Andrew Gantner Krienke is a dedicated hospitality leader, educator, and community advocate rooted in California’s Central Valley. Currently the General Manager of CE Restaurant & Bar (Bella Bru Cafe) in Carmichael, CA, Andrew brings over two decades of diverse experience in teaching, coaching, and restaurant management. Known for his people-first leadership style, he blends empathy, discipline, and teamwork to cultivate meaningful customer experiences and build strong, motivated teams.
Andrew began his professional journey as a substitute and full-time teacher in the Lodi Unified School District before transitioning into the hospitality industry, where he worked for respected brands like Hyatt Regency, Disneyland Resort, and Brinker International. He holds a B.A. in History from CSU Sacramento and a California teaching credential from National University.
Raised in Lodi, Andrew comes from a proud family tradition of educators, military veterans, and public servants. His late father, Calvin Krienke Jr., was a beloved local teacher and coach, and Andrew continues to honor that legacy through mentorship and community service. A former youth and high school sports coach, Andrew remains passionate about youth development, team building, and leadership.
He enjoys traveling to lakes and beaches, attending sporting events, and volunteering at his local church. Andrew is proud to carry forward the Gantner family name with purpose and pride.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I start early, usually with a quiet moment to reflect or pray before diving into the day. At the restaurant, I focus on being present—greeting my team, checking on prep, ensuring we’re ready to serve. Productivity for me comes from setting a tone: if I’m calm, organized, and focused, my team reflects that. I schedule time to handle logistics, coach staff, and check in with guests. The key is to lead from the front while trusting your team.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I talk them out with people I trust—whether it’s my assistant manager, my siblings, or my church circle. I like to visualize the steps and break ideas into actionable chunks. Teaching taught me how to scaffold concepts, and coaching taught me how to inspire buy-in. I test things small-scale, observe how people respond, and adapt as needed.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The return of true hospitality. Technology’s great, but there’s a renewed appreciation for personal connection—people want to feel welcomed, not just served. I see it in how guests respond when you remember their name or go the extra mile. It’s encouraging, because it plays to my strengths.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Checking in with my team daily—formally or informally. Those quick touchpoints help catch problems early and build accountability. It’s a carryover from coaching—daily check-ins matter. When communication is strong, everything else runs smoother.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to change directions. Teaching was meaningful, but moving into hospitality leadership opened doors I didn’t know were there. Your values don’t have to change with your career—you can still lead with purpose, wherever you are.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That leadership starts with humility, not confidence. Everyone expects leaders to be loud or assertive, but the best leaders I’ve known—like my dad—were humble, thoughtful, and steady. I believe influence comes more from consistency than charisma.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Write things down—plans, prayers, goals, even frustrations. It helps me clear my head and stay grounded. Whether it’s a journal or a list, that process helps me turn chaos into action.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away—literally. I go outside, take a walk, or visit a nearby park. Nature resets me. And I often call someone I trust—just talking things through helps. Sometimes I even reflect on my grandparents’ sacrifices—it puts things into perspective real fast.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Treat every employee like they matter—because they do. People don’t stay for paychecks alone—they stay because they feel valued. I’ve always invested in team morale, coaching individuals, celebrating birthdays, noticing the small things. That loyalty drives consistency and growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Leaving teaching was hard. I felt like I was walking away from a calling. For a while, I doubted myself. But I realized that leadership and service aren’t limited to one field. By bringing those values into hospitality, I found a second calling. The lesson? Your purpose can evolve, and that’s okay.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a hospitality mentorship program that connects veterans of the industry with young workers—servers, hosts, bartenders. There’s so much experience going untapped. Mentorship would elevate professionalism and help people see hospitality as a career, not just a stopgap job.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Google Keep. Simple, but powerful. I use it to organize shift notes, meal specials, team reminders, and even coaching points. It’s my digital clipboard—and I love that I can access it from my phone during busy hours.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. It’s all about mindset and team culture. I read it years ago, and I still pull lessons from it—especially the importance of positivity and owning your role in team energy. It’s been great for coaching and management alike.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Band of Brothers. It hits close to home with my family’s military background. Watching those stories reminds me of sacrifice, leadership under pressure, and the bond between teammates. It’s not just entertainment—it’s a lesson in character.
Key learnings
- Purposeful Leadership Through People-First Practices:
- Personal Connection as the Future of Hospitality:
- Evolving Purpose and Humble Leadership: