How Andrew Gantner Krienke Built a Career by Leading from the Ground Up

Some people chase big titles. Others build trust, day by day, until leadership becomes who they are. Andrew Gantner Krienke fits into the second group. His journey from classroom to kitchen, from educator to general manager, shows how big ideas don’t always start with strategy—they start with service.

“I always thought I’d be a teacher for life,” Andrew says. “But I realized you can lead anywhere if you’re willing to invest in people.”

What inspired Andrew Gantner Krienke’s leadership style?

Andrew was raised in Lodi, California, where service wasn’t just encouraged—it was expected. His father was a respected teacher and coach. His mother, a nurse. His family’s military legacy stretches back to World War II.

“My parents didn’t chase attention,” Andrew says. “They just kept showing up. That stuck with me.”

This early exposure to steady, grounded service would shape his entire approach to leadership. He carried those lessons into education, sports, and eventually hospitality.

How did coaching influence Andrew’s approach to management?

After earning a B.A. in History from CSU Sacramento and a California teaching credential, Andrew Krienke began teaching in the Lodi Unified School District. At the same time, he coached youth and high school basketball and football.

It was here that he saw how small moments could lead to big outcomes.

“There was a player who barely spoke in his first season,” Andrew remembers. “The next year, he was leading drills and mentoring others. That’s when I realized leadership isn’t about being loud—it’s about helping others grow.”

That belief—growth through trust and encouragement—would later become a central part of his management style.

What caused Andrew to switch careers?

While teaching, Andrew worked part-time in hospitality. His early roles included serving at Hyatt Regency Sacramento and Disneyland Resort.

“Restaurants are a lot like classrooms,” he says. “Fast-paced, full of energy, and built on relationships.”

He transitioned full-time into hospitality with Brinker International, working as a bartender and assistant manager at Chili’s. That’s where he first realized the blend of leadership and logistics that defined the restaurant industry.

“I learned the numbers matter,” Andrew explains. “But numbers mean nothing if you’re not investing in people too.”

What makes Andrew’s leadership style unique in the restaurant industry?

Since 2022, Andrew has served as General Manager at CE Restaurant & Bar (Bella Bru Cafe) in Carmichael, California. His role includes everything from managing daily prep to stepping in during a dinner rush.

“I don’t lead from an office,” he says. “If the dishwasher’s backed up, I jump in. If the host is overwhelmed, I’m at the door greeting guests. Your team follows what you model.”

He also uses tools like Google Keep to manage shift notes and team communication. “It’s simple, but it works. Keeping everyone informed keeps the day flowing.”

How does Andrew build trust among his team?

Andrew holds regular one-on-one check-ins with staff—some planned, some spontaneous.

“Sometimes I ask about their weekend, other times it’s about work goals,” he says. “Those check-ins aren’t small talk—they’re trust builders.”

He encourages feedback at all levels, believing that the best ideas often come from the floor.

“I’ve learned more from servers and line cooks than from any manual,” Andrew says. “You just have to be willing to listen.”

What keeps Andrew motivated outside of work?

Andrew finds balance through nature and family. He enjoys kayaking, trips to the lake, and attending sports events with his son.

“One of the best things I’ve spent money on was college basketball tickets,” he says. “It reminded me why I work—to share those moments.”

He also volunteers at his church in Galt, California.

“Volunteering grounds me,” he adds. “It connects me back to the reason I got into service work in the first place.”

What advice does Andrew have for future leaders?

“Start by listening,” he says. “Understand the people around you—your team, your guests, your students. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just be present and consistent.”

For Andrew Gantner Krienke, success hasn’t come from shortcuts or slogans. It’s come from small, repeated actions—greeting staff by name, showing up during a crisis, checking in, and staying calm under pressure.

“Leadership doesn’t require perfection,” he says. “It just requires that you show up—every day, for every person.”