2001 – 2008 – Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board
2003 – Secretary/Treasurer
2005 – Present – Fore Kids! Foundation Member (Produces the PGA Zurich Classic of New Orleans)
Member, NRA (National Restaurant Association)
Member, Lafreniere Park Patron Board
Member and Past President of the Croatian/American Club
Metairie CBD Association
One of the Founders & Directors of the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation
EDUCATION
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1977-1987
Member – Theta XI Fraternity
Delgado Community College
Refrigeration Classes
RECOGNITIONS
Organized “Taste of the Town”, an ongoing fundraiser held annually at Lafreniere Park to benefit the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the Patrons of Lafreniere Park
LRA (Louisiana Restaurant Association) Awards
2007 New Orleans Chapter of the LRA “Active Member of the Year”
2006 LRA State Winner of the “Restaurant Neighbor Award”
2005 – State Winner of the “Restaurant Neighbor Award”
2004 – LRA Education Foundation “Restaurant Partner of the Year”
2003 – LRA “Active Member of the Year”
2001 – New Orleans Chapter “Restaurateur of the Year”
2011 Times Picayune “Loving Cup” Award
2009 Young Leadership Council Role Model Award
2008 IRHA (International Restaurant & Hotel Awards) Humanitarian Winner
2007 New Orleans Chapter of the LRA “Active Member of the Year”
2007 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Award
2007 Crimestoppers “Special Recognition for Service to the Community” Award
2006 National Restaurant Association “Restaurant Neighbor Award”
If you would like to purchase photos or videos of past balls click here!
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